Bulawayo council kicks failing state-owned Zupco to the curb

Bulawayo City Council bosses kicked Zimbabwe United Passenger Company out of their longtime depot after the bus operator failed to cough up massive unpaid bills. Zupco racked up more than 140 thousand dollars in debt while occupying the Khami Road facility for over five decades. The transport company treated the property like their personal headquarters but refused to settle outstanding rates that kept piling up. Council members grew tired of waiting for payment and pulled the plug on lease renewal talks. City officials decided to boot Zupco and find new tenants who actually pay their bills.

The drama started back in 2021 when council offered Zupco a fresh ten-year lease deal with one major catch. Transport bosses had to clear all outstanding arrears before signing any paperwork or agreements. Zupco accepted the offer but never followed through with payments despite multiple deadline extensions. Council sent reminder letters and final warnings but the bus company kept stalling and making excuses.

Desperate Zupco executives begged for mercy and proposed a payment plan to spread out their debts. The company claimed liquidity problems prevented them from settling accounts immediately while pleading for special treatment. Council members rejected the sob story and voted to repossess the valuable depot property. City officials plan to advertise the facility to other businesses willing to pay rent on time.