Report by Yeukai Karengezeka
Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (Ghaco) have said it is not ideal for Government to completely ban operations of private commuter omnibuses and buses on the road as the move will negatively affect the commuting public and employees of the transport sector.
In an interview with the Zim Morning Post, Ghaco secretary general Ngoni Katsvairo said government should put in place a transport policy and allow the kombis and buses to operate under associations not as individuals.
“What we need post lockdown are major reforms and tighter control and new regulations on the sector than a total ban of the kombis. Government must put in place a transport policy and laws to assist with the organisation of those left out of ZUPCO so that they do not come back and operate again as individuals but under associations or companies in order to maintain an orderly and professional transport system,” he said.
He added that stringent laws must also be put in place to deal with touts and protect the organised transport companies from mushika-shika operators and pirating by private motorists for the sustainability of the sector.
Katsvairo however said government’s stance on allowing buses and kombis to be franchised under ZUPCO for the time being can be applauded in order to mitigate the spread of Covid -19.
He expressed concern over the capability and sustainability of the concept considering that over 50 000 kombis were plying on the road across the country and how the employees will survive.
“Operators are concerned about the capacity of Zupco on how many kombis it will be able to absorb and if Government will be able to subsidise them all. There are over 50 000 kombis countrywide (15000 in Harare alone) upon which over 800 000 crew, mechanics, auto mechanics, food vendors and all their families as well as the down-stream industry are dependent on,” said Katsvairo.
The operators are hoping that Government will buy out the vehicles that are not incorporated into the Zupco like what South Africa did to phase out old models and provided loans to operators to buy new kombis and buses or buy them out completely.
Katsvairo said the franchise programme will provide an organised transportation system if managed well through making sure that franchisees are paid hire fees commensurate with the costs of operation, paid and reviewed in time, cheaper spares are organised centrally by ZUPCO and if a fleet replacement or upgrade system is urgently put in place.
