By Almot Maqolo.
HARARE – (News of The South) – Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) says government must put in place a clear exit strategy for commuter operators and a clear mechanism to cushion them from the social and economic impacts of this ban for the duration of the indefinite lockdown.
As part of the total national lockdown, the government barred the commuter omnibuses (kombis) and pirate taxi (mushikashika) from operating.
Since the first day of the national lockdown, public buses have remained the only mode of public transport.
In a recent development, the government of Zimbabwe compelled commuter omnibuses to register with the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) so that they can operate under its franchise, as it is the only transport operator allowed to function since the onset of the lockdown on 30 March.
“The banning of kombis is also strongly discouraged as it is not in the best interest of public let alone national development,” it said.
“Given the highly in-formalized nature of the Zimbabwean economy, implementation of a permanent ban on those kombis that do not meet the ZUPCO conditions should come with provision of alternatives to rescue lives which were dependent on this business for their livelihoods.”
ZIMCODD said the government should continue on its drive to rope in private commuter operators to ensure adequacy.
“The operators should only be those that meet the specified criterion to ensure that the health reasons for which they were put are encapsulated. In this regard, the up-scaling of the ZUPCO franchise is recommended.”
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