by Shongedzai Mugwagwa
Transport operators have grumbled over the continued sprouting of unregistered taxis (mishikashika) which are now plying intra and intercity routes, the Harare Post can report.
This revelation was made during the 2020 Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development strategic planning workshop which was held in Mutare where stakeholders in the transport sector attended.
Transporters complained that these unregistered taxis are not included in the bracket that allows them to be under the public transport sector yet they are let to freely roam yet posing stiff competition.
“The uncontrolled rise of unregistered cars is a direct threat to our business, they carry people from any point and we are asking the Ministry to do something to the sprouting of illegal taxis,” said one transporter.
Toyota Wish, Fun Cargo, Honda Fit and Ipsum vehicles were identified as the most used vehicle plying both intra and inter-city routes.
On another note, transporters especially bus operators, complained against level 14 punishment imposed on them when a passenger is found in possession of illegal material in their buses.
They complained that there is an increase of smuggling of illegal items by passengers without the knowledge of the bus operators. They raised concern that Government heavily penalises them with a fine equivalent to US$5000. They said the unfair part of it is that the culprit is given a lenient punishment
The meeting was meant to appreciate the concerns by stakeholders in the transport sector, review successes and challenges relating to the implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and develop Ministry’s Integrated Performance Assessment (MIPA) framework.
Concerns were also raised over the slow progress regards the implementation of one stop border facilities at the Beit Bridge and Chirundu border posts.
Other issues which were raised at the meeting is the update on the National Railways of Zimbabwe Russian deal where they hinted that they were expecting a delivery of 100 wagons mid this year.
The Kazungula Bridge which is meant to be officially commissioned mid-year and that the Vehicle Inspection Department intends to launch the Electronic Learners’ licence to 10 more depots across the country.
