Problem Masau
Pretoria - It was a parade the likes of which had never been seen in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare.
Harare is a city that never sleeps or stops moving, but recently it came to a standstill when hundreds of buses drove along one of its main street, Samora Machel Avenue, for a colourful parade which heralded what is hoped to be the dawn of a new transport era.
The procession, which included escorting police vehicles sounding their horns and marching pipe bands, snaked its way past hundreds of enthralled onlookers.
This festive occasion marked the day when Zimbabwe took delivery of a fleet of buses from China, intended to revolutionise the country’s public transport system.
“Government thinks it is necessary to provide a transport safety net that will protect the public from unscrupulous public transport and (private) kombi (minibus) operators by providing a modern, decent and digital transport system,” said Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“An efficient and adequate transport system is critical for the development of the country, providing access to markets and reducing regional disparities.”
The need for a safer public transport option for Zimbabwe’s transport system was apparent during the pre-Covid-19 era. Commuter minibuses were a menace on the road. The kombi drivers were known for all sorts of vices. Common sights included driving against one way traffic, speeding and “cat-and-mouse” car chases.
“Hardly a day passed without an incident,” said Zimbabwe Passenger Association president Tafadzwa Goliati.
“Kombi drivers were a law unto themselves. Our statistics show that in 2018 alone, at least three commuter minibuses were involved in accidents on a daily basis.”
Cases of harassment of passengers at the hands of touts and drivers were also rampant.
In March 2020, Mnangagwa introduced Covid-19 restrictions, including the ban on pirate taxis.
By prohibiting the small vans on the road, the government looked to introduce large-sized city buses.
To help the stranded commuting public, the government entered into a deal with Chinese company Golden Dragon, the world’s biggest bus manufacturer, to buy a fleet of new vehicles.
According to the bus maker, the government intends to import 1 500 buses and coaches by December.
* This article first appeared in CHINAFRICA magazine
Pretoria News