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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Government has intensified efforts to recapitalise the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) as it moves to restore sanity in the public transport sector, with the latest consignment of 65 buses from China arriving at Beitbridge Border Post at the weekend where authorities are finalising importation formalities.
By the end of the day yesterday, 20 Golden Dragon buses had arrived on the Zimbabwean side of the border, while others were expected late last night.
The consignment comes a few months after the Government received another 70 buses from China. It is understood that the imports were fruits of agreements signed during President Mnangagwa’s visit to the Asian country.
However, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza and Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo were not available for comment yesterday. The actual cost of each bus could not be verified.
According to border sources, the buses were shipped through Durban, South Africa.
“The buses are coming in batches and currently import documents of 65 buses are being processed by a Customs clearing company contracted by the Government,” said a border official.
The Herald understands that more than 1 000 buses have been acquired from China and they are being delivered in batches.
President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ease transport challenges by availing reliable and affordable transport to the people in line with Vision 2030.
During a recent address while commissioning another batch of Zupco buses, the President said: “My Government will continue to prioritise comprehensive urban public transport systems to increase convenience, reliability, and comfort with the commuting public.
“In order to improve the transport service as I have said today, we are releasing more buses and the distribution will be announced by Zupco.”
Online Reporter