Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
BULAWAYO is losing the battle against illegal transport operators and space barons, with the City Council revealing that only a fraction of an estimated 3 000 commuter omnibuses operating in the city have formal route approval, a situation fuelling congestion, lawlessness and loss of municipal revenue.
The revelations come amid growing concern over worsening traffic congestion in the central business district (CBD), particularly at illegal pick-up points such as Sixth Avenue, where commuter omnibuses continue to operate outside designated ranks despite the existence of the multi-million-dollar Egodini Bus Terminus.
Responding to written questions, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) corporate communications manager Mrs Nesisa Mpofu described illegal transport operators and space barons as a major threat to order and economic activity in the city.
“Illegal transport operators and space barons are a serious problem in the City as they are major drivers of congestion, lawlessness and lost revenue,” she said.
Mrs Mpofu said illegal pick-up points have become traffic nightmares, especially during peak periods.
“Illegal pick-up points such as 6th Avenue have become un-trafficable especially during peak hours because of congestion, motorists making detours, accidents involving pushcarts and kombis are common,” she said.
The council spokesperson said the activities of illegal operators were creating an environment that discourages legitimate business activity while exposing residents to crime and disorder.
“Illegal transport operators block pavements, attract touts, alcohol and drug activity, and this affects formal businesses as customers will be avoiding these areas,” said Mrs Mpofu.
The council estimates that about 3 000 commuter omnibuses operate within Bulawayo, but only a small proportion are operating legally under approved routes and designated ranks.
The continued underutilisation of the Egodini Bus Terminus, which was redeveloped at significant cost as part of efforts to modernise the city’s transport system, has further raised questions about enforcement and compliance.
According to Mrs Mpofu, the problem stems largely from operators who have failed to comply with Government regulations governing public transport operations.
“Egodini Terminus is being underutilised due to lack of compliance from public transport operators. On the 19th of May 2022 Government of Zimbabwe pronounced the opening of the public transport to operators outside Zupco on condition that they form associations and operate under associations,” she said.
“As such operators permitted to operate from formal ranks must be registered and operating under an association/company. Some operators have not complied with the Government directive as such they find themselves operating from undesignated points.”
The city’s efforts to restore order have also been hampered by resistance from operators.
“Resistance from operators to comply with public transport regulations,” said Mrs Mpofu when asked about the biggest challenge facing council.
Urban planners and business leaders have previously warned that the proliferation of illegal ranks and transport operators is undermining investment in public infrastructure while creating unsafe conditions for commuters and motorists.
With congestion worsening and complaints mounting from businesses and residents, council says it is now pursuing long-term measures aimed at improving traffic flow within the CBD.
“To improve traffic flow in the CBD, Council has seen it prudent to widen Basch Street and engagement of private land owners who will be affected by the proposed widening has commenced as construction works are also expected to commence soon,” said Mrs Mpofu.
The latest revelations are likely to intensify calls for stricter enforcement against illegal transport operators and space barons, whose activities continue to undermine efforts to bring order to Bulawayo’s transport sector while leaving key infrastructure such as Egodini operating below capacity.
