Bus operators hail Government support

 

Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent

 

GOVERNMENT will continue to support bus operators to ensure the smooth flow and quality public transport service in the country.

Speaking at the graduation party of CAG Travellers and Coaches managing director, Dr Samson Nhanhanga, who was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Transport and Logistics by a South African university, director of Transport Management in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joseph Pedzapasi, said he was happy that transport operators welcomed and were benefiting from the (Statutory Instrument) SI 6 of 2021 which emphasises on the suspension of duty on luxury buses imported by approved importers.

“This comes after a long journey of academic, mental and social preparation. Dr Nhanhanga you are duty bound to inspire other transport operators as we expect to benefit from the experience, expertise and knowledge that you have gathered in the industry.

 

“These achievements are enough testimony and results of hard work, diligence and passion. This is what we are celebrating today. I am glad that many bus operators are benefiting from the statutory instrument that allows licensed tours operators to be allowed to import duty free on all public service buses,” he said.

Some notable bus operators who were in attendance include, Inter Africa Buses managing director, Dr Leonard Mukumba and Chinjekure Enterprises managing director and Manicaland Bus operators chairman, Dr Isau Mupfumi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, another local bus operator Dr Isau Mupfumi said: “We want to applaud Government for allowing us to import buses duty free. It was a challenge for us to import buses as well as their parts and accessories as we would part with a lot of money to pay for duty. Some of the operators are now importing parts to assemble buses in this country thanks to Government.

 

“The bus assembling project which is set to kick-start is going to create employment and this stops externalisation of foreign currency. This is an achievement and Dr Nhanhanga has made us proud. I hope local universities will someday honour us just like how foreign universities do.”