Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
THE Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has raised alarm over worsening hygiene and public indecency by transport crews and touts at Harare’s major bus ranks, calling for urgent action from authorities.
PAZ president Mr Tafadzwa Goliati condemned the disturbing trend by kombi crews and touts relieving themselves in plastic drink bottles inside buses or at ranks, then discarding them in public spaces.
“We have observed that many of the transport crews and touts, especially after drinking alcohol, avoid using public toilets and instead use bottles,” said Goliati.
“They then throw them out of the windows or into the streets. It is unacceptable and poses serious health risks.”
He cited Copacabana and Market Square ranks as the most affected.
“We regularly visit Mbare Musika, but have not witnessed such behaviour there. This shows that order can be maintained if there is proper enforcement,” he said.
A commuter, Ms Tendai Mudzamiri, voiced frustration: “Sometimes it smells so bad that you cannot even eat or drink anything while waiting. It feels like you are in a dumping site, not a public transport hub.”
Vendors operating at the ranks said the poor sanitation was hurting their business.
“I sell food here, but customers complain about the smell and dirty environment,” said Ms Rudo Mavhunga, a vendor at Copacabana.
“Sometimes I see people urinating behind kombis like it is normal. It is embarrassing and bad for business.”
Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba blamed poor governance.
“This is a clear failure of urban management. The City of Harare must enforce hygiene and sanitation bylaws. Allowing such behaviour to persist is a threat to public health and dignity.”
PAZ is urging swift multi-stakeholder action to clean up the ranks and restore commuter confidence.
