Efforts underway to restore order in Kadoma’s public transport sector

Lovemore Chazingwa in KADOMA 

COMMUTER Omnibus operators in Kadoma have formed the Kadoma Public Transport Association (KAPTA) in a bid to bring sanity to the public transport system.

KAPTA spokesperson, Paul Chikwanda, said they took the decision to come together to weed out pirates, who harass passengers.

“We rejected all yellow plate vehicles from our terminus. Only white plate kombis are allowed there.

“The aim of our organisation is to operate under the dictates of the law. 

“We have seen the light, especially after the Covid-19 hell visited us. “Some of the operators have failed to return to the road as a result of that suffocation. 

“We now want to fully benefit from prudent and sustainable business modalities.”

Chikwanda said they were working with the relevant authorities.

He said the association was open to any registered operator in the city regardless of their chosen route.

“We are open to any operator willing to comply with our mandate. 

“As we speak, we’re in the process of engaging relevant authorities, that is, ZRP, Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), City Council, the Ministries of Transport and Local Government on guidance and documentation required for us to go by the book. 

“Going forward, we want to operate smoothly as a reliable public transport service provider for the city.”

He added: “Although funds are difficult to come by, we have encouraged all our members to acquire the necessary documentation for their business.

“They should have a fitness certificate, passenger insurance, route permits, a valid vehicle and driver’s licence. 

“That reflects on sound management of one’s work within the confines of the law.”

Chikwanda said they’ll also fight unscrupulous elements within their ranks.

“We strongly denounce indiscipline. We are working on ways to rein in errant members and their staff, meaning disciplinary mechanisms are being worked out and will be put in place to deal with such elements.”

Kapta said it envisages a situation whereby the Council will avail proper well-maintained facilities for the attainment of a reliable public transport service in the city.