Sundaymail Editor
Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
LAST WEEK, I reported on the illegal parking space barons who have overrun the streets of Harare’s central business district (CBD).
Many of you have since contacted me, urging me to address another critical issue: the illegal pick-up and drop-off points established by touts for commuter omnibuses (kombis) and pirate taxis, commonly known as mishikashika.
These unauthorised ranks are severely disrupting traffic flow in the CBD.
Numerous drivers have confirmed that navigating Harare’s busy streets now means encountering rows of kombis and mishikashika, haphazardly parked at makeshift ranks.
One such location has emerged at the corner of Angwa Street and Robert Mugabe Road, just a stone’s throw from the central police station.
This intersection, once clear, is now a chaotic scene of aggressive touts soliciting passengers and vehicles manoeuvring dangerously.
Another illegal pick-up point is located along Chinhoyi Street near Samora Machel Avenue. Here, kombis plying the City-Kuwadzana route line up against the one-way traffic flow, picking up passengers and creating a significant risk of head-on collisions with vehicles that have the right of way.
It is not just the inconvenience that frustrates motorists and pedestrians; it is the pervasive sense of disorder and lawlessness that accompanies these illegal activities.
Ruvimbo Chako, a frequent commuter, shared his frustrations. Every morning she dreads passing through Angwa Street.
She fears the touts who are loud and aggressive, and the congestion makes it impossible to get anywhere on time. She does not feel safe using the route. These touts, often young men, have taken it upon themselves to control these illegal pick-up and drop-off points.
They direct the flow of kombis and mishikashika, demanding payment from drivers for the “privilege” of using these unauthorised areas. This extortionate behaviour disrupts not only vehicular traffic but pedestrian movement as well and it creates an environment of intimidation and fear.
One kombi driver recounted his experience. He said if you do not pay the touts, they ensure that no passenger boards your kombi. The crew have no choice but to comply.
It is extortion, plain and simple!
The situation is further compounded by the apparent “inaction” of the authorities.
The fact that an illegal pick-up point exists just a stone’s throw from the central police station is both ironic and disheartening. Residents and business owners alike are questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining order and safety in the CBD.
The impact of these illegal points extends beyond mere inconvenience.
They pose serious safety risks to both passengers and drivers. With vehicles stopping abruptly in the middle of busy roads to pick up or drop off passengers, accidents are imminent.
Moreover, the constant flow of vehicles in and out of these makeshift ranks adds to the already heavy traffic, leading to prolonged gridlocks and increased frustration for everyone on the road. This menace is also contributing to petty crime and disorder in the city centre. The chaotic environment provides fertile ground for pickpockets and other criminals to operate with impunity.
As businesses suffer from reduced foot traffic and customers avoid the area, the economic impact is evident.
We urge the authorities to take decisive action. The first step is to ensure that these kombis use designated pick-up points. Increased law enforcement and regular patrols in the CBD can help deter touts and maintain order.
Furthermore, there is a need to involve all stakeholders, including kombi associations and the community.
Open dialogues and coordinated efforts can lead to sustainable solutions that address the root causes of this problem.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing consultant with a strong passion for customer service/experience. Contact details: [email protected] or +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw
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