Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
IN a move aimed at enhancing passenger safety and combating the proliferation of illegal transport operators known as “mushikashika”, the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), in partnership with Donhodzo Microfinance, has launched a loan facility for both registered and willing-to-register transport operators.
This initiative comes as the Government recently approved principles for the Road Accident Fund Bill to improve post-crash emergency response and victim support.
ZUDAC spokesperson Mr Reason Dombo Ajida highlighted the facility’s objectives.
“As ZUDAC, in partnership with Donhodzo Microfinance, we have launched a loan facility for operators that are registered under our association,” he said. “Under this facility, we assist registered and willing-to-register operators with a flexible and tailor-made loan facility,”
The primary goal, Mr Ajida said, was to ensure that operators could maintain their vehicles to the required safety standards.
“This facility aims to ensure that those who want to enter into the business, after having exhausted funds by purchasing vehicles, will be able to ensure that the vehicles are up to standard for passengers’ safety,” he said.
Beyond vehicle maintenance, Mr Ajida said, the initiative sought to promote compliance among transport operators.
“Above all, we want all operators to meet all the required paperwork for compliance’s sake so that we play our part in the fight against ‘mushikashika’, which have for long contributed to fatalities as these errant operators will be trying to flee from arrests,” he said. The loan facility is also expected to provide crucial support during emergencies.
“In the long-run, we expect that this fund will also assist operators in times of emergencies like unfortunate accidents,” Mr Ajida said.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Mr Tafadzwa Goliati commended the initiative.
“This loan facility is a welcome development that will significantly contribute to passenger safety and the formalisation of the public transport sector,” he said.
“By providing operators with the means to maintain their vehicles and comply with regulations, ZUDAC and Donhodzo Microfinance are playing a vital role in reducing accidents and ensuring a safer commuting experience for all Zimbabweans.”
This initiative aligns with the Government’s recent approval of the principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill.
According to Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, the Bill seeks to address the current post-accident management framework, which lacks provisions for the immediate evacuation of accident survivors to medical facilities.
The fund will provide immediate financial support for medical and funeral expenses and enhance the capacity of emergency services.
By tackling both vehicle safety and post-accident response, the collaborative efforts of ZUDAC, Donhodzo Microfinance and the Government signal a holistic strategy to enhance road safety and protect passengers across Zimbabwe.
