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The Herald, 4 November, 1980
SALISBURY commuters were waiting too long at bus stops and something would have to be done to ensure that people received a better transport service, the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Mr Eddison Zvobgo, said yesterday.
He was speaking while on a tour of the Zimbabwe Express Motorways bus depot in Seke at the invitation of the company’s management.
The minister met representatives of the workers’ committee and the management to discuss a number of issues, including transport permits which, it was alleged, favoured the Salisbury United Omnibus Company.
The minister was told that ZEM was not allowed to pick up passengers along the City to Seke route, and was asked to look into the matter.
The minister said he was pleased to see the level of cooperation between the management and the workers’ committee. He promised to look into the issues discussed at the meeting.
“It is clear that something will have to be done to make sure that the people get better services than they are getting now,” he said.
The minister said he was not in a position to discuss possible Government subsidies for ZEM in view of its losses.
He had earlier been asked if it were possible for the Government to provide assistance to the company as it was a public service.
The minister said he was impressed with the company and said it was an indication of what the African businessman is capable of.
During the tour, the company’s chairman, Mr Solomon Tawengwa, said his company was unhappy at the “preferential treatment being given to the SUOC by the city council.
“We need more permits so that we can operate on a countrywide basis,” he said.
“The distribution of private hire permits is disproportionate.” The chairman of the town planning and public works committee, Alderman Ronald Cowan, denied there was any bias by the council towards any bus company.
He said the franchise for the City to Seke route belonged to the SUOC.
“If there is any need for a reconsideration of past franchise agreements, then I am sure applications will be treated most favourably by the council.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Commonly referred to as Harare’s bedroom town, Chitungwiza has established itself, despite challenges. You cannot talk of Harare, without mentioning Chitungwiza.
Zimbabwe Express Motorways (ZEM) bus company was a household name in the early 80s. Although its owner, who later became Harare Mayor complained about ZUPCO’s monopoly, those years however, it was as if ZEM had the upper hand.
Public transport costs are some of the challenges faced by Chitungwiza residents who daily come to Harare to earn a living.
Government, under the Second Republic, is on a major drive to ensure that commuters have adequate transport facilities, that are affordable. They are on a major drive to import more ZUPCO buses.
Government is also working on the roads, although the Harare-Chitungwiza railway network should be prioritised since it was a major project under the First Republic.
Online Reporter