adminNyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
Commutor Omnibus operators in Mutare have been ordered to stop using ranks in the Central Business District with immediate effect as council steps up Operation Restore Sanity, which is targeting illegal activities in the city centre.
Mutare City public relations officer Mr Spren Mutiwi said all commuter omnibus operators would be required, starting January 1, 2018, to use the bus terminus along Jameson Avenue, popularly known as the Old Rank. Mr Mutiwi said the move was aimed at decongesting the Central Business District (CBD).
“We have realised that there is need to decongest vehicle traffic in the CBD,” he said. “Some of the existing ranks, which are being used by commuter omnibuses are temporary. Commuter omnibus operators are required to use the rank along Jameson Avenue, which is commonly referred to as the Old Rank. We will be moving into the CBD where we want to inform the kombi operators of the new decision by the council and they will have to comply.”
Mr Mutiwi said council was also aiming at creating a safe environment for people walking around the CBD.
“This order will first affect those that are using the rank with commuter omnibuses plying Honde and Bonda routes,” he said. “I am sure they are currently using that rank known as paMudzviti.
“Those commuter omnibus operators are required to use the Old Rank along Jameson Avenue. Those currently using the rank at D Avenue will also be required to use the Old Rank. Those who are using the Hob House-Chikanga rank are also required to move to the Old Rank.”
Mr Mutiwi said the space which was being used by those plying Hob House and Chikanga would be used to construct a service station. He said council had already started revamping the Old Rank to accommodate the increased number of travellers.
“As a local authority, we want to achieve a world class city and a prime investment destination, hence, the need to decongest the CBD,” said Mr Mutiwi.
More than 40 vendors were recently arrested under Operation Restore Sanity, as the council sought to clean-up the city centre.
Online Reporter