Mutare transport operators urged to register

The move aims to weed out illegal transporters who have been operating in the city, often under the management of rank marshals

Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter

IN a bid to improve traffic management and enhance passenger safety, Government has introduced new requirements for local transport operators to register their vehicles under recognised associations.

Mutare City Council is currently in the process of registering transport operators under the associations, bringing together various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Vehicle Inspection Department and traffic police.

The move aims to weed out illegal transporters who have been operating in the city, often under the management of rank marshals, who would demand money from operators and even terrorise fellow passengers.

Mutare City Council’s Director of Spatial Operations, Mr Tonderai Sango said four associations are currently registering transport operators in Mutare – Manicaland Drivers and Transporters Association (MDATA), Progressive Family Trust, Urban League, and SCUTA.

“Four recognised associations are now in place to register transporters, and will oversee the registration process, ensuring that operators meet the required standards,” said Mr Sango, adding that their efforts to regulate the transport sector are expected to have a positive impact on passenger safety and reduce the number of illegal operators on the roads.

“To be recognised as legal transporters, operators will need to register their vehicles under these associations, ensuring a safer and more regulated transport system,” said Mr Sango.

Local transport operator, Mr Thomas Chigwa, expressed concerns about the harassment faced by operators at the hands of unregulated rank marshals, who would often demand payments in exchange for operating permits on certain routes.

“For years, we have been subjected to extortion by rank marshals and touts, who demand payments in exchange for allowing us to operate and those who refuse are often met with violence,” said Mr Chigwa.

Mr Sango explained that to reduce chaos and violence, the new system proposes that lead marshals oversee the ranks, and any breaches by association members would be reported to the chairperson, who would work with the authorities to address the issue.

In a recently held workshop, Mutare City Council officials also informed transport operators that it is working on revising bus stop locations and designating safe loading and unloading areas, where operators can drop off and pick up passengers without fear of arrest.

Through collaborating with various stakeholders, transport operators are poised to successfully implement the new requirements, paving way for a more structured and efficient transport system in Mutare.