adminPaidamoyo Bore and Laura Maposa
POLICE have raised another red flag over the use of unlicensed and unregulated transport.
Speaking during an awareness campaign to promote the rights and safety of passengers, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said people should prioritise their safety and avoid mushikashikas.
“Yes, you might say it is fast, but it is not safe to board mushikashika.
“We also urge the public to go to major bus termini where we expect regulated transporters to carry passengers.
“Some passengers look for transport at Total Service Station along Samora Machel Avenue and they end up being raped or robbed,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
President of the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ), Tafadzwa Goliati, said shortage of transport has led to a violation of passengers’ rights.
“People end up using unregulated transport because the regulated transport is overwhelmed and failing to meet passengers’ needs.
“However, PAZ is worried about what passengers are facing in these mushikashikas.
“Some end up being raped or robbed and, in case of accidents, they are not compensated.
“So, we urge them to use regulated transport,” said Goliati.
He also urged transport operators to register their vehicles and join established transport associations.
Goliati advised regulated transporters not to abuse their licences by overloading and speeding.
He also encouraged passengers to contact them for help, with transport, whenever the need arises.
“Passengers should let us know whenever they are in need of transport so that we approach the relevant Ministry, or other transport players, to provide transport rather than for them to use mushikashikas.
“We have partnered with different associations like the Insurance Company of Zimbabwe (ICZ) and Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation (ZPTO) to ensure passengers’ safety,” he said.
ZPTO chairperson, Samson Nhanhanga, said their association was working tirelessly to ensure passengers have adequate transport.
“So, far we have about 50 buses and more are yet to come because we have realised the shortage of transport.
“We are chipping in to help commuters and guarantee the safety of passengers.
“We have also improved how we operate, as we now have a database for every bus driver under our association.
“This helps whenever accidents occur.”
However, passengers urged these associations to be visible, and active on the ground, as they were facing a lot of challenges.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter