adminH-Metro Reporter
Private transport stakeholders have called upon the government to enhance support given to independent players to augment efforts by public players.
The call was made by Trip Trans founder Shadreck Tiripano whose significant contribution to the country’s transport system began in 2010.
“Our efforts are driven by the desire to complement government to foster efficient economic growth. Private transport stakeholders largely contribute to employment creation, service delivery and improved communication.
“Challenges within the sector are an everyday challenge that motivate us to fulfil a better Zimbabwe for all,’ he said.
Tiripano’s bus company is leading by example in terms of women empowerment. Since its formation, the company has 40% female employees in various departments.
“Among our over one hundred employees, women are part of our workforce driven by our free sexual harassment policy.
“ Our fleet size is now almost 200 since we began operating. Some of our female employees are responsible for managing regional routes such as South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s public transport system has of late been failing to cope with a huge demand from members of the public.
Government was forced to liberalise the sector by roping in the private sector.
Amos Gwidiri, a private transport entrepreneur based in Masvingo said more financial support must be given to the private sector. He bemoaned lack of access to foreign currency to cater for spares, fuel and other everyday operations.
“Foreign currency allocation with a fair rate is a challenge in some instances. One is forced to source foreign currency from the black market which again will pose a burden to our passengers.
“We call upon the government to assist with procurement of spare parts because most of them are found from out side the country,” he said.
The commuter transport situation demand has increased especially in face of the festive season.
Travellers at Mbare Musika have also called upon the government to increase Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) buses and allow private players to operate ease the situation.
Travellers who spoke to this publication said private transport is significant during this holiday season although care must be exercised.
“Government may need to possibly allow private players to operate during the holidays.
“For some of us going as far as Masvingo, we need private transport to complement public transport’, said Janet a traveller at Mbare Musika.
Zimbabwe’s transport sector is currently going through a massive revamp following government’s strategic intervention by co opting private players.
Public Private Partnerships are proving to be significant in Zimbabwe’s economic sectors.
As the festive season is just a few weeks, private players have increased their visibility on the roads. Tiripano has urged his fellow stakeholders to observe safety ahead of anything else beyond the festive season.
Of late, private transport operators have formed associations whose main aim to promote order and transparency on all major bus terminus.
Tongai Chihwa, spokersperson of the TransBk , an association in Masvingo said they are determined to bring sanity and oerder on all the bus terminus they operate from.
“As private transport players, we want to ensure accountability and discipline on all our working places.
“With these asssociations, our desire is to also contribute to efforts by city council to maintain order,” he said.
Prior to the re introduction of ZUPCO , there were 50,000 commuter omnibuses operating in the country, Greater Harare alone.
Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators representative Ngoni Katsvairo is on record saying of the 900 commuter buses that used to operate in Harare, less than 100 have partnered with ZUPCO.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter