Rimbi Tours resumes operations as Govt lifts suspension

Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

Bus company Rimbi Tours has resumed operations after Government yesterday lifted the suspension of its operating license following the submission of comprehensive proposals to avert future accidents by the bus operator, which also consented to the cancellation of its Harare-Nyamapanda route permit.

Rimbi Tours and another bus company, Zebra Kiss, had operating licenses suspended following a fatal accident that killed the conductor of Rimbi and injured several others on the 160km-peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway.

Zebra Kiss was the first to produce a sufficiently strong safety policy and new management controls to have its licence returned, while Rimbi first looked at a court challenge, before going the same route and tightening its safety and management to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.

Rimbi Tours buses could be seen ferrying passengers from terminuses across the city yesterday.

At the depot, the workers would not hide their joy as they applauded the Government.

Speaking on behalf of the employees, Rimbi Tours area manager Mr Isheanoziva Matamba said they were happy that Government had given them the greenlight to resume work.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the government for allowing us to resume work after the fatal tragedy.

“Our drivers are now cautious of road regulations and the importance of putting the passengers’ lives first. We would like to promise the nation that such incidents will not happen again.

“We are extremely excited and moving forward we will be working in harmony with other drivers to ensure the safety of the travelling public. When we were suspended we suffered as we were failing to fend for our families as the company was not generating any income, but now we are relieved,” he said.

Director of Rimbi Tours Mr Decent Rimbi said passengers must not be afraid of boarding Rimbi buses as their safety was guaranteed.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said the lifting of the suspension came after Rimbi adhered to Government’s order on ensuring the safety of the passengers.