Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
ABOUT 10 000 civil servants living in more than 20 suburbs across Bulawayo are set to benefit from subsidised and reliable transport after the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, yesterday handed over seven Public Service Commission (PSC) buses that are expected to alleviate transport challenges for Government employees.
The seven new PSC buses are part of a fleet of 55 buses that were commissioned by Vice President Kembo Mohadi in Mutare earlier this month and have been deployed nationally.
The fleet is expected to strengthen the transportation of public servants, particularly those who face challenges commuting to and from work, while improving punctuality and service delivery.
The Government earlier this year approved the procurement of 128 buses as part of measures to address transport challenges affecting its workforce.
In Bulawayo province, the PSC has been relying on 10 buses to ferry civil servants across the city after seven buses broke down.
The new fleet consists of two 63-seater buses and five 34-seater buses that have been deployed to cover routes that service suburbs such as Mbundane, Nketa 6, 7, 8, Tshabalala, Pelandaba, Entumbane, Nguboyenja, Mahatshula, Cementside, Killarney and Lewellyn.
Civil servants living in suburbs such as Queenspark, Richmond, Montrose, Newton West, Barham Green, South World, Sunning Hill, Hillside and Burnside will also start benefiting from the reliable transport offered by PSC.
PSC Bulawayo provincial coordinator Mr George Dumisani Kunene said the demand for safe, reliable and affordable transport has been overwhelming before Government intervened and added more buses.
“For a long time, transport has been one of the major challenges affecting our staff, affecting both their disposable income and punctuality. These buses could not have come at a better time.
“The Public Service Commission in Bulawayo supervises close to 10 000 civil servants across all ministries and departments so the demand for safe, reliable and affordable transport has been overwhelming. This intervention will go a long way in alleviating the burden,” said Mr Kunene.
“We appeal to our staff for their cooperation in ensuring the proper use and upkeep of the buses through adherence to set timetables, routes and rules that govern the use of Government property.”
In her remarks, Minister Ncube said Government is committed to improving the welfare and conditions of service for all civil servants as part of their non-monetary benefits.
“Civil Servants are the engine of service delivery and the implementation of Vision 2030 and Government is aware of the transport challenges our workers have been facing, particularly the rising cost of commuting and the time spent travelling to work,” she said.
“This in many ways affected productivity and the general morale of our workforce; thereby, the availing of seven buses is therefore not just about solving transport challenges but a strategic investment in our human capital.”
Ncube further implored the PSC management to ensure that drivers maintain a high level of discipline, safety and professionalism when ferrying staff.
“A worker who is not worried about transport is more focused and productive. The subsidised service will leave our civil servants with more disposable income for their families.
“This is in line with the Second Republic’s thrust of leaving no one and no place behind. An efficient public service is critical for the success of our devolution agenda here in Bulawayo,” she said.
