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Tsitsi Tasaranarwo–Herald Correspondent
All commuter omnibus operators in Harare Metropolitan are required to have valid rank permits that will allow them to operate from designated bus ranks and terminuses, as part of measures to reduce congestion, Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Mr Tafadzwa Muguti said yesterday.
In a statement, Mr Muguti said those operators with rank permits should also observe their operational times.
“The City of Harare will publish the designated official bus terminuses in the city. All passengers ought to respect and board their buses from these designated points,” said Mr Muguti.
“A digital database of all commuter omnibus operators is to be implemented as part of the Local Authority Digital System.
“This will include digital payments, collections of fines and fees whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police shall use the system to verify the road worthiness of vehicles, outstanding warrants on drivers, outstanding tickets and any other listed offences of drivers.”
Phase Two of the programme shall include all other motorists, where all unlicensed and unroadworthy vehicles would be impounded and compliance protocols will be enforced at operator’s cost.
Those offering taxi and mushikashika using vehicles that have yellow plates, will also be penalised.
Part of the problem in Harare is that while the newly approved associations of kombis, Zupco and other licensed bus operators do use the terminuses assigned for each route, the independent kombis and the mushikashika offer passengers different routes.
For example, most routes from eastern Harare, from Hatcliff and Borrowdale through the Glen Lorne, Arcturus Road, Tafara and Ruwa, are supposed to terminate at Simon Muzenda Street terminus. But the pirates drive through to the Charge Office area which is more central and desired by those wanting the central point or who wish to make connections with buses at the three western and central terminuses and so take business from the legal operators.
Mr Muguti added that everyone that drives recklessly and dangerously, would be arrested on the spot and taken to court.
“This includes those driving on oncoming traffic, driving on pavements and those who deliberately create additional lanes by encroaching cycle tracks and pedestrian walkways.
“All vehicles which have fitted extra lighting that is not permitted by the law shall have their vehicles impounded. These include those who have installed blue, red, green or yellow security and emergency reserved lights illegally on their vehicles,” he said.
Police and the City of Harare were expected to launch joint operations from yesterday to curb traffic jams at all major intersections during peak hours, whilst intersections with faulty traffic signals shall have full time deployments.
“We shall continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that we promote a trafficable and safe environment for our citizens.
“This will include redesigning our entire traffic system in the City of Harare in order to support the ever-growing vehicle population. Harare Metropolitan Province has a zero tolerance policy on lawlessness and corruption.
“We urge all drivers to please respect the traffic laws of Zimbabwe and other motorists so as to avoid arrest and further inconveniences,” said Mr Muguti.
Online Reporter