Transport operators in Bulawayo call for formation of independent associations amidst claims of unfair profits

BULAWAYO transport operators are calling on council to allow them to establish their own independent associations, separate from the accredited ones under the current transport policy. They claim that the existing associations are profiting more from vehicle operations than the actual owners.

This was discussed in a meeting held yesterday at the Small City Hall room in the city. The meeting, officiated by Bulawayo Central constituency Ward One Councillor Josiah Mutangi, was attended by transport operators from around the city and centred on the theme “Returning the City of Kings to its Glorious Cleanliness Status Quo.”

The main objective of the meeting was for transport operators to address accusations that they are responsible for causing disorder in the city, to clarify their role, and discuss potential solutions.

Councillor Mutangi also addressed several key issues, including public transportation planning and policy-making, infrastructure development such as roads and bike lanes, and traffic management to reduce congestion. Additional topics included parking management, transportation demand strategies like carpooling, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The discussion also covered public engagement, collaboration with transportation agencies, funding for projects, and addressing transportation equity and accessibility concerns.

Many operators claimed they are unable to comply with council by-laws requiring them to use the Egodini terminus due to lack of business there. They argued that the pioneer associations now operating as private limited companies, such as Bulawayo United Public Transport Association, Tshova Mubaiwa, and Bulawayo City Transit, are profiting more from their vehicles than the individual operators themselves.

“We were forced to join these associations, believing it would be difficult to operate in the city without them. We hoped that by joining, we could work profitably at Egodini, but the city council failed to enforce the law and address illegal operations at places like Sixth Avenue,” said Cosmas Mhlanga, one of the operators.

He added: “We paid fees to join these associations and continue to pay daily, yet business at Egodini remains poor. Meanwhile, the city council and police have not removed cars from Sixth Avenue, allowing the associations to profit more from our vehicles than we do. With no other options, we are forced to return to locations where business is viable.”

Operators agreed that they are capable of uniting and managing their operations independently, creating a cooperative system that allows them to operate more orderly.

“As kombi owners, we want the council to allow us to form our own independent associations to restore order in the city. We no longer wish to be under these companies and we assure that we are capable of operating orderly at designated locations. The associations are profiting more than we are,” said Oscar Bhebhe.

Bhebhe alleged that the municipal police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police are perpetuating the disorder due to corruption.

“The police are failing by not properly addressing non-compliant kombis; they should record the registration numbers and trace them through the CVR department to help reduce accidents. The solution to illegal operations lies with law enforcement, who are not doing their job due to corruption and bribery, which prevents order from being restored in the city.”

Another operator, who declined to be identified, highlighted the unfair treatment of kombi versus bus defaulters, criticising the lack of justice and transparency in addressing these discrepancies.

“The buses are not clamped, while only kombis face violations and police action. Even if buses are clamped, they aren’t impounded, but kombis are taken to storage where we’re charged $15 an hour. We should be treated equally, regardless of political positions or money,” he said.

Clr Mutangi stated that there is no order in town because operators are working haphazardly. He said operators are supposed to organise themselves and maintain order.

“Why are you operating your vehicles in undesignated areas? We shouldn’t allow this. We are working to prevent illegally operating vehicles from operating in Bulawayo. Corrupt practices with the police and council officers are not a solution. Instead, we need to maintain order, adhere to city council requirements, and engage with them when disagreements arise. Operators should avoid practices that cause confusion in the city,” he said.

He said that maintaining order will accommodate everyone in the city, including people with disabilities. The councillor further mentioned that there are designated loading spaces that can fit approximately 1 000 cars in the city for operators to use. He warned that strict measures will be applied to those who continue to defy the agenda of ensuring an orderly city. He also supported the operators’ suggestion to form associations, provided they ensure order is restored in the city.