Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S two largest public transport operators have joined growing calls urging Zimbabweans to ignore calls for illegal protests, saying peace and stability are critical for the country’s continued socio-economic development.
The transport organisations said citizens should go about their normal daily activities and reject attempts by shadowy, foreign-funded groups seeking to disrupt economic activity and undermine national stability.
They also assured commuters that transport services would continue uninterrupted, with their full fleets operating as normal on Friday, July 31.
The operators said while citizens were entitled to exercise their constitutional rights, such rights should be exercised within the confines of the law and should never be used to threaten national security, destroy property or disrupt livelihoods.
Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Corporation and the Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (BUPTA), which together operate about 1 600 commuter omnibuses carrying an estimated 100 000 passengers daily, said it would be business as usual.
Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Corporation spokesperson Mr Ndabazabo Mabunda said the transport sector had enjoyed a stable operating environment under the Second Republic, allowing operators to grow their businesses.
“Since the coming in of the Second Republic, our business environment has been smooth. There are no fuel shortages and, in fact, we have seen fuel prices going down, which is good for us in the transport sector. We have had more positives for the sector under the Second Republic, and spare parts are readily available.
“For the so-called business shutdown, we are a cooperative organisation and we are not taking part in that. We want to assure our loyal customers that we will be there to provide transport services as usual,” said Mr Mabunda.
BUPTA board chairperson Mr Morgan Msipha said stability had enabled transport operators to better plan and sustain their operations.
“In the past, fuel prices were changing almost daily, making the business environment very unstable. However, under the Second Republic, the changes we are seeing are favourable to our business.
“Service delivery has also improved. Issues such as the processing of operating licences have been decentralised, meaning we no longer have to incur travelling costs to Harare for such services. These are positive developments for our sector.
“We cannot therefore condone calls for people to stay away from work or bring economic activity to a standstill. On July 31, our entire fleet will be on the road because providing transport services is our core business,” said Mr Msipha.
The transport operators said maintaining peace, stability and uninterrupted economic activity was in the best interests of both businesses and the commuting public, adding that reliable public transport remained a critical component of the country’s economic productivity.
