The Passengers Association Of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged the government to reform the transport sector and offer many buses that will carter for the whole population or else risk the permanent presence of the illegal Mushikashika.
In a statement, PAZ said there are shortages of Zupco buses in marginal areas.
“The truth is Mushikashika is there to stay. In rural areas people are in need of transport. The government cannot manage. It’s high time the transport sector should be reformed and private localised operators be given a chance to offer their services to the public.
“Rushinga area is hard hit by this shortage. If one fails to travel in the morning using these convectional buses then they have to wait for the next day or use Mushikashika to Mt Darwin from places as far as Chimhanda, Katakura and Nyabawa among others.” Read part of the statement.
Meanwhile, PAZ on behalf of passengers are complaining about touts harassing passengers at bus ranks especially in Harare. They are appealing to the police to manage bus ranks and arrest the touts who are harassing especially old people.
PAZ however commended Mvurwi bus terminus for it’s cleanliness and Covid-19 preventive measures.
“Mvurwi is also commendable for it’s facilities. From a number of buses Passengers Association of Zimbabwe used to make the tour a success covid protocols are being observed. However human was evidenced here and there but the general overview things are impressing out there. Only one bus company allows vendors to get onto the buses to get a dollar or two without putting on masks and being sanitized.
“Passengers also were complaining of some buses which do not have windows or aeration facilities to suite the hot weather in that area. On the other hand overloading is too much because some area have a few buses covering a big area. Where they use mushikashika these people have to pay a fortune to their destinations. The terrain is rugged and people can manage to use their God given mode of transport(the feet).” Added PAZ.