72% of Zim at mercy of mushikashika operators

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

Zimbabwe’s public transportation system is on the brink of collapse, with a staggering 72% of the population relying on inadequate and unsafe services to get around.

The sector is plagued by unregistered operators, criminal activity, and a lack of investment, leaving commuters vulnerable to theft, assault, and accidents.

According to Zanu-PF Senator and prominent businessman, James Makamba, the situation is “unacceptable” and “requires urgent attention”.

He highlighted that 55% of public transportation services are provided by unlicensed operators, who flout laws and compromise the safety of passengers.

“The situation is unacceptable and requires urgent attention. A staggering 72% of our population relies on public transportation, yet the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks governing this sector remain woefully inadequate,” Makamba said.

The Mt Darwin Senator noted the alarming presence of unregistered transport operators.

“Recent studies indicate that these unlicensed providers now account for over 55% of all public transportation services nationwide. This is a ticking time bomb, and we cannot ignore the criminal activities perpetrated against innocent commuters by some of these rogue operators,” Makamba said.

The prominent businessman stressed the need for increased investment in the sector.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development was allocated a mere 2.7% of the National Budget. This is inadequate, and I recommend that the budget allocation be moved to a minimum of at least 5%,” Makamba said.

He emphasised the importance of learning from other countries. Makamba drew attention to Rwanda’s successful initiatives.

“South Africa has pioneered innovative solutions to address the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and unregulated operators. They have leveraged Public-Private-Partnerships to introduce smart ticketing systems, modernise fleet management, and enhance passenger safety.

“Rwanda’s Smart Kigali Initiative has integrated cashless payment systems and GPS tracking across public transport vehicles, making public transport more efficient and safe,” the senator said.

He added: “We must heed the clarion call of our constituents and implement bold and innovative solutions to address this crisis. The Senate must act decisively to overhaul the public transportation sector, curb illegal operations, and ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

According to Makamba, the crisis is not only a threat to public safety but also a hindrance to economic growth. He highlighted a study by the World Bank that found that efficient transportation systems can increase GDP growth by up to 1% annually.

The African Development Bank estimates that inadequate transportation infrastructure costs African economies approximately US$170 billion annually in lost productivity.