Govt gives councils control over kombis

Zim Now Writer

Government, through the Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ministry, has authorised councils to control the movement of kombis in their areas of jurisdiction.

The councils will also enforce traffic regulations.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Local Government, and Public Works Minister July Moyo said this follows the lifting of a ban on commuter omnibus operations that was put in place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All local authorities are to recommend route authority and issue rank discs for applicants operating on urban routes in their areas of jurisdiction and enforce traffic regulations and by-laws with the support of law enforcement agents.

“This includes removal of touts, picking and dropping points off passengers at undesignated points and addressing challenges of obstruction of traffic,” said Moyo.

The minister urged operators to approach their respective authorities for the processing of their applications.

Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators secretary-general Ngoni Katsvairo said the move will eliminate touts.

“No touts will control ranks after our membership obtain discs. There won’t be interference from touts anymore,” he said.

Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors president Frederick Maguramhinga said: “We can’t have a scenario where every kombi goes wherever the driver wants. We are going to have inspectors that will work with the council.”

Passengers Association of Zimbabwe spokesperson Andrew Chibanda said touts are a menace.

“The issue of touts is a thorn in the flesh as they claim to own ranks and control how the commuting public should be charged in relation to prevailing situations,” he said.