Government commissions bus for civil servants

GOVERNMENT continues to safeguard the welfare of its workers by cushioning them during the lockdown and beyond, Public Service Commission (CSC) head for Mashonaland West Province, Mr Edmond Mapara, has said.

Speaking during the handover of a 75-seater bus to Hurungwe district, Mr Mapara said the provision of shuttle buses was a clear indication of how President Mnangagwa under the Second Republic, was working hard to address transport challenges and improve the working conditions of civil servants.

“This is a clear indication that Government remains committed to improving the working conditions of its workers in support of Vision 2030,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to achieve full coverage to ensure that rural workers are not excluded, particularly, especially as they also need to travel to towns when need arises.”

Mr Mapara said the bus, an addition to five others that were already operating in the province, will be professionally managed to ensure maximum benefits for civil servants.

Officiating at the handover ceremony, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Province, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, said Government remained concerned about the plight of its workers across the nation despite their area of location.

“The bus will address the transport challenges that have been witnessed by the civil servants in the town,” she said. “My plea is to the ones who will be managing the bus. They must guard it jealously and allow it to be driven by Government approved drivers.”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka underscored the need for the crew operating the bus to consider social distancing when ferrying people under the lockdown exercise.

“The bus is also going to help the frontline officers, as they move from their residential places to work,” said Minister Mliswa-Chikoka.

“Let’s work together as we fight the Covid-19 scourge and adhere to the laid down regulations in the additional 14 days of lockdown.”

Self-isolation, she said, was the best remedy to fight the spread of the corona virus pandemic. Karoi Town Council chairperson, Mr Abel Matsika, said the bus was going to reduce the transport challenges people were facing.

The newly-commissioned bus will be driven by 43-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police Inspector, Cephas Chikwenje, who will be serving dual duties as a driver and a law enforcement officer.