Second Republic avails opportunities in transport sector

GOVERNMENT has availed opportunities in the transport sector as it seeks to achieve an upper middle income economy leveraged on intermodal transport system anchored on identified game changers in public transport and infrastructure such as autonomy, connectivity, shared, electric and sustainable mobility.

While Government has taken deliberate steps towards upgrading the public transport services though the acquisition of hundreds of buses to improve the Zupco fleet, opportunities have also been given to the private sector, with private companies having imported more than 150 buses using the zero-duty concession set by Government to complement efforts in improving the public transport system.

Under the special duty concession, Government suspended customs duty on the import of up to 20 public service buses by a single authorised dealer. The transport operators have not been the only beneficiaries.

With the Second Republic earmarking a smart transport system anchored on technology, the introduction of the Tap Cards facility that was developed at Harare Institute of technology is another testimony of the various opportunities that can be harnessed in the transport sector.

Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex), the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Mike Madiro said Zimbabwe’s public transport and transport infrastructure, especially in the wake of the disruptive Covid-19 pandemic and market developments, new frontiers of transformative public transport developments had been availed.

“New frontiers of transformative public transport developments have arisen in the following areas: Road transport infrastructural development; Mass urban transport systems; Bulk freight and passenger railway transport solutions, including distributive centres within the framework of inland terminals (popularly known as dry ports) to integrate the marine systems in neighboring SADC coastal nations and our dry inland continental networks

“Transport network inter-modalities to integrate road, railway and aviation transport systems; E-tolling and traffic management systems, within the framework of digitalisation, innovative and sustainable solutions towards enhanced mobility and mitigation of passage challenges; and Smart ticketing, dynamic on-demand services such as smart public transport apps for enhanced safety, effective utilisation and reduced public transport pollution,” said Deputy Minister Madiro.

He said infrastructure development played a key role in the growth of the economy.

“Investment in infrastructure is an investment in the people. It is an investment in the future of our country. Infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunications, transport and water is crucial for the efficiency, competitiveness and growth of an economy. It is about improving lives, providing access to clean water, affordable electricity and decent homes,” said Deputy Minister Madiro.

He called upon the private sector and individuals to harness opportunities presented by government and complement the efforts being made in infrastructure development.

“Looking ahead, Government has successfully provided a framework for building back better, the critical public infrastructure that citizens require. It is now incumbent on the private sector and individual communities to complement Government’s efforts as we step into the next stage of our economic recovery and growth trajectory,” said Deputy Minister Madiro.