Kombi operators outline CBD plan
HARARE kombi operators have written to Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo outlining ways of decongesting the city, which include deterrent legislation for pirate taxis.
This follows the mayhem, which occurred after a directive by Harare City Council banning commuter omnibuses and on-street vendors from coming to the central business district (CBD) in an operation dubbed “Clean up CBD” last week.
Two people died last week while several others were injured when police clashed with the commuting public in the CBD over the new arrangement.
In the letter, Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus Operators, secretary-general Mr Ngoni Katsvairo said Harare should introduce orderly street ranks, while it constructs holding bays.
“In light of the above, and in order to bring back some semblance of order in the sector, and most importantly, preserve the safety of passengers, decongest the CBD as well as restore protection of legal businesses, we humbly request your policy legislative enforcement and careful consideration of the following; temporal introduction of orderly street ranks,” said Mr Katsvairo.
“Investment in new ranking space and holding bays for local and highway operators. Urgent introduction of deterrent legislation against pirate taxis and touts in designated areas. Effective enforcement versus conflict of interest and corruption.”
The operators want the city to relocate car sales, which are within the CBD and up to five kilometres radius and allocate such space to ranks and vending sites, as well as introduce ease of doing business policies through user friendly laws, processes and fees.
Council, the operators said, should introduce holistic and all inclusive transport polices, which effectively deal with all stakeholders in the sector.
“As compliant kombi operators, we kindly request that you grant us audience to discuss and explain the above that we think will return order in the public transport sector while making the CBD roads trafficable,” said Mr Katsvairo.
Local Government expert and town planner Mr Percy Toriro said stakeholder engagement was of paramount importance.