No legal framework to regularise kombi associations

CHAOS prevailing in kombi operations can be overcome if the Government speeds up legislation regularising the mushrooming associations which can implement self-regulation and ensure all kombi operations are properly run using the correct termini and bus stops.

In Bulawayo, the self-regulation is a bit feasible as there are about three kombis associations operating, unlike in Harare where several associations sprout daily, although two are starting to dominate, but with wild competition from independent operators and mushikashika.

President Mnangagwa has since indicated that a statutory instrument that governs operations of commuter omnibuses would be effected.

Currently, registration of commuter omnibus associations is neither governed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development nor Local Government and Public Works, bringing much confusion for commuters who are bearing the brunt of unjustified fare hikes, especially during peak hours.

Secretary general of one of the two large Harare associations, Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO), Mr Ngoni Katsvairo, said he met officials from the Local Government Ministry who indicated that they were still consulting.

“This statutory instrument was talked about by the President when he made a public statement on liberalising the transport sector in May last year,” he said. “He said regulations would follow.

“So, I think somewhere someone in the Ministry of Local Government or Ministry of Transport is not speeding up the issuance of a statutory instrument. We are appealing that if the SI can come in, it can give legal guidance and recognition of associations.”

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