By Trevor Makonyonga
Government has maintained its heavy handedness towards private transport operators impounding thousands of cars to date.
In a press cabinet briefing held Tuesday, Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said government was in a drive to ‘flush out’ unregistered vehicles.
The move has however worsened transport woes in the past weeks.
“With regard to stepping up surveillance of the public transport system, the nation is informed that the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) are flushing out the unregistered vehicles.
“To date 7 012 vehicles have been impounded for failure to display number plates and illegal operations (mushikashika).”
Some of the impounded vehicles include privately owned commuter omnibuses which ply various routes.
Speaking to Bustop TV, Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president, Tafadzwa Goliati blamed the transport blues on the monopoly of the public transport sector by ZUPCO.
“Passengers have are faced by a serious transport problem and ZUPCO is failing to meet the demand. Government should adopt the Bulawayo system of transportation and involve the private players. The passengers are the ones suffering.”
