The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
TIME is ticking for ramshackle buses and commuter omnibuses operating under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) franchise as the public transporter has roped in the Vehicle Inspection Department to do a thorough re-inspection of the fleet, it has been established.
The move follows an outcry from the commuting public about their safety as some buses are now a constant feature on the roadsides due to numerous breakdowns.
Freak fatal accidents due to mechanical defects have also been reported across the province.
A driver was recently crushed to death by his own bus near the ZUPCO MutareDepot following an explained handbrake failure, while a man recently died at Mudzviti Bus Terminus after being run over by one of the buses.
Acting ZUPCO chief executive officer, Mr Everisto Madangwa, revealed early this week that the public transporter had received numerous complaints from commuters over the roadworthiness of some of the buses and kombis plying several routes across the province.
Mr Madangwa said the imminent fitness re-inspection of the entire fleet operating under the ZUPCO franchise will solve the problem.
He said all un-roadworthy buses and kombis will be weeded out of the system to ensure public safety.
“ZUPCO is a mass public transport system with a motto of being safe, reliable and affordable. This means that we are committed to transporting the public safely in buses that are fit to do so.
“As such, VID personnel will soon be re-inspecting our fleet in Mutare to ensure that only vehicles that are fit to carry passengers are left on the road. Un-roadworthy buses will be grounded and weeded out. They need to be repaired first and pass fitness tests before they can be re-admitted into the system,” said Mr Madangwa.
Mutare VID manager, Mr Shingirayi Musamadya said un-roadworthy buses are being impounded during police patrols.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda said any vehicle, particularly public transport buses, must periodically undergo examination and obtain fitness certificates for them to operate on the roads.
“These vehicles must not only have fitness certificates, but should exhibit the fitness as well. Un-roadworthy vehicles must be impounded to ensure public safety,” he said.
When Government moved in to revive the public transport system through ZUPCO last year, many private players registered their buses.
However, it is believed that some of the privately owned buses are no longer fit to carry passengers.
Government, on its part, has been working round the clock to purchase hundreds of brand new buses that are suitable for even the rough terrains in rural areas.
For one to register their vehicle into the ZUPCO franchise system, the bus is supposed to obtain a fitness certificate from VID.
ZUPCO inspectors also check the buses before they are admitted into the system.
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