Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents in Cowdray Park are speaking out against the mistreatment they face at the hands of public transport operators servicing the Central Business District (CBD) and Nkulumane\/Emganwini routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The public transport situation is becoming unbearable,” said Maud Tarara, a Cowdray Park resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The kombi drivers exchange passengers at this so-called border, separating those heading to Hawkflight and beyond Garikai areas. A lot of belongings are lost during these exchanges. This practice needs to stop.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents are also frustrated with fare hikes during peak hours, with kombi operators charging US$1 per trip – double the normal fare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The fare hikes during peak hours are a major issue,” said Hazel Dlodlo, another resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They take advantage of commuters. If you leave home after 6:30 AM, you’ll pay US$1 per trip, or ZAR15 if you’re paying in rands. It’s unsustainable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association Chairperson for Ward 28, Michael Ndlovu, said they have tried to engage stakeholders to address the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We recently convened a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to discuss this matter,” Ndlovu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The VUTA transport Association was willing to work with residents and help address the ‘border’ issue. However, there are some kombis not affiliated with any associations, and they continue to operate from undesignated points, causing chaos.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ndlovu added that they are waiting for the council to grant VUTA clearance to operate on the Cowdray Park route, hoping for better services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We want this resolved immediately,” Ndlovu emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a Full Council Meeting, Cowdray Park Councilors raised the matter, stressing the need for more kombi operators in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What is happening in Cowdray Park is unacceptable,” said Ward 28 Cllr Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Elderly residents are being swapped from one kombi to another, often losing their belongings in the process and being harassed by the operators.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ward 15 Cllr Ashton Mhlanga added, “Cowdray Park is a city within a city and requires more kombis to service its commuting population.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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