Own Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transport sector stakeholders are strongly advocating for the Government to implement a budgetary support scheme that would encourage small operators to trade their unsafe, unregistered taxis, known as mushikashika, for safer kombis through a structured and transparent swap arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This proposal draws inspiration from South Africa\u2019s successful model of upgrading outdated Toyota Siyaya vehicles to Toyota Quantums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, chaired by Cde Knowledge Kaitano, presented the proposal. Kaitano stated,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis applies to pirate taxi (mushikashika) players where the Government can eliminate the Honda Fits, Sientas, NV150, and NV250 from the road by offering their owners, say, a safer Toyota Quantum for every four pirate taxis owned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative aims to eliminate illegal taxis, reduce traffic congestion, and improve pedestrian safety while promoting a regulated transport sector. Unregistered taxis have caused significant traffic disorder in Zimbabwe by frequently picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorized locations and violating traffic laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following discussions with stakeholders, there is a strong push for the Government to facilitate the replacement of old kombis and pirate taxis, focusing on creating a safer and more regulated transport system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, reactions from the community are mixed. A mushikashika operator in Bulawayo raised concerns about the financial feasibility of the swap arrangement, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI generate around US$30 daily per Honda Fit, which makes it about US$120 for four vehicles. A kombi generates only about US$50-US$60 per day, so it\u2019s more profitable to operate Honda Fits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also expressed doubts about the selection criteria and implementation timeframe, saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn my opinion, it would be an unnecessary financial burden to the Government when procuring kombis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, commuters highlighted the convenience offered by Honda Fits, particularly in underserved areas. A commuter from Burnside noted,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHonda Fits provide door-to-door services for a small extra fee, which is convenient for me since there are no kombis in my area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite these reservations, Expriccos Taxis chairman, Mr. Mpikelelo Khumalo, endorsed the proposal as a significant step toward regulating the sector and ensuring accountability. He remarked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a noble and brilliant idea that came out of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport recommendations, which should be embraced by all unregistered operators. I urge all unregistered operators to engage each other and come up with a consolidated standpoint directed at taking up the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Khumalo added that the proposal would bring accountability and fairness to the industry, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccountability is vital in any business, and once illegal operators are eradicated, the industry will flourish on a win-win basis. Every operator should pay taxes or levies to authorities, which is not the situation now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He encouraged operators to collaborate and present a unified stance to facilitate the scheme\u2019s implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stakeholders also raised concerns regarding the high compliance costs for small operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo operate legally, a kombi requires about US$1,600 annually for permits and an additional US$3,800 for Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) certification. This makes illegal operations more appealing to small operators,\u201d noted the Transport Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To address these challenges, the committee proposed creating an online \u201cOne-Stop Shop\u201d for document applications to streamline processes between local authorities and the Road Motor Transportation Department (RMT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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