Christopher Makaza.
Citizens have positively reacted to the commissioning of the 39 out of 300 buses by President Emmerson Mnangagwa which the government has secured as part of measures to ease the plight of commuters who are being ripped off their hard earned cash by private operators.
Citizens have, however, urged Government to hire competent personalities from both public and private sector to effectively manage the ZUPCO fleet to avoid what happened to the parastatal during the previous dispensation.
MDC-T Vice President, Obert Gutu on his Twitter page commended the move adding that roads and railway systems should also be rehabilitated to increase the lifespan of the buses.
“An efficient and reliable public transportation system is urgently needed in Zimbabwe. The acquisition of a new ZUPCO fleet is commendable. ZUPCO has got to be properly managed with accountability. Rehabilitation of our roads and railway system is also of paramount importance,” he posted.
Never Maswerasei said, “Dear Zimbabwe, the delivery of 300 new buses which has begun is an absolute indication that President Mnangagwa is determined to provide permanent solutions to problems in our economy. Many doubted when we pleaded for time. The Zimbabwe garment is being stitched one seam at a time.
“Government needs to hire competent personalities from both public and private sector to effectively manage ZUPCO. We have high hopes and do not expect a repeat of the late 90s and early 2000s when ZUPCO was quickly run aground by some not so bright functionaries. We cannot afford this.”
Responding to the same issue, Tafadzwa Mugwadi tweeted, “A viable transport system is crucial towards the achievement of vision 2030. Well done President Mnangagwa and your entire team. Our people should always be our priority as we move towards lessening their daily woes. Let us focus on them. Siyabonga, Twalumbwa, Tatenda Shumba.”
Another commentator, Charity Maodza posted, “President Mnangagwa fulfils his pledge for a better public transport system. Thank you Mr President for alleviating the plight of commuters. No more shall our people be overcharged by unscrupulous transport owners.”
The 300 buses are part of an over-all Government policy to revamp the transport sector and introduce a mass transport system with a further 500 buses from Belarus soon to be availed. The agreement for the supply of buses was reached when the President visited Belarus as part of his Eurasian tour in January.
