Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned another batch of 90 Zupco buses at the Glamis Arena at Harare’s Exhibition Park, bringing the Zupco fleet to 789 from the 77, the public transporter had in 2018.
Zupco aims to meet its target of 1500 buses by the end of 2022.
Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa promised to continue supporting Zupco which has seen its employment figures growing from around 380 to over 6000.
“The addition of these 90 buses to the existing fleet, bolsters our on-going quest to guarantee the provision of efficient, reliable, safe and affordable public transport services for mass rural and urban areas as enunciated in the National Development Strategy 1.
“Zupco, as the strategic national public transport service provider and also as an enabler for the speedy attainment of Vision 2030 will continue to receive Government support,” said the President.
The President commended Zupco for adopting digital platforms to penetrate the market adding that it must however be complemented with entrenching the values and standards outlined in their Client Service Charter, which include quality and timely service delivery, etiquette, propriety and professionalism among its workers.
President Mnangagwa challenged Zupco to continue defining and establishing an operating system that is alive to the nation’s economic development realities in both urban and rural areas, adding that the growth of Zupco fleet should see it servicing its routes more efficiently, particularly during peak hours, while at the same time providing employment opportunities to many.
He commended Zupco for employing women drivers including three who were part of the contingent that went to collect the buses in Durban, South Africa.
The President challenged the transport sector and the nation to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the festive season.
Yesterday’s event came barely a week after the President commissioned a fleet of 13 buses and 30 service delivery vehicles for the Public Service Commission to address the transport needs of public servants.
