Ayesha Nyanzunda
Harare city council has launched a massive enforcement operation to rid the city of congestion.
There has been an increase in congestion levels on the streets of Harare especially during the morning and evening peak periods.
In a press statement yesterday, acting Harare Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said picking and dropping of passengers at undesignated points by public passenger vehicles in Harare is strictly prohibited
.“Our observations have been that this is exacerbated by buses and commuter omnibuses that are picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points. Some park on the streets and block lanes resulting in heavy congestion,” said Engineer Moyo.
Council has advised al public transport operators along Sam Nunjoma that with immediate effect, they must use Coventry Road Rank and Mbare Musika.
In addition, all buses destined for Bulawayo that are illegally picking passengers from Showgrounds or along Samora Machel Avenue must use Mbare Musika and Coventry Road Bus Rank.
Council has also said shut down all pick and drop points established during the COVID era.“All the picking up and dropping points that were established by ZUPCO during the COVID era are no longer operational,” Moyo said.
All registered and licensed operators and Commuter Omnibus Associations are being advised to revert to their original operating termini as per permits issued by City of Harare.
Public passenger vehicles are expected to be registered by the relevant authorities that include City of Harare and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. The permits issued are clear on the ranks, routes and time-tables to be used.