By Tendai Chisiri
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in modernizing bus terminals and bus stops, despite local authorities continuing to collect rank vouchers from transport operators.
PAZ National Co-ordinator Tafadzwa Goliati stated that passengers and operators still lack basic facilities like shelters, toilets, bathrooms, canteens, and bus washing bays.
The association has also raised concerns about safety, citing the use of fire and gas cylinder stoves at the ranks, which poses a danger to passengers and buses.
Additionally, most bus terminal toilets have no running water, and some are no longer functioning. Public lights are also out, and these areas have become dumping sites.
PAZ is appealing to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to urgently address the situation and direct local authorities to take their responsibilities seriously. “Transport operators are paying bus vouchers daily, and their needs must be met,” Goliati said .
In 2021, the government announced plans to upgrade Zimbabwe’s bus terminals, with funds already set aside for the project. However, the progress of this initiative is unclear .
News Sport Online 