ZUPCO ‘Delays’ Payment Of Money To Private Transport Operators

Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) bosses on Monday met with private transport operators who contracted buses and or commuter omnibuses to ZUPCO to iron out issues including late payment of money.

Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) spokesperson, Mr Esau Mupfumi, told the state media yesterday that other issues discussed included the vetting process which he described as cumbersome as buses and drivers were required to be vetted by the CMED, contrary to statutes, which give the VID that sole responsibility. He added:

Sometimes there is a delay in payments, although the money will certainly come. The issue of indemnity is the other one that needs to be addressed as currently, operators are maintaining their own buses.

The review of payment of rates should be done timely and we are now seeking Government intervention on that issue.

Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO) secretary-general, Mr Ngoni Katsvairo said fees must be paid and reviewed in time adding that cheaper spares organised centrally by ZUPCO and a fleet replacement or upgrade system should be urgently put in place.

The meeting coincides with reports which suggest that the government is pushing to have all commuter omnibuses operating under the ZUPCO brand.

-statemedia