Confusion as Harare Council orders minibuses to return to original ranks

By Violet Gonda and Tererai Karimakwenda
25 April 2006

In a move that has surprised commuter omnibus operators, the illegal Commission running the City of Harare has ordered them to return their operations to the bus ranks that they used to operate from before "Operation Murambatsvina." All independent minibuses were ordered to leave the central business district after the government destroyed flea markets and residential structures in the capital last year, claiming it was cleaning up filth and getting rid of illegal business. They were instructed to end their routes on the outskirts of the city forcing many commuters to walk the rest of the way to work and leaving others stranded.

The city officials initially alleged the minibuses were blocking roads and causing a lot of congestion in the city. But now, without any explanation, they have ordered them to return to their former ranks. Warren Park, Dzivarasekwa, Mabelreign and Mount Pleasant are some of the areas that have been affected.

Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa reports that most people say the Commission has no idea what it is doing. The same accusation was made by the CEO of The Combined Harare Residents Association, Barnabus Mangodza, earlier this week. He said this illegal Commission that was appointed by Minister of Local government Ignatius Chombo has no clear direction or vision.

Pressure continues to mount for the City administrators to fix burst sewer pipes and potholes that make driving on city roads a nightmare. Commuter operators continue to determine the fares they charge for a trip and making decisions that should be made by the authorities.