Local bus manufacturing company AVM Africa, has been roped
in to assemble 300 of the 500 buses that will be supplied from Belarus, while
negotiations with Chinese investors to set up local assembly plants are also
underway, it has been learnt.
The locally assembled coaches will be specifically designed
for the local terrain, particularly rural areas, as Government continues to
revamp the mass public transport system. The remaining 200 buses will be
delivered fully assembled from Eastern Europe.
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing
Minister July Moyo said the initiative to have buses assembled in Zimbabwe will
create jobs, save foreign currency and have significant positive spin-offs for
the economy.
“I requested that of the 500 that are being procured, some
have to be assembled here because my view was that the type of the body of the
bus was not suitable for rural areas. We wanted to modify the body so that it
can suit our terrain,” said Minister Moyo.
“The Belarusians then asked for the specifications of our
bus assembling plants; we looked at three — Deven Engineering, AVM and another
one in Mutare (Quest). So, AVM, which is still assembling buses, was the
correct partner.
“The Belarusians have come here and exchanged technical
plans together with our technical people, and they have agreed that some of the
buses will be assembled here.”
Belarus reportedly believes it can strengthen some of the
production lines at the local plant.
Technical discussions have already taken place. AVM Africa
managing director Mr Jacob Kupa confirmed the deal.
“The project is due to start any time,” he said.
“We have agreed with Belarus that we assemble some of the
buses locally and some parts will be made here; thus, saving foreign currency.
The project is set to create massive jobs as we will be looking for
coachbuilders and general workers. The project will see locally made buses that
suit our taste and environment,” he said.
The project now awaits the greenlight from Treasury.
Government believes that 40 percent of the materials used in manufacturing the
coaches’ bodies can be sourced locally.
Chinese investors have also been engaged to assemble buses
in Zimbabwe in the medium to long term. Minister Moyo said: “The Chinese are
looking at if they can use completely new or use existing old plants.
“It is our desire that we assemble here because it creates
jobs. It reduces the foreign currency outlay and it affords us to buy more.”
More than 1 000 buses have been acquired from China, of
which 100 are expected in the country by the end of next week. Addressing rural
district councillors last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said allocations
of the new buses will be biased towards rural areas.
Government will also be modernising bus termini around the
country, with designs presently being worked on.
“I have a meeting with prospective investors on Monday. We
categorised the type of stations that we want.
“We gave them a week to work on the designs. We are asking
for a number of companies like banks and pension schemes to invest at areas
like Coca Cola (Graniteside), because we want to make it intra-city.
“We are doing the same in Bulawayo, and I have met with the
Mayor (Councillor Solomon Madlala Mguni) and town planners,” said Minister
Moyo. Sunday Mail
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