Daily hire rates for contracted Zupco buses have risen from
$2 000 to $3 000 following a plea by private transport operators, a Government
official has said.
The new tariff comes into effect this month, but bus
owners, while continuing to support Zupco, have asked Government to consider
paying the equivalent of the initially agreed US$270 a day.
The increase was announced in a letter on December 4 by
Finance and Economic Development Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga to Local
Government and Public Works Secretary Mr Zvinechimwe Churu.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation spokesperson, Mr
Regis Munhenzva, said the move to increase the rates was welcome, although it
fell short of the agreed US$270.
“However, our Government is also struggling, so we are
doing our best in terms of national interests to help our fellow Zimbabweans,”
he said. Mr Munhenzva slammed shops selling spare parts in forex.
“We are buying our spares using US dollar as shops are
refusing our local currency despite Government having issued a clear directive
to ban forex sales,” he said.
Zupco is operating with 501 conventional buses, which
include its own brand new fleet and those using its franchise, plus at least
470 kombis contracted countrywide. Herald
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