ZUPCO trains female drivers

The training and recruitment of female drivers into the public transport sector has been hailed as they are deemed to be safer than their male counterparts.
 
The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) has successfully trained female drivers who are now ready to get into the public transport sector full time.

The women underwent a six month training to attain Class 1 drivers licence.

The 10 graduated in the capital amid calls for more women drivers to join the public transport as they are deemed to be patient and safety conscious than their male counterparts.

ZUPCO chief executive officer Mr Zion Muoni says the company is giving priority to empowering women as it has realised women are safe and careful drivers with good customer relations.

Guest of honour at the event,  Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere says the initiative by ZUPCO is important as it empowers women and provides safe drivers on the road.

"As ZUPCO you must add more value to the transport sector, increase fleet as you need to restore order in cities and provide transport to the people. I have no problem with private players but they should not compromise people's lives," said Kasukuwere.

Cde Kasukuwere added that government is working closely with ZUPCO to open up lines of credit for the much needed recapitalisation to enable the company to continue providing a service to the nation.

In March last year, ZUPCO acquired 50 buses but has managed to put only 17 on the road as they have not completed payments on value added tax to ZIMRA.

ZUPCO has in the past faced viability challenges, chief among them mal-administration and poor accountability but the organisation is now on the path to recovery with more new buses expected on the road.