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Kombi daily cash targets contributing to accident
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The government has raised concerns over the daily cash targets imposed by commuter bus owners, attributing them to the increasing number of road accidents in Zimbabwe.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, represented by Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, made these remarks at the 2024 Annual Road Safety Conference (ARSACO 2024) held in Harare. The conference brought together stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to reduce road deaths.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mhona called for innovative approaches to tackle the surge in road carnage.
"We cannot continue using the same tactics that have yielded limited success in the past, hoping for different results," he said. "I challenge all stakeholders here to seize this opportunity to discuss ways to combat the epidemic of road carnage that is devastating to our youth, families, and future."
The minister highlighted that the daily cash targets set by commuter omnibus (kombi) owners pressure drivers to meet unrealistic financial goals. This compels them to speed and flout road regulations, further exacerbating the country's road safety crisis.
Stakeholders Push for Change
Tawanda Sisimayi, founder of Safer Roads Trust and ProDriving School, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce road accidents.
"This gathering of diverse stakeholders is crucial for achieving the 2030 targets of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 percent," he said. Sisimayi urged participants to foster unity and maintain ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies to invest in road safety.
Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe, chairman of the Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA), echoed the need for reforms in the cash target system, which he said prioritises profit over passenger safety.
"The issues stem largely from the fixed daily fee structure," he explained. "Drivers struggle to cover basic costs until they complete a significant number of trips, with profits only realised later in the day."
Gwengwe criticised daily targets, which often range between US$80 to $150, as unfeasible. For example, a kombi on the Harare-Chitungwiza route, charging US$1.50 per passenger, would need to make at least six trips to meet a US$120 target - challenging under current conditions.
On shorter routes like Kuwadzana, where fares are typically US$1 per trip, drivers face similar pressure to meet targets ranging from US$80 to $100. This often results in dangerous driving, including speeding and violating traffic laws, especially during off-peak hours.
A Call for Action
The conference served as a vital platform for stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing road safety and reducing accidents on Zimbabwe's roads. Participants were encouraged to develop actionable strategies to address these issues, with hopes of fostering safer travel for all.
As the nation aims to meet its 2030 road safety targets, the government and transport industry stakeholders are expected to intensify efforts to implement sustainable reforms that prioritise lives over profits.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, represented by Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, made these remarks at the 2024 Annual Road Safety Conference (ARSACO 2024) held in Harare. The conference brought together stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to reduce road deaths.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mhona called for innovative approaches to tackle the surge in road carnage.
"We cannot continue using the same tactics that have yielded limited success in the past, hoping for different results," he said. "I challenge all stakeholders here to seize this opportunity to discuss ways to combat the epidemic of road carnage that is devastating to our youth, families, and future."
The minister highlighted that the daily cash targets set by commuter omnibus (kombi) owners pressure drivers to meet unrealistic financial goals. This compels them to speed and flout road regulations, further exacerbating the country's road safety crisis.
Stakeholders Push for Change
Tawanda Sisimayi, founder of Safer Roads Trust and ProDriving School, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce road accidents.
"This gathering of diverse stakeholders is crucial for achieving the 2030 targets of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 percent," he said. Sisimayi urged participants to foster unity and maintain ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies to invest in road safety.
Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe, chairman of the Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA), echoed the need for reforms in the cash target system, which he said prioritises profit over passenger safety.
"The issues stem largely from the fixed daily fee structure," he explained. "Drivers struggle to cover basic costs until they complete a significant number of trips, with profits only realised later in the day."
Gwengwe criticised daily targets, which often range between US$80 to $150, as unfeasible. For example, a kombi on the Harare-Chitungwiza route, charging US$1.50 per passenger, would need to make at least six trips to meet a US$120 target - challenging under current conditions.
On shorter routes like Kuwadzana, where fares are typically US$1 per trip, drivers face similar pressure to meet targets ranging from US$80 to $100. This often results in dangerous driving, including speeding and violating traffic laws, especially during off-peak hours.
A Call for Action
The conference served as a vital platform for stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing road safety and reducing accidents on Zimbabwe's roads. Participants were encouraged to develop actionable strategies to address these issues, with hopes of fostering safer travel for all.
As the nation aims to meet its 2030 road safety targets, the government and transport industry stakeholders are expected to intensify efforts to implement sustainable reforms that prioritise lives over profits.
Source - The Herald
