Zupco to import spare parts for 100 grounded buses

Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) CEO George Chigora has revealed plans to import spare parts for 100 grounded buses, as the public transporter seeks to revitalize its fleet and improve service delivery.

In an interview with NewsDay Weekender, Chigora disclosed that the company's fleet consists of 400 buses, but 100 of them are currently out of service due to a shortage of spare parts, tyres, and other essential components.

"Our fleet is made up of 400 buses, and out of these, 100 buses are grounded due to lack of spares, tyres, among others," Chigora said. "We are working on plans to take them back on the road again and service all our routes effectively."

Chigora emphasized that Zupco is taking proactive steps to import the necessary spare parts independently, which will help the company avoid higher costs associated with third-party suppliers.

"We have made plans to import spares on our own as a company," he explained. "Logistically, it is going to help us save financially than going through third parties, where taxes will be doubled on our part. Our procurement and loss control departments are working on modalities to help us curb financial leakages."

The company is targeting to have the grounded buses back on the road by the first half of 2025.

In addition to repairing grounded buses, Zupco is also planning to expand its fleet. Chigora indicated that the company intends to purchase more 30-seater buses specifically for intercity routes, aimed at providing better service during off-peak times.

"We need a smaller capacity fleet that will service these routes during off-peak times. It will help us to effectively service our routes as a public transporter," he said.

Zupco has faced financial challenges, including debt recovery issues, which have impacted its operations and worker morale. However, Chigora is optimistic about the future, noting that financial inflows are improving thanks to strong government support.

"Our financial inflows are improving, and we are grateful for the support we are getting from the government as a major shareholder," Chigora said. "Zupco is being owed some monies by debtors that I am personally pushing to pay what is due to us."

Chigora also mentioned that the company aims to ensure that every depot is self-financing and profitable, which will boost morale among workers.

"We are winning despite the economic crunch," he added, highlighting the company's efforts to turn around its operations.

Some Zupco workers have welcomed the move to import spares, expressing hope that the repaired buses will help address gaps in service, particularly on urban-rural routes.

"Zupco buses are mainly for hiring due to low costs, and we hope that the grounded buses will be repaired on time to continue urban-rural routes that have been neglected of late," said a worker, speaking anonymously.

Earlier this year, Zupco was moved under the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) as part of efforts to boost its operations. MIF CEO John Mangudya said the fund is closely monitoring Zupco's performance and working towards a sustainable, profit-driven model.

"Mutapa Investment Fund is committed to seeing Zupco operations improving through good corporate governance, accountability, and transparency," Mangudya said in a written response. "Legacy debt obligations of the company are being addressed as part of modern operations focused on profit margins."

With these strategic moves, Zupco aims to regain its former stature as a major player in Zimbabwe's public transport sector.