News / National
Zupco settles outstanding salaries
05 Jan 2025 at 14:38hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) has made significant progress in addressing its financial obligations to employees, paying three salary instalments in December 2024 as part of efforts to clear outstanding wages. The move, which coincided with the festive season, is expected to restore morale among the public transporter's workforce.
Employees confirmed receiving the instalments, with the third payment arriving just before Christmas. "The US dollar outstanding component has been paid off, and only a few months' salaries remain unpaid. This has been good news for us as workers," a Zupco employee told NewsDay.
Zupco chief executive George Chigora confirmed the payments, emphasizing the company's commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
"I can confirm that Zupco has fulfilled its obligations regarding the US dollar salaries component. In December alone, we made three payments. This has uplifted our workers and ensured their dedication to duty," Chigora said.
He added that the company successfully serviced rural routes during the festive season and maintained its focus on providing affordable transport rates.
Chigora highlighted improvements in Zupco's cash flow, crediting timely payments from debtors and a focus on operational efficiency.
"My priority has been workers' welfare. I've personally visited depots nationwide to update employees on the realities we face. Every depot must be self-financing and profitable for its workforce, and we're achieving this despite the nation's economic challenges," he stated.
Zupco's recent improvements follow its transfer to the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), as part of a government initiative to revive the struggling state enterprise. MIF chief executive John Mangudya confirmed that Zupco operations were being closely monitored, with strategies in place to enhance financial sustainability.
"We are committed to Zupco's turnaround through a framework of good corporate governance, accountability, and transparency," Mangudya said.
He added that the fund was addressing Zupco's legacy debt obligations to ensure the company operates profitably.
With more than 1,200 employees and a fleet of 300 buses covering urban, rural, and intercity routes, Zupco is a critical component of Zimbabwe's public transport system. The company's efforts to improve worker welfare and operational efficiency mark a significant step in its recovery journey.
As Zupco continues to navigate economic challenges, its leadership remains optimistic about its ability to sustain operations, improve profitability, and deliver better services to Zimbabweans nationwide.
Employees confirmed receiving the instalments, with the third payment arriving just before Christmas. "The US dollar outstanding component has been paid off, and only a few months' salaries remain unpaid. This has been good news for us as workers," a Zupco employee told NewsDay.
Zupco chief executive George Chigora confirmed the payments, emphasizing the company's commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
"I can confirm that Zupco has fulfilled its obligations regarding the US dollar salaries component. In December alone, we made three payments. This has uplifted our workers and ensured their dedication to duty," Chigora said.
He added that the company successfully serviced rural routes during the festive season and maintained its focus on providing affordable transport rates.
Chigora highlighted improvements in Zupco's cash flow, crediting timely payments from debtors and a focus on operational efficiency.
"My priority has been workers' welfare. I've personally visited depots nationwide to update employees on the realities we face. Every depot must be self-financing and profitable for its workforce, and we're achieving this despite the nation's economic challenges," he stated.
Zupco's recent improvements follow its transfer to the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), as part of a government initiative to revive the struggling state enterprise. MIF chief executive John Mangudya confirmed that Zupco operations were being closely monitored, with strategies in place to enhance financial sustainability.
"We are committed to Zupco's turnaround through a framework of good corporate governance, accountability, and transparency," Mangudya said.
He added that the fund was addressing Zupco's legacy debt obligations to ensure the company operates profitably.
With more than 1,200 employees and a fleet of 300 buses covering urban, rural, and intercity routes, Zupco is a critical component of Zimbabwe's public transport system. The company's efforts to improve worker welfare and operational efficiency mark a significant step in its recovery journey.
As Zupco continues to navigate economic challenges, its leadership remains optimistic about its ability to sustain operations, improve profitability, and deliver better services to Zimbabweans nationwide.
Source - newsday
