Only a fraction of Bulawayo's 3,000 kombis operating legally

Bulawayo City Council has raised alarm over the growing influence of illegal transport operators and space barons, revealing that only a small fraction of the estimated 3,000 commuter omnibuses operating in the city have formal route approvals.

The local authority says the proliferation of illegal operators is contributing to severe traffic congestion, lawlessness and significant losses in municipal revenue, while undermining efforts to modernise the city's public transport system.

Responding to written questions, Nesisa Mpofu described the situation as a major challenge facing the city.

"Illegal transport operators and space barons are a serious problem in the City as they are major drivers of congestion, lawlessness and lost revenue," she said.

The problem is particularly evident at unauthorised pick-up and drop-off points within the central business district, especially along Sixth Avenue, where commuter omnibuses continue to operate despite the availability of formal transport facilities.

According to the council, illegal ranks have become major congestion hotspots during peak periods.

"Illegal pick-up points such as 6th Avenue have become un-trafficable especially during peak hours because of congestion, motorists making detours, accidents involving pushcarts and kombis are common," Mpofu said.

She warned that the activities of illegal transport operators are having broader social and economic consequences.

"Illegal transport operators block pavements, attract touts, alcohol and drug activity, and this affects formal businesses as customers will be avoiding these areas," she said.

The revelations come amid concerns over the continued underutilisation of the multi-million-dollar Egodini Bus Terminus, which was redeveloped to serve as the city's primary public transport hub.

Despite the investment, many operators continue to use undesignated pick-up points instead of formal ranks.

Mpofu attributed the problem largely to non-compliance with Government regulations governing public transport operations.

"Egodini Terminus is being underutilised due to lack of compliance from public transport operators," she said.

She noted that following a Government directive issued on May 19, 2022, public transport operators outside the ZUPCO framework were required to form associations or companies to operate legally from designated ranks.

"As such operators permitted to operate from formal ranks must be registered and operating under an association/company. Some operators have not complied with the Government directive as such they find themselves operating from undesignated points," she said.

The council also identified resistance from operators as one of the biggest obstacles to restoring order in the sector.

"Resistance from operators to comply with public transport regulations," Mpofu said when asked about the city's primary challenge.

Urban planners and business leaders have previously warned that the growth of illegal transport operations is undermining investment in transport infrastructure while creating unsafe conditions for both commuters and motorists.

In response to worsening congestion, the council says it is pursuing long-term infrastructure improvements aimed at easing traffic flow in the city centre.

"To improve traffic flow in the CBD, Council has seen it prudent to widen Basch Street and engagement of private land owners who will be affected by the proposed widening has commenced as construction works are also expected to commence soon," Mpofu said.

The latest disclosures are expected to intensify calls for stricter enforcement against illegal transport operators and space barons, whose activities continue to frustrate efforts to regulate public transport and maximise the use of formal infrastructure.

With traffic congestion worsening and complaints from residents and businesses mounting, pressure is growing on authorities to restore order to Bulawayo's transport sector and ensure compliance with existing regulations.