Story by Jeremiah Gora
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development yesterday issued a statement announcing a revision of the radius-based restrictions for kombis, reducing the limit from 120km to 60km, effective September 3, 2024.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona (MP), announced the new development in a Press Statement, outlining the revised radius restrictions for kombis.
The Ministry highlighted in a statement that the new regulation is intended to reduce road traffic accidents involving kombis, emphasizing the importance of safety on the roads.
“As the Ministry endeavors to mitigate against road traffic crashes involving kombis, a policy position has been taken to review the current radius based restrictions for kombis on the issuance of route permits from 120km to 60km with effect from the 3rd of September 2024 for operators seeking new permits. This is one of the many robust policies, regulatory and administrative mechanisms being adopted to improve the country’s road safety regime,” read the statement.
Furthermore, the Ministry urged commuters intending to travel beyond 60km to utilize high-capacity buses for their journeys.
“Thus, it implies that all 26 seater kombis and below will be restricted to offer transport services within a radius of distances not exceeding 60km. We urge all commuters traveling beyond the the 60km radius to use transport services offered by high capacity buses. These buses are more predictable, reliable, comfortable and more consistent than the quality of service offered by kombis on long distance routes. Buses also have greater leg space and baggage space for long distance travelers than kombis, which makes buses more ideal for long distance journeys,” said the statement.
The kombis are also mandated to install speed limiting and monitoring devices in terms of Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023.
“Further, the kombis operating within the 60km radius are prohibited from operating without installation of speed limiting and monitoring devices in terms of Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023,which prescribes that no person shall operate or drive on any road, a passenger public service vehicle registered in Zimbabwe, unless both of the devices are fitted to the vehicle. All inspection officers should adhere to this law and ensure that no kombi operator, driver or owner is issued with certificate of fitness unless both devices are fitted with to the kombis. All law enforcement officers should ensure that all kombis are in compliance as prescribed by the law,” said the statement.
The statement expressed deep concern regarding kombis and mushika-shika picking up passengers at undesignated points, leading to significant damage to the road shoulders, and urged law enforcement officers to take action by enforcing the law and apprehending the offenders.
Minister Mhona announced that kombi operators will be issued route permits allowing them to provide passenger transport services for distances of up to 60 kilometers.
He also stated that route permits issued prior to this announcement will remain valid and continue to be legal until their expiration date.
The Minister concluded by urging motorists, transport operators, and passengers to remain vigilant against road traffic violations, particularly over speeding, overloading, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles, emphasizing that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
