Staff Writer
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has expressed concern over remarks by a senior government official who recently said illegal pirate taxis were providing good services to commuters in Harare and Bulawayo.
In a statement, PAZ said more should be done to address the shortage of reliable transport in the country.
“The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe notes with concern recent remarks by Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, downplaying the ongoing public transport crisis,”read the statement.
“By stating that illegal pirate taxis, commonly known as _mshika-shika_, are “doing well to service commuters” in Harare and Bulawayo, the Minister risks sanitizing operations that operate outside the law, evade tax, and endanger passengers daily.
“PAZ maintains that Zimbabwe is facing a severe transport shortage, particularly in urban areas. The vacuum left by inadequate public transport has allowed unregulated operators to thrive. Passengers continue to report daily incidents of robbery, assault, and unsafe driving involving these illegal operators. The lack of accountability also contributes to road accidents and loss of life, posing a direct threat to public safety and national security.
“We urge the Ministry of Justice and all relevant authorities to address the root cause: the shortage of safe, affordable, and regulated public transport. Dismissing the crisis undermines the lived experiences of millions of commuters who cannot afford private transport and are forced to use unsafe alternatives.”
While addressing parliament last week, Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said there is no transport crisis in Zimbabwe as pirate taxis, better-known as Mshika-shika are doing well to service commuters in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
Ziyambi was responding to lawmakers during Wednesday’s question and answer session in the National Assembly, who quizzed him on measures the government is undertaking to address challenges in the public transport sector.
Ziyambi said the government solution to the crisis was liberalising the sector and allowing private players.
“The transport sector in Zimbabwe was liberalised. However, the government was also a player in the transport industry, and we believe that progressively, those players that are in the industry should be able to meet the demand for transporting our commuters. Currently, I do not believe that we have a very significant crisis in terms of transportation in the country,” Ziyambi said.