Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – City of Masvingo’s decision to consolidate taxi and commuter omnibus operations at a temporary rank has triggered concerns over sanitation, security, congestion and the impact on transport operators’ livelihoods.
The new taxi rank is located along Leopold Takawira Avenue behind Chicken Inn.
The new rank, which is reportedly accommodating taxi operators and commuter omnibuses from Masvingo urban and surrounding areas, is operating with only one council toilet situated at the Civic Centre which users say is far, outdated and in a poor state.
The concerns come as the local authority intensifies efforts to remove illegal taxi bays from the central business district (CBD) and restore order in the city.
Commuters said the absence of street lights at the temporary rank was particularly worrying, with some fearing that the poorly lit environment could expose passengers to theft and other attacks, especially during early morning and evening hours.
“This place is in down town and unusually busy but there are no street lights, and that is a serious concern for us. We fear that criminals may take advantage of the darkness to steal from people or attack commuters,” said one commuter, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Taxi operators also complained that the new site does not have adequate parking space, resulting in congestion and confusion.
Some operators said the relocation had made it difficult for them to access their traditional customer base in the CBD, with some describing the move as a threat to their livelihoods.
“The place is too small and there is a lot of confusion. Passengers themselves do not know where to go, while we are also struggling to find parking space,” said taxi driver Kudakwashe Chirima
He said moving transport operators away from areas where passengers traditionally board taxis and kombis could affect their income.
“For us, this is our livelihood. If customers cannot easily find us, it means we will not be able to cash anything at the end of the day,” Chirima said.
The sanitation situation has also raised concern, with operators questioning whether the existing toilet facilities are adequate for the large number of transport workers and commuters now using the area.
However, Masvingo Mayor Councillor Aleck Tabe defended the move, saying the site was only a temporary arrangement as council works to bring law and order to the CBD.
Tabe said council was aware of the challenges at the site and indicated that the toilet would soon undergo renovations.
“It is a temporary place. We are working on bringing law and order in town, and the toilet will also be renovated soon,” Tabe said.
The mayor’s comments come as council pushes to eliminate illegal taxi bays that have been operating at various points in the CBD, including around Pick n Pay, OK, Cimrac, opposite Masvingo Glow towards Guni House and behind the combi rank near Victoria Hotel.
Council says the enforcement drive is intended to restore order, free up parking spaces and ensure that transporters operate within the city’s legal framework.
The relocation is also taking place ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, which Masvingo is scheduled to host in September.
While council maintains that the changes are aimed at improving order in the city, taxi operators and commuters are now calling for adequate infrastructure, including sufficient parking, functional toilets and street lighting, before the temporary arrangement becomes permanent.
