The Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s decision to reduce the operational radius for kombis from 120 kilometers to 60 kilometers marks a significant intervention in the country’s ongoing battle against road traffic accidents. This policy shift, effective from September 3, 2024, is not merely an administrative adjustment but a calculated move aimed at enhancing road safety by limiting the operational scope of 26-seater kombis and below.
At the heart of this decision lies a fundamental concern: the safety of passengers and other road users. Kombis, which have long been a staple of Zimbabwe’s public transport system, are often implicated in traffic incidents, particularly on long-distance routes. By restricting these vehicles to shorter routes, the Ministry seeks to minimize the likelihood of accidents, recognizing that kombis, due to their size and operational conditions, are less suited for long-distance travel compared to high-capacity buses.
The directive to install speed-limiting and monitoring devices on all kombis operating within the new 60 km radius further underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing stricter safety standards. This requirement, mandated by Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, is intended to curb the high incidence of speeding and reckless driving associated with kombi operators. The effectiveness of this measure will largely depend on the rigor of its enforcement. The Ministry’s insistence that no kombi will be issued a certificate of fitness without these devices highlights a proactive approach to ensuring compliance.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, this policy could also have broader implications for the public transport landscape in Zimbabwe. Encouraging the use of high-capacity buses for long-distance travel could lead to a more organized and reliable transport system, reducing congestion and the wear and tear on road infrastructure caused by the frequent stops and starts typical of kombis. However, the success of this policy will hinge on the availability and efficiency of these buses to meet the increased demand for long-distance travel.
The Ministry’s concern over the damage to road infrastructure caused by kombis and unauthorized vehicles, such as mushika-shika, picking and dropping passengers at non-designated points, also reflects a broader strategy to protect the country’s investment in its road network. By enforcing the use of designated stops, the Ministry aims to preserve the integrity of recently refurbished roads, ensuring that they serve their intended lifespan without unnecessary damage.
In conclusion, the reduction of the kombi route radius to 60 kilometers is a well-considered response to the pressing issues of road safety and infrastructure preservation in Zimbabwe. While the policy is likely to face challenges in terms of enforcement and public acceptance, its potential benefits in reducing road traffic accidents and improving the overall efficiency of the public transport system make it a critical step forward. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s focus on collaboration with traffic law enforcement agencies, road traffic safety actors, and the general public will be crucial in realizing the full impact of these new regulations.
