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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Bureau
GWERU commuter omnibus operators are mulling hiking fares after companies in the vehicle accessories business increased prices for spare parts by more that 100 percent in the last few months.

In an interview, Gweru Transport Association vice chairman Mr Richard Mudzinga said commuter omnibus operators were facing viability challenges due to an increase in prices of spare parts. Mr Mudzinga said if the prices continued to surge, they would be forced to hike fares.

Fares for Ascot, Mambo and Mtapa high-density suburbs to town are 30c, while all other routes, which include Mkoba suburbs, are 50c. Mr Mudzinga said spare parts prices had shot up by more than 100 percent in recent months, while they have maintained the fares at the same level.

“As Gweru commuter omnibus operators we are starting to feel the heat of the shortage of foreign currency. The companies that sell us spare parts are saying that they import these parts from South Africa. Spare parts prices have increased by over 100 percent in the past three months or so, yet we are still charging the same fares,” he said.

Gweru residents have expressed concern over the proposition by commuter operators to hike fees. The residents association’s president, Mr Cornilia Selipiwe, said commuters, like any other Zimbabwean, were also feeling the pinch due to the economic situation and most companies were operating below capacity.  Mr Selipiwe said commuter omnibus operators run the risk of going out of business as most people will shun kombis for pirate taxis.

“We do understand that the shortage of foreign currency is affecting every sector of the economy and productivity,” he said. “Their argument is very valid. However, they should understand that servicing of vehicles and spare parts replacement is not done every day. It is different from fuel.

“So, in whatever they are going to do, they should understand that the current economic situation is not only affecting them, but everyone. If they hike fares, people will be forced to resort to other means and modes of transport.”