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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Residents in Masvingo have called on Government to re-introduce Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) buses in urban centres to cushion commuters from exorbitant fares being charged by commuter omnibus following the fuel increase announced last week.

They said the re-introduction of the urban buses would bring back competition which would force commuter omnibuses to reduce their fares.

A female nurse from Runyararo West said life was now unbearable as she was now paying $4 up from $1 to commute to and from work on a daily basis since fuel prices were increased.

“We are now at the mercy of unscrupulous pirate taxis and kombis,” she said.

“I cannot afford to pay $2 per trip every day, we need Zupco buses back.”

Masvingo United Ratepayers and Residents Alliance spokesperson Mr Godfrey Mutimba said it was incumbent upon the Government to address the plight of workers through reintroduction of public buses.

“A number of workers did not get any pay increase, yet prices of goods and services have been going up constantly,” he said.

“The kombi fare increases to $2 from 50 cents are not sustainable and we appeal to the powers that be to reintroduce urban buses.