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Herald Reporters

Fifty new Zupco buses allocated to Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central provinces were commissioned yesterday bringing relief to passengers ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Nokuthula Matsikenyere commissioned 20 buses while her Mashonaland Central counterpart, Monica Mavhunga handed over 10 buses.

Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Aplonia Munzverengwi commissioned 20 buses at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.

In Manicaland, the commissioning of the buses, allocated by President Mnangagwa, coincided with the provincial day of prayer at the Manicaland Agricultural Showgrounds in Mutare.

Government officials, Zupco provincial secretariat and church leaders from different denominations attended.

Minister Matsikenyere said the allocation of the buses confirmed Government’s commitment to availing affordable and reliable public transport to its citizens.

“President Mnangagwa is working hard to fulfil his promises of providing adequate public transport to all Zimbabweans. We thank him and Government for remembering us, and we hope they will continue gifting us with more buses in the near future.

“We also pray that the drivers who will be driving them will be careful on the road to ensure commuters’ safety,” she said.

The day was meant for prayer intercessions for less road carnage during the upcoming festive season.

“Prayer is important, and we should always be on our knees praying. Today, we pray for the country, and we also pray for the safety of all road users. The upsurge in road traffic accidents is very worrisome and we need to continue praying for their reduction, a reason why we have called our church leaders and their members here.

“As we reflect on these road traffic tragedies, let us confront the reality that road accidents have been happening at an alarming rate and the our society appears to accept the myth that they are an act of God over which we have no control.

“I, however, refute that myth and say accidents are caused, and they are therefore preventable. We must prevent them this festive season and always.

“Unnecessary loss of lives on the roads brings pain to everyone, and this is why we have asked the church to intercede to God for us,” said Minister Matsikenyere. Church leaders and other stakeholders in the province should select road safety champions among themselves.

Secretary-general of Zimbabwe Indigenous National Council of Churches Bishop Amon Zihowe implored church leaders to continue praying for safety on the roads.

“The church should continue praying for our safety on our roads especially here in Manicaland. While there is need to raise awareness among drivers and commuters, there is also urgent need for churches to keep praying on this issue,” he said.

Churches present include Zviratidzo Zvevapostori Church, Jekenisheni, Mugodhi Apostolic Church, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, ZCC and many others.

The addition of 10 more ZUPCO buses to the fleet in Mashonaland Central was a boost for travellers to such areas as Kanyemba, Muzarabani and Mukumbura this festive season.

Commissioning the buses the Minister for State and Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga said the buses would reduce road accidents caused by unroadworthy vehicles which have caused 136 fatalities since January this year. She called on Bindura Municipality to resuscitate Zupco depot in Bindura to enable servicing, management and parking of the fleet.

“All these developments are happening in the Second Republic. Thank you to President Mnangagwa for delivering on the manifesto promises made to the people of Zimbabwe. Some were in doubt thinking the promises were far-fetched but now you see for yourself.”

“Government is supporting the rehabilitation of roads by local authorities. There is urgent need to attend to routes like Mahuhwe-Kanyemba, Dotito-Mukumbura, Dotito-St Albert’s, Matepatepa-Shamva and Shamva-Goora to mention just a few.

Minister Munzverengwi said: “Let us thank President ED Mnangagwa for this wonderful gesture and putting the concerns and needs of his people at the top of his priorities.

“It is my appeal to you all that as we enjoy the services that these buses will provide, let us remember to mask up, sanitise and keep our social distances in line with Covid-19 World Health Organisation regulations.”