City of Harare Unveils Bold 3-Year Plan To Ban Kombis and Pirate Taxis

This strategic move forms part of the newly adopted Harare Master Plan (2025-2045) aimed at creating a more organised urban transit system.

Addressing Transportation Challenges

City planners cite numerous concerns driving these changes, including Rampant traffic violations by informal transport operators. They shared that the alarming rise in road accidents, attributed to reckless kombi drivers, and the ban will help alleviate chronic congestion in the Central Business District. Inadequate maintenance of existing transport infrastructure will be better addressed after kombis are banned.

ALSO READ: 6 Years For Bulawayo Woman Who Took Advantage Of Armed Robbery To Steal US$24K

Current data reveals that approximately 50% of Harare residents rely on kombis and pirate taxis for daily commuting, while 28.5% use private vehicles and 16.9% walk to their destinations.

Controversial Transition Timeline

The master plan outlines two key policies:

“Policy 109 mandates the complete removal of commuter omnibuses from Harare roads within 36 months. Policy 110 institutes an immediate prohibition on all unauthorized pirate taxi operations.”

This transition marks a significant reversal of Zimbabwe’s 1993 transport deregulation under the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), which originally permitted private operators to compete with the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).

Industry Stakeholders Voice Concerns

Transport associations have expressed reservations about the proposed changes. Frederick Maguramhinga of the Zimbabwe Union for Drivers and Conductors warned:

“An aggressive implementation without proper alternatives will create more problems than solutions. Our road infrastructure can’t support an immediate shift to buses, and commuters can’t wait hours for limited public transport.”

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, led by Tafadzwa Goliath, suggested municipal authorities should prioritize basic infrastructure improvements before eliminating essential transport services.

ALSO READ: Bulawayo Man, 21, Commits Suicide Over Cooking Oil

Comprehensive Transport Overhaul

The master plan includes additional provisions, including a ban on three-wheeled taxis (tuk-tuks) as public transport. They have called for mandatory GPS tracking for all ride-hailing services.

Revitalisation of six major bus termini in the CBD is called for, as well as advocacy for non-motorised transport infrastructure.

City planners emphasise the need for proportional allocation of Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) funds based on vehicle registrations to improve road conditions and support the transition.