Zimbos online have expressed mixed sentiments over plans by the Government to increase the kombi driver age limit to 30.
The Kombi Menace In Zimbabwe
Kombis have become a menace in recent times, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has had to effect operations to clamp down on them. Some drive unroadworthy vehicles, while others ferry passengers with no proper documentation.
Because Harare’s roads have become deeply congested, some drivers flout road rules and rush to beat “targets”, risking commuters’ lives.
In its 2023 Annual Road Traffic Crash Statistics report, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe revealed that 2,099 people died from 51,924 accidents. About 9,955 people sustained injuries.
With a massive chunk of these accidents involving kombis and buses, the Government has resolved to push the drivers’ age limit up.
Government To Increase The Kombi Driver Age Limit To 30
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona revealed that his ministry is reviewing the age limit for bus and kombi drivers to combat traffic accident scourge on the roads.
He explained:
“I am sure the legal department in my Ministry is working with the Attorney General in that regard, and we are saying that for public vehicles, we were sticking to 25 years, and we are now advocating for an increase. Within the SADC region, the minimum age is 30 years for public service vehicles, and that will then address the overzealousness of some of the drivers who are driving our public service vehicles.
“We are losing close to 2,000 per annum in terms of fatalities, which is not sustainable, and when it comes to the monetary element, we are losing close to US$406 million per year towards fatalities, injuries, hospitalisations, and even causing unnecessary burden to beneficiaries.”
Zimbos Online Disagree
Social media users felt increasing the age limit to 30 for kombi and bus drivers might not be the best solution.
Lameck:
“The correlation of age and reckless driving of public transport is negligible.”
Lionel:
“First step [should be] towards safe roads in Zimbabwe. I think the second must be tightening the screws on issuing drivers licences.”
Prince:
“Silly policies. 18-year-olds get guns as soldiers, we have doctors in their twenties, all other drivers at 16 – but then ‘only 30 yr olds for kombis.’ Clueless policymakers…!”
Shumi:
“Bla bla bla. Enforce the laws chete. There’s no law enforcement pa road when it comes kuzvima kombi and zvimishika shika.”
Dee:
“The roads have never been this bad, even under Ian Smith! Fix the roads, issue licenses on merit, not bribery, enforce the laws, and all will be well.”
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