Kombi operators have pleaded with the government to be allocated specific service stations where they can buy fuel.
Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO) met the Minister of Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi on Thursday where it presented its petition.
The organisation’s secretary general Ngoni Katsvairo said:
We came here to ask the Government for assistance to access diesel easily so we can serve commuters. If there could be a few service stations set aside for registered kombis, it would improve the transport situation in the country.
Chasi told the Kombi operators that the government does not have the authority to tell fuel retailers to serve kombi vehicles only. He directed them to the Ministry of Finance. Said Chasi:
My ministry cannot facilitate fuel subsidies, but kombi operators can approach the Ministry of Finance with a concept note and argue their case. I am sure they will be granted an audience.
The kombi operators had offered Minister Chasi their vehicles to work under the ZUPCO franchise if the government needed more vehicles.