Kombi operators evicted

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POLICE in Gwanda moved in to evict commuter operators from the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway (BBR) taxi rank to the Old Renkini bus terminus in Jahunda.

POLICE in Gwanda yesterday moved in to evict commuter operators from the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway (BBR) taxi rank to the Old Renkini bus terminus in Jahunda.

OWN CORRESPONDENT

The BBR taxi rank is located in the central business district (CBD) and commuter operators had argued for over a month that relocating would push them out of business.

They had also resisted the decision to move them, but a group of 10 cops led by senior officers moved into the BBR rank and ordered the commuter operators to abide by the municipal decision or face arrest.

The commuter operators had moved to the Bulawayo rank in protest over the decision to relocate them causing pandemonium before they finally obliged.

Operators led by BBR Taxis Association chairperson Stuck Malemane and his deputy Sibangani Ncube said they obliged under protest as they felt council had ignored their pleas to remain in the CBD. Council argued that the BBR taxi rank posed a health hazard as it had no toilet facilities and its continued use had led to congestion in town.

Some commuter operators could be heard saying the decision was motivated by personal vendettas.

Council recently started operating MaNkomo beer hall and some argued that the move was meant to push up sales for the cash-strapped municipality.

Others argued the decision would cause traffic congestion along Big Ben Road which connects Old Renkini to the CBD.

A fortnight ago, three people died on the same road following a collision between two public transport vehicles.

Gwanda mayor Knowledge Ndlovu said council would rehabilitate another road leading to Old Renkini to ease congestion.