Source: Association decries arrest of e-Hailing drivers – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe e-Hailing Transport Association has called for an immediate end to arbitrary harassment and targeting of e-hailing transport operators by the City of Harare and other local authorities.
In a statement, ZETA Information and Publicity Department representative Mr Thomas Bwakura said the association supported regulation of the sector but opposed unfair, inconsistent and excessive enforcement against drivers.
E-Hailing services in Zimbabwe include Indrive, Bolt and Tap & Go.
“We are not opposed to regulation. We are opposed to unfair, inconsistent, arbitrary, excessive or discriminatory enforcement,” Mr Bwakura said.
This comes amid growing tensions between e-hailing operators and local authority enforcement officials over the regulation and operation of technology-based transport services.
Mr Bwakura said recent arrests, vehicle impoundments and enforcement operations had created uncertainty and anxiety among drivers who rely on e-hailing for their livelihoods.
He said where an operator was suspected of breaking the law, authorities should follow proper legal procedures.
“Enforcement must be based on clearly identified legal requirements, due process, proportionality and equal application of the law,” he said.
Mr Bwakura said they were aware that passenger transport was subject to various regulatory requirements, including driver compliance, vehicle registration, roadworthiness, certificates of fitness and licensing.
However, he said that regulation should be transparent, fair and proportionate.
Mr Bwakura also called for the establishment of a National E-Hailing Transport Stakeholder Engagement Platform bringing together the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, local authorities, law-enforcement agencies, transport regulators, e-hailing platforms, ZETA and other stakeholders.
The platform, he said, will help develop a clear, transparent, fair, practical and nationally coordinated regulatory framework for the sector.
Mr Bwakura said ZETA was also seeking a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to formalise Government-industry cooperation.
Mr Bwakura said the proposed agreement will cover regulatory and compliance education, road safety, passenger protection, dispute resolution, policy development, information sharing and industry development.
“ZETA believes that structured cooperation, consultation and education are more effective and sustainable than repeated confrontations between enforcement authorities and e-hailing operators,” he said.
Mr Bwakura said e-hailing has become an important component of Zimbabwe’s urban transport system, providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while improving access to transport for passengers.
He said the sector has implications for tourism, business travel and investment by providing visitors, businesspeople and investors with technology-enabled transport services.
Mr Bwakura called for e-hailing to be incorporated into the country’s broader transport policy and regulatory planning.
The association has also formally written to Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume seeking engagement over the treatment and operating environment of e-hailing operators in the capital.
Mr Bwakura said responsibilities between central Government, local authorities, transport regulators, law-enforcement agencies, technology platforms and industry representatives needed to be clearly defined to reduce regulatory uncertainty.
At the same time, he urged the members to remain calm and law-abiding during enforcement operations.
“Operators are urged not to obstruct lawful enforcement officers, unlawfully resist arrest or engage in confrontation,” Mr Bwakura said.
He also called on enforcement officials to exercise restraint and conduct operations professionally and proportionately.
Among its demands, ZETA wants the development of comprehensive e-hailing transport legislation, nationally coordinated operating standards, regulatory education for both drivers and enforcement officers, and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He said the association was prepared to engage Government and other stakeholders to establish a properly regulated and sustainable e-hailing industry.
“Our objective is not confrontation. Our objective is to build a safe, regulated, professional, inclusive and sustainable e-hailing transport industry that protects drivers, passengers, the public interest and Zimbabwe’s economic development objectives,” Mr Bwakura said.
He said the sector did not need to remain either unregulated or defined by conflict but required clear rules and coordinated enforcement.
COMMENTS