Date: 6 June 2012
Contact:
Emmanuel Ndlovu
Programmes
and Advocacy Manager
Bulawayo
Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
BULAWAYO Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) views the backtracking
by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) on its decision to extend the deadline for
motorists to acquire new license discs as a sign that the institution takes the
people of Zimbabwe for granted. BPRA also sees the decision as an indication of
confusion among the leadership at the institution. ZINARA last Wednesday moved
the deadline for motorists to get the discs from 31 May 2012 to 30 June 2012 citing
that there was need to afford motorists more time to acquire them as outlets
providing them were being overwhelmed. The institution however reneged on its
word yesterday when it announced that the deadline extension had been
cancelled. This means that with immediate effect motorists without the new discs
will be liable to a fine of $20 if they run into the police.
BPRA is concerned that the cancelation of the deadline
extension will result in a police blitz on motor vehicles to target drivers who
have not yet obtained the new discs, which would be tantamount to extorting
money from motorists. This is particularly problematic as the traffic police
have proven to be corrupt and usually solicit for bribes from motorists. The
ZINARA move could thus in essence fuel the corruption that is prevalent on the
country’s roads.
It is also BPRA’s contention that motorists have not been
given enough time to access the new discs. Worse still, in Bulawayo, the only
two Zimpost outlets, the Main Post Office and Famona Post Office, that are
providing them are being overwhelmed with scores of drivers turned away today
(Wednesday 6 June 2012). BPRA thus calls on ZINARA to revert to its earlier
decision to extend the deadline. Secondly, BPRA urges the Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP) Traffic Section to spare motorists who have not yet obtained the
license discs from paying fines.
Signed
.........................................................
Mr Emmanuel Ndlovu
Programmes and Advocacy
Manager
Bulawayo Progressive
Residents Association (BPRA)
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