Mandara residents appeal for a bus.

Residents in the leafy surburb of Mandara have been at pains to get home after their second Zupco bus was withdrawn. They now have to do with one bus “Mebo” which is dilapidated and out of service most o the time due to constant breakdowns. After the unveiling of Zupco buses by government to alleviate the transport crisis ,residents had been hopeful of a smooth bus operation in the area. Indeed two buses were allocated and would ferry people to and from town.

Sad reality however hit the residents when one of the buses was withdrawn leaving people to languish with only one bus. It is certainly not enough to carry all the residents who at times have to walk long distances to get to the designated pick up points. Mebo carries people from Eastlea, Rhodesville, Kamfinsa,Mandara shops,Riverton and Chikurubi.

The numbers are simply overwhelming and most people are finding it difficult to get home early as they have to look for cheap alternatives to kombis. The Zupco inspectors have also been uncooperative in terms of sourcing another bus for Mandara residents.

One lady confirmed the issue to this publication and said that only Mandara resident remain at Rezende bus terminus even after 8pm an it is only after the other buses have finished their daily trips that they consider deviating routes to ferry people from Mandara. The situation is quite sad considering that people now had to get home at odd hours and yet Mandara has become notorious of criminal activities during that time.

Residents have been calling on responsible authorities to avail another bus or other buses so as to resolve the transport crisis. The two Zupco kombis for Mandara have since disappeared leaving residents stranded.