I have read with interest the issue of the governments intention to ban the importation of second-hand vehicles into Zimbabwe.
Japan is the largest car manufacturer in the world, with a comprehensive finance scheme as well as very low interest rates, sometimes averaging less than 2%. The world over, including well developed countries in the E U, Americas, Canada and Australia all have access to second-hand vehicles from Japan.
Lets not forget that these countries also have their own vehicle manufacturing plants, which we do not have, and access to vehicle credit schemes. Our neighbours in South Africa have more than five vehicle manufacturing plants and well developed finance schemes where, in some cases, you get a brand new vehicle with zero deposit. Banning second-hand
vehicle imports in the aforementioned states would make sense because they have industries to protect.
It would be nave to talk of protecting Willowvale they merely assembler, they do not manufacture. They only cater (at present) for middle or top income earners. They do not even have finance schemes that can enable low income earners to purchase vehicles on credit. In South Africa you have vehicle credit schemes for as low as R700 per month on brand new vehicles.
We are getting it wrong – blaming accidents on second hand vehicles. Our road network hasnt been improved in the last 20 years and yet Harare has grown enormously in the same period. Apart from Harare, take Masvingo Road for instance that is one hell of a road. You drive with your life in your hands. Traffic lights I dont remember the last time I went round Harare and saw all traffic lights working.
Most of the models coming from Japan are models from the mid 90s and they have much life in them, regardless of their age and mileage – mainly because they have been properly maintained. Its much easier for a brand new vehicle to lose 10% of its value as it goes out of the showroom in Japan. A properly maintained vehicle can reach 500,000 km without any problems, provided it is properly maintained. I have seen vehicles less than 10 yrs old that look 30yrs old.
The problem is not the age of the vehicle it is the condition of the vehicle that is of paramount importance. The Ministry of Transport must consult widely before arbitrarily banning second hand vehicles. They must also develop a policy framework for this purpose.
Lets put our act together before we start blaming second-hand vehicles for accidents. Zimbabwe also needs to take care of people in low and middle-income. The following must be in place :
– Vehicle car schemes (credit with repayments over 3 and 5 years)
– We must have a comprehensive scheme for civil servants
Lets start to be open-minded and be objective. We need investment in vehicle manufacturing before we can start thinking of banning second hand vehicles. Lets have a policy in place before year end that can be implemented on 1 January 2012.
This is what we need
I would suggest the following:-
– All second hand vehicle imports must have a pre-shipment inspection report
– All second hand vehicle must have a maximum of 150,000km on clock
– All second hand vehicles must pass through VID on import, get issued with a Certificate of Fitness before they are licensed by City of Harare for road use. (Min of Transport must set a minimum charge for this dependent on the type of vehicle, say $100 for private small vehicles, $200 for minibuses and $300 for heavy transport – buses, haulage trucks – These funds are then used to improve road infrastructure).
– All kombis and buses must have speed restriction devices fitted before they are certified for road use.
Post published in: News