People involved in agricultural activities at Ruti irrigation scheme said they failed to sell their agricultural products at competitive prices because of the sad state of the roads. Zivanai Muremba said marketing produce at Murambinda growth point almost impossible as commuters shun the area because of the terrible roads.
“We only have a few unreliable kombis plying this route. It is not their fault because the roads are very bad. Because they are used mainly by scotch carts, which further damage them, the few commuters that do business here charge exorbitant fares.”
Councillor Charles Mukanwa from Buhera South said because communities have no option but use the available means of transport, commuter omnibus operators are fleecing the already poor communities through high fares. “Transport is indeed a challenge and commuters from this area pay $7 for a distance of around 70km. Sub- standard vehicles are used in this area and communities have no option but use them,” said Mukanwa.