WE, in the village, delight in order. There is a structured way of conducting oneself or even doing business. The arrest of 22 000 touts is a very welcome move. In the pursuit of progress and prosperity, order and discipline stand as the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built. I wholeheartedly commend the recent arrest of 22 000 touts. This decisive action by our law enforcement agents is not only a significant step towards restoring public order but also a crucial move to bolster our developmental efforts and ensure the efficient functioning of our public transportation system.
Touting, a practice where unauthorised individuals aggressively solicit passengers for various transport services, has long been a thorn in the flesh of our urban centres. For too long, this illicit activity has created anarchy and insecurity, particularly for villagers like us visiting the cities. The arrest and crackdown on these touts is a welcome development that promises to bring much-needed relief and safety to our public spaces.
The presence of touts disrupts the smooth functioning of our transport systems, thereby impeding economic activities. When villagers travel to cities with goods such as traditional foods, reed mats and handcrafted brooms, they often fall prey to touts who create confusion and anxiety. Instead of a warm welcome, they are met with chaos and disorder, which not only diminishes their experience but also hinders trade and commerce.
The time and energy wasted in navigating through these disturbances could be better spent on productive activities that contribute to our economic growth. Moreover, touting undermines the formal public transport sector, which is a vital component of our economic infrastructure. By operating outside the law, touts siphon off revenue from legitimate transport operators, who are essential for maintaining and improving our transport systems. This loss of revenue has led to a decline in service quality, affecting commuters who rely on these services daily.
The negative ripple effects of such disruptions extend far beyond the transport sector, impacting overall economic stability and growth.
Public safety is a fundamental aspect of any thriving society. The aggressive and often violent behaviour exhibited by touts poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens. Villagers, who travel to cities with valuables, are particularly vulnerable. Incidents of theft, harassment, and physical assault by touts have become all too common, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. This not only deters people from travelling but also affects the psychological well-being of those who have to endure such traumatic experiences.
Touts load pirate taxis at the corner of Leopold Takawira Street and Speke Avenue in Harare.
The presence of touts also compromises the efficiency and reliability of our public transport system. Buses, taxis and other modes of public transport often get delayed as touts scramble to solicit passengers, leading to unnecessary congestion and delays. This inefficiency hampers the daily routines of commuters, causing them to lose valuable time that could be used for productive work. A reliable and efficient public The fight against touting is not just about restoring order; it is about laying the foundation for sustainable development. When public spaces are free from the menace of touts, businesses can thrive, tourism can flourish, and citizens can move about with confidence and security. transport system is essential for the smooth functioning of our economy and the elimination of touting is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The success of any law enforcement initiative hinges on the support and cooperation of the community.
It is heartening to see that the recent crackdown on touts has been met with widespread approval from the public. This collective endorsement underscores the fact that our citizens are yearning for a more orderly and secure environment. It is imperative that we continue to support our law enforcement agents in their efforts to maintain law and order.
In addition to law enforcement, there is a need for community education and awareness programmes to sensitise the public about the dangers of touting and the importance of adhering to legal transport services. By fostering a culture of compliance and respect for the law, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more organised society.
The fight against touting is not just about restoring order; it is about laying the foundation for sustainable development. When public spaces are free from the menace of touts, businesses can thrive, tourism can flourish, and citizens can move about with confidence and security.
Furthermore, the formalisation of the transport sector through the elimination of touting can create more employment opportunities. Legitimate transport operators will be able to expand their services, hire more staff and invest in better infrastructure. This, in turn, will contribute to economic growth and the overall development of our nation.
As we celebrate the progress made in the fight against touting, let us not become complacent. The battle against this menace is far from over and it requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders. I urge our law enforcement agencies to continue their vigilance and crackdown on illegal activities that threaten public safety and order. It is also essential for policymakers to review and strengthen existing laws and regulations governing the transport sector. By implementing stricter penalties for touting and enhancing the capacity of our law enforcement agencies, we can ensure that our cities remain safe and orderly. The arrest of 22 000 touts marks a significant victory in our ongoing quest for order, safety and development.
In this journey towards progress, let us remember that the fight against touting is not just about addressing a nuisance; it is about creating a conducive environment for sustainable development. It is about ensuring that our citizens can move freely and safely, that our businesses can operate without disruption and that our economy can grow and thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, grounded in order, discipline and the unwavering pursuit of development.
Businessman Tawanda Chenana is a philanthropist and ZANU PF Secretary for Education for Mashonaland East Province.