Illegal Mushikashika Operations Choke Kadoma CBD
By Lloyd Mwale
KADOMA – Traffic congestion is worsening at Cameron Square in Kadoma’s central business district as illegal commuter taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, have reportedly turned the area into an unofficial pick-up point for passengers travelling to Patchway and Eiffel Flats (Rio).
The growing use of Cameron Square as a transport rank has resulted in severe congestion at one of the city’s busiest commercial areas, with motorists, pedestrians and businesses feeling the impact.
Residents and commuters who spoke to this publication expressed concern over the lack of basic amenities at the illegal pick-up point. There are no public toilet facilities, and some people are allegedly resorting to relieving themselves at Cameron Square, raising public health and environmental concerns.
Questions have also been raised over the role of the City of Kadoma authorities. Despite the apparent illegal nature of the transport operations, City Parking attendants are reportedly collecting parking fees from the mushikashika vehicles operating from the site.
When interviewed, several mushikashika operators claimed they were able to operate freely because they allegedly make payments to certain officials within the City of Kadoma.
“We are not chased away from here because we pay some officials at the City of Kadoma, so we have their blessings,” one operator alleged.
However, when pressed to identify the officials they were referring to, the operators declined to provide names or further details.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and the City of Kadoma had not responded to the claims at the time of publication.
Residents are now calling on the local authority, law enforcement agencies and transport regulators to restore order at Cameron Square, arguing that the continued operation of an illegal rank is compromising traffic flow, sanitation and public safety in the heart of the city.
