The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) will in the next few months acquire 250 conventional buses from China at an estimated cost of 11 million U. S. dollars, local newspaper The Herald has said.

The minister of local government, public works and urban development Ignatius Chombo was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the procurement of the buses was part of a deal signed by Vice President Joice Mujuru when she visited the Asian country in June.

The minister said the buses were part of the government efforts to increase the Zupco fleet and provide affordable transport to people who are at the mercy of unscrupulous bus operators who are increasing fares unilaterally.

"My ministry is negotiating with the ministry of finance for the release of money to buy more buses from China," Chombo said.

He said there was need for Zupco to increase its fleet in urban areas as more people were now preferring the transport utility's service because it was cheaper.

Source: Xinhua