HUNDREDS OF SOUTH AND LUSAKA BOUND PASSENGERS STRANDED AS BUS DRIVERS DOWN TOOLS
BUSINESS came to a standstill in some parts of Southern Province after angry Bus drivers and other sympathizers protested against unregistered transporters.
The Bus drivers are demanding an explanation from the Zambia Police on why Traffic Officers constantly impound their buses for various purported traffic offences while leaving out the Toyota Wish Vehicles which are not even registered to operate.
A check in Choma, Monze, Mazabuka and stations for South bound passengers found buses abandoned and hundreds of passengers stranded.
Monze Bus Station Chairperson, Albert Hamatowe, accused Police of being bribed by those driving Toyota Wish Vehicles in order for them not be penalized even after overloading and breaking other laws.
Hamatowe alleged that most unregistered Vehicles that operate as Public Service Transport belong to some Police Officers and Senior Government Officials.
Addressing the protestors, Monze Police Officer Commanding assured that the law will be implemented on the matter.
In another address to the protestors, Monze Council Chairperson, Powell Mutenguna, accompanied by District Commissioner, Mwanza Malambo, urged Private Vehicle Operators to register their operations and follow laid down procedures.
In related news, Byta FM Zambia Mazabuka based Journalist Evans Liyali reports that Public Services Bus Drivers in the Sweet town Thursday morning downed tools in protest against private vehicles pirating as Taxis on Mazabuka – Lusaka route.
The drivers vowed not to go back to operations until government finds a solution to end piracy.
Mazabuka District Bus Drivers Chairperson Sylvester Ng’andu, complained that they have lost business due to mushrooming illegal Taxis pirating on the route.
He fumed that Public Service Buses are paying taxes and other obligations to government, while those operating illegally are not doing so.
N’gandu accused the Road Transport and Safety Agency RTSA and Zambia Police Traffic Officers of being corrupt and getting bribes from illegal public vehicle operators.
