By Yusupha Jobe
Dozens of commercial drivers in Brikama on Monday protested against government new vehicle policy that demands commercial vehicles to carry half number of registered passengers in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, some of the commercial drivers have expressed dismay as they complain government reduced pump price is more or less a zero per cent which has no impact.
In an interview with The Voice, Buba Sowe, vice president of West Coast Region Transport Unit, Brikama garage said since the proclamation was made to reduce number of passengers on commercial vehicles travelling across the country, the proclamation did not go down well with them (drivers and transport owners in the country). “The manner in which things are going did not favor both the passengers and drivers as a whole,” he said.
He added that since the complaint reaches their office as a regional transport unit they felt much oppressed and immediately contacted the police to talk on the matter, but the issue he said is still with the Ministry of Transport for further clarifications.
“We have had from the minister responsible for transport only on TV but in physical we did not see him. Since begin of this transportation problem we have never met or see him to discuss the current transport situation. We have attempted several times to meet him but all attempts were unsuccessful, they always tell us he is busy,” Sowe lamented.
Lamin Sabally, auditor general of West Coast Region Transport Unit said the current transport problem that commercial drivers are facing is as a result of inadequate reduction of the fuel price. The inadequacy, he declared, is now affecting their daily transportation following the government released on number of passengers commercial vehicles should carry.
He added that the Gambia Transport Union is fully aware of the ongoing problem between police officers and drivers over payment agreement on transport fare with passengers.
Fatou Sanyang, a passenger said she normally pay a fare of D100.00 from Brikama to Gunjur using a taxi. She said she now takes taxi because commercial vans have stopped plying the route.
In her opinion, she said the government including the Ministry of Transport are responsible for the current transport problem that commuters are facing.
Fabakary Badjie a driver lament that he normally buys D1500.00 fuel to drive from Brikama to Sibanor and carry only ten passengers, in returns have only D400.00
“I only have D400.00 after collecting fares from Brikama to Sibanor. I’m pleading to the government to immediately address the fuel price to avoid daily confrontation with the passengers,” he said.
