Africa-Press – Lesotho. COMMUTERS should brace for a torrid time ahead. Taxi operators are pushing the government to approve an M18 fare for local trips. The 50 percent increase could worsen the plight of workers who are already grappling with huge increases in the prices of basic commodities and services.
The government has suggested a six percent increase in the minimum wage. Civil servants were awarded a 2.5 percent increase. Maseru Regional and Taxi Operators (MRTO) spokesperson Lebohang Moea said the M18 fare was proposed last year but the government rejected it, arguing that Basotho would not afford it.
He said they are now due for an increase because the government promised to review the fares annually. “The government should walk the talk,” Moea said.
Moea said taxi operators’ associations had a meeting with the Commissioner of Traffic who said they would refer their issue to the board. He said they are now waiting for the board’s decision.
He however warned the government to tread carefully to avoid a conflict with the operators. Moea said it is unfair that MPs get a M5 000 petrol allowance yet they insist that taxi operators consider that Basotho are struggling when they want to increase their fares.
He said the taxi business has become unsustainable because of escalating fuel and maintenance costs. “The economy is bad when it comes to Basotho but when it comes to the MPs it works for them,” Moea said.
“If the economy is really bad, the MPs should lead by example”.
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