Combi operators call off strike
Staff Writer | Tuesday November 23, 2021 14:38
Reporting back to the combi operators at the Gaborone Bus Rank this afternoon, the association chairperson, Edison Tlhomelang said government officials have promised favourable feedback by November 26, 2021 (Friday). Tlhomelang and the association leadership met with Ministry of Transport officials this morning while other members were on a shutdown, protesting at the Gaborone Bus Rank.
The operators demand that the local combi fare be P7. Their reasons are that the law dictates that the transport fee shall be 30t per kilometre in the local radius of 22.2km. This adds up to P6.66 and if rounded to the nearest pula it becomes P7.
Some members are, however, unhappy about the decision to call off the strike without a concrete decision on the increment saying they "do not trust the government". They demanded that the association leaders go back to government and demand an immediate increment.
It appeared some of the operators were clueless of the reasons for the increment and Tlhomelang pleaded with them saying, "this is not about fuel prices or high transport costs, but about following the law".
“We will advocate for the adjustment later but for now we wanted the government to comply with the transport law,” Tlhomelang said.
The operators threatened a bigger and impactful shutdown if the government does not comply with their demands.