Maun Taxi And Combi Association Petition NWDC

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Monday November 1, 2010 00:00

Presenting the petition, association secretary general Gosata Miti said the transport operators have been suffering since the new bus rank was opened on October 27. He explained that the rank is too small to accommodate all the taxis and combis that operate in Maun. He also noted that the only shelter at the rank is on the side of buses but the taxis' section has none. Miti said there is need for a shelter because of soaring temperatures experienced in Maun. 'High temperatures are a risk to our health, as rank workers, including our customers. During the rainy season our business will be doomed as it will be difficult for customers to reach us,' he said.

Miti observed that there are no gates for passengers and their absence threatens their customer's access into the rank. He mentioned that because of lack of accessibility into the rank, customers may resort to using unlicensed transport. He mentioned that the traffic police have resolved to arresting taxi and combi operators who drop off customers on the side where long distance buses park. He stated that the situation may lead to customers concluding that taxis are useless especially when one is carrying heavy luggage. Miti added that it is not the right time for the new rank to be used because of the road structure. He mentioned that there is no legal stop from the circle and that puts them at risk of being arrested when they drop off customers.

'We propose that Tsheko-Tsheko road and another road surrounding the Rural Administration Centre be used to avoid traffic jams. The rank has only one exit for buses, taxis and combis. This is likely to cause accidents and traffic jams,' said Miti.

The Maun bus rank was part of the Maun Development Plan (MDP) Phase One that also included the construction of internal roads and was built by China Jiangsu International.

NWDC public relations officer Wada Motsamai confirmed that the council has received the petition from the association. She explained that they will respond after discussing it with other stakeholders who are also involved. She mentioned that the rank does not involve the council alone hence they have to consult with other departments.