By Charles Tjatindi
Windhoek
Minibus operators to the North are still without an official loading zone, prompting many of them to operate from unsafe locations.
Since the Hereford loading terminal was declared unsafe for loading purposes more than two years ago, bus operators have found themselves without an official loading zone.
The Hereford loading zone was declared a hazard by the City of Windhoek, after the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association, Nabta, complained about the electrical wiring hovering above the location.
The association also felt that the absence of ablution facilities, and the lack of development at the location, made it unsuitable for the purpose.
Nabta also wanted sufficient shading and lighting at the venue, to make it more convenient for customers – most of whom have to wait long hours before departing to their respective destinations.
In turn, the City of Windhoek proposed to move the operators to a new venue in Katutura’s Donkerhoek suburb.
This however never saw the light of day, as Donkerhoek residents opposed the initiative, saying they were not consulted in the matter.
Residents there argued that the proposed location for the new loading terminal had already been earmarked for a soccer field for the location’s youth.
As a result, some bus operators opted to operate at the Engen Service Station adjacent to the old Hereford loading terminal, while others remained behind at Hereford.
The situation changed drastically at the new venue, as most operators preferred to load customers at the front of the service station, as opposed to a demarcated area behind it. Bus operators also alleged that the service station owner was over-charging them, and they could not, as a result, make enough money from their trips.
Many of them left the venue, with some relocating to the Hakahana Service Station, while others went as far as Okuryangava.
Magnus Nangombe of Nabta said it was unfortunate that operators had to leave the venue at the Engen Service Station, but added that many could not afford the fees charged.
“Bus owners who drive their buses themselves were given privilege to load, because they can negotiate or pay the fee the service station owner is looking for. But those who are just drivers and not owners had no power to negotiate. So they left,” revealed Nangombe.
Meanwhile, Nabta has appealed to the Ministry of Mines and Energy to halt those operators still loading from the front section of the Engen Service Station, as it is unsafe to do so.
Nabta cited the frequent flow of traffic at the location, and the location’s proximity to the pumps.
“Some of these operators are smokers. What happens if the ashes from the cigarettes land near the pumps? It will be a disaster,” remarked Nangombe.
The absence of a central loading zone has unfortunaly left the customers to bear the brunt the most. Operators at the various terminals charge different prices, seemingly to gain on the situation.
Said one customer: “I do not even know to which loading zone to go. Some of these people are botsotsos (sic), and they might take your luggage, or kidnap you. We are really suffering.”