KEETMANSHOOP – Long-distance public transport operators using minibuses yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration against a decision to allow seven-seaters to also transport passengers on long-distance routes in the country.
Transport minister Veikko Nekundi recently announced that the limitation of the distance of a 250km radius regime for seven-seaters is now in the rear-view mirror, and no longer going to be applicable.
This decision appears to have caused consternation among industry players, particularly minibus drivers.
Spokesperson of the National Transport Concerned Group, Doc Sifoleni, said they are challenging the legitimacy of the minister’s directive.
“This announcement is a direct violation of existing laws, as well as the rights of registered long-distance operators,” reads their petition. It continued that it is an insult to give liberty to one group of operators who are not registered under existing laws, whilst ignoring the cries of another group which is legitimately registered by law.
“We also want to express our disbelief that the public announcement was made by the honourable minister Nekundi, whilst we are not aware that due processes were followed since we, as registered long-distance drivers, were not recognised to be part of this decision taken,” said Silofeni.
He added: “We have made several attempts with relevant authorities to get clear answers and directives on our grievances and the way forward regarding this matter but to no avail.”
The group is also requesting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to consider the validity of existing laws/regulations, and authorities to make public the report on safety testing done on imported seven-seaters, two rear seats to be removed from seven-seaters to create more luggage space for it to operate on a five-seater basis, and applications for new permits on certain long-distance routes not to be considered if such routes are found to be saturated with existing permits.
They also do not want favouritism and unfair treatment to be entertained.
“We believe that addressing this matter will not only improve the quality of life of our residents, but also contribute positively to the growth and sustainability of our community as a whole,” it was stated in the document.
Receiving their petition, //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick promised the group that their concerns will be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
As such, permits issued under the 250km radius were revoked, and are no longer valid. “They must get new ones and apply for new permits. This will enable them to travel any distance of their choice. This is in accordance with the Namibian Constitution, which gives Namibian citizens the right to trade in activities of their choice, as long as it is legal. They are the custodians of knowledge to know which route and which distance are of economic value to them,” Nekundi had said. The minister also appealed to the seven-seater association leaders to educate their members to adhere to the rules and regulations of the transport industry.
“We are elected by citizens and must serve the nation fairly, equally and without discrimination. The operators must believe that they can come to the office of the minister and that their problems can be solved,” the minister said recently.