Transport crisis worsens in Gaza

Maputo, 27 Mar (AIM) – The transport crisis in the southern Mozambican province of Gaza has worsened, with over 250 minibus drivers taking their vehicles off the roads on Wednesday.

This strike meant that workers and students who depend on the minibuses (known colloquially as “chapas”) found that they were unable to travel to their workplaces or schools. Some schools effectively closed down, since pupils were unable to reach them.

The excuses given by the minibus owners is that the traffic police are extorting illegal payments from them. But the authorities say that, in reality, the protesters are complaining against the reopening of traffic police control points on the Gaza roads.

The declared purpose of the control points is to check that drivers are obeying the speed limit, and to crack down on drunken driving. The chapa drivers object to being breathalysed, and accuse the police of corruption.

The police intervened against the striking drivers on Wednesday morning, and in the ensuing clash they shot dead a 25 year old man. This worsened the situation, and, according to Thursday’s issue of the independent daily “O Pais”, all traffic on the main roads into and out of the provincial capital, Xai-Xai, ground to a halt.

Long queues built up at Xai-Xai bus stops, but no transport was available. Even the open pick-up trucks, known as “my loves”, which often illegally carry passengers, did not take to the roads.

The chapa drivers said their strike will continue until the check points are dismantled. Xai-Xai municipal council claimed that unlicensend minibus drivers were behind the trouble.
(AIM)
Pf/ (268)