17 Jul 2014

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has told Parliament that the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) issues public transport permits based on the demand and applications by the prospective operators. 

Responding to a question from the MP for Gaborone West South, Mr Botsalo Ntuane, Minister Molefhi said his ministry had licensed operators (combis and taxis) to transport passengers to different destinations in the Gaborone West South constituency.

He therefore said he was not aware that some of the licensed taxis did not provide services to residents of Marulamantsi and Kgale View.

He said if that is the case then, the transport inspectors will monitor the situation and appropriate measures such as revocation of the existing permit and issuance of new ones will be implemented.

Minister Molefhi said the Department of Road Transport and Safety issue taxis permits to any deserving applicant if there is demand. 

He said the challenge was that the taxi Industry had segmented itself by unlawfully categorizing their operations. However, Mr Molefhi said DRTS will continue engaging the taxi industry on this matter to map the way forward to close any service gaps, in case there are areas where both taxis and combis are not providing the service.

MP Ntuane had asked the Minister if he is aware that  the only mode of public transport available to the residents of Marulamantsi and Kgale View wards in Gaborone West South Constituency are mini-buses which travel along pre-determined routes and ultimately exposes commuters  to risk of being attacked by criminals. ENDS