12 Aug 2018

 Residents of Chadibe in Shashe West constituency have pleaded for assistance in addressing public transport challenges between their village and Borolong.

They made the plea during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Kitso Mokaila in Chadibe recently. 

They noted that there was conflict between the public transport operators in the two areas, which affected public transport users.

Village Development Committee Chairperson, Mr Otsile Mokobela said there was an ongoing issue of intrusion by Borolong operators on the side of Chadibe, calling for resolution. He highlighted that their request for assistance from the Department of Roads Transport and Safety (DRTS) had not borne fruit.

He said such differences resulted  in people taking risks by using private vehicles, which he said were not safe. 

He also made claims of maladministration, saying it seemed some DRTS officers had a good relationship with some operators, and thus failed to take appropriate action on complaints raised against such operators.

Commenting on the issues, Mr Mokaila acknowledged that there were corrupt practices happening and he intended to crack the whip on officers who would be found in the wrong. 

He further stated that the ministry was in the process of making drastic changes at different departments for the convenience of public transport users. 

Mr Mokaila revealed that the ministry planned to install microchips on public transport vehicles to track those who operated without permits, which was a concern.

In addition, he highlighted that there would also be changes on school permits to reduce incidences where school children were hit by vehicles after being dropped off by school bus because they were dropped off on the wrong side.ENDS