20 Jun 2021

Some public transporters in Tlokweng have been accussed of unacceptable behaviour and poor service.

This came to the fore at a consultative meeting with both mini bus and taxi operators addressed by Minister of Transport and Communications and Tlokweng MP, Mr Thulagano Segokgo on Friday.

Mr Segokgo said the meeting, which was attended by both combi and taxi operators across the area, was meant to share notes and map the way forward for the transportation industry. 

Mr Segokgo shared his experiences of using public transportation ssying he was not impressed by conduct of the driver of the combi he used. 

He decried the bad service in some quarters, but applauded the efforts made by other operators in quality service provision. 

The sentiments were also shared by Batlokwa deputy chief, Kgosi Michael Gaborone, who said the  state of behaviour by some  operators left a lot to be desired. 

He also shared his own ordeal with one driver recently. 

Kgosi Gaborone  urged them to earn respect by according customers the same respect they wanted. 

Kgosi Gaborone said they had to unite and form a reputable organisation to avoid warring factions.

On other issues, Minister Segokgo  promised to look into regulation of the issuance of permits since there was a bit of abuse t.

He said the envisaged transport modernization plan was still on the pipeline and the rollout was expected in the greater Gaborone region in the near future.

He said it would address a lot of challenges related to the transport system.

Mr Segokgo pleaded with transport operators to abide by all health protocols and maintain high levels of cleanliness to help in combating COVID-19 pandemic.

Transport operators shared their plight and pleaded with the minister to ease some regulations at the department of road transport and safety. 

They also decried uncooperative customers who were deliberately breaking COVID-19 protocols. 

Some demanded the setting up of a local taxi association since they were being serviced by the Gaborone Taxi and Buses Association. 

They also wanted Letlapeng taxi rank to be upgraded to reputable standards.

Chairperson of the Tlokweng sub-council Mr Phillip Nfolo said funds had been availed for the detailed design and supervision of the expansion of 25km Tlokweng internal roads to cover storm water drainage and road network.

For her part Tlokweng Sub-district Council physical planning unit representative, Ms Chipo Gaseitsewe, said plans were underway to finalise Tlokweng Development Plan, which was last reviewed in 2016. 

She said once approved, there were proposals to extend taxi ranks and seek approval from the public about any new development.

Tlokweng police traffic officer, Assistant Superintendent Aaron Mazwikweba, said reckless driving in Tlokweng was responsible for a number of fatal accidents recorded over the years. 

He said they had issues of unlicensed public transport operators and those who operated vehicles without the required PrDP. Ends