Public transport fare rise for Maputo

[iolsa]

Maputo -  

Commuters in the Mozambique capital Maputo will have to pay more  for public transport, city authorities announced Thursday, brushing  aside fears of a repeat of deadly protests in 2008.

At least four people were killed when riots broke out in Maputo four years ago as authorities tried to hike bus fares by 50 percent, but the municipality says it is the only way to revitalize a struggling transport system.

Maputo city transport manager Joao Matlombe said the provincial assembly approved the increases Thursday. The approval had been delayed by a day due to fierce opposition from the opposition Renamo party lawmakers.

A one-way fare will rise to the equivalent of $0.24, from $0.17,  for short distances - a steep hike for hard-hit commuters already struggling to make ends meet.

Salaries in Mozambique have not kept pace with its rapid economic growth of around seven percent over the past five years, and average earnings remain stuck at about $100 a month. Violent riots broke out over the high cost of living in 2010.

In a bid to rein in inflation, public and private transport fares have been frozen for the past eight years.

Authorities hope to raise funds to buy more buses and ease transport shortages that have seen many jumping onto open-topped lorries to go to work.

"If we don't do it we will continue with a lack of transport and  trucks carrying people - a horrible situation we are facing today," Matlombe said.

The city has only 250 public buses to carry around two million commuters. It is hoped the new tariffs will enable the municipality  to increase its fleet to 400. - Sapa-AFP



IOLSA

[Folami David]

This happens everywhere.IEvery country does this