By Tabora Bojang
Three Alkalolu and their village development committees from the Kombo South settlements of Madiana, Banyaka and Kunkujang Mariama have petitioned the Gambia Transport Union to act over what they call ‘unjustifiable’ conduct of drivers who ‘charge exorbitant’ fares from the stipulated tariff of the villages blaming it on the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the petition, the coronavirus pandemic is not the creation of anyone but a natural cause, and “drivers cannot use that as an excuse to charge exorbitant fares.”
The communities further decried that the actual transportation fare from Tipper Garage in Bakoteh to the three villages was D18 but it was swiftly increased to D35 since coronavirus restrictions were announced.
“The councillor of Brufut ward Sulayman Kinteh led a delegation of the named VDC members on Monday to negotiate with the drivers but to no avail.”
The petitioners from Madiana, Banyaka and Kunkujang Mariama said the roads connecting their communities are the busiest because of commuters who are mainly women vegetable sellers.
The concerned VDCs and Alkalolu strongly urged the drivers to respect and comply with the stipulated tariff of D18 and stay away from the garages concern to avoid trouble.
They also urged the communities to closely work with the authorities to enforce the rules and apply disciplinary action against any defaulters.
