…over pay dispute
Bokang Mofoka
BUS owners contracted to transport Polihali workers from Maseru to Mokhotlong this week suspended their services, leaving buses parked and workers stranded as the owners push for increased fares.
Polihali workers were on Tuesday left stranded at Setsoso Stadium where they usually board, from as early as 9:00am, spending most of the day waiting for transport without communication from the companies involved. This until the temporary solution was reached later on, and busses ferried workers to the campsite in Mokhotlong.
According to the National Bus Association owners, they transport workers from three firms – Sun Joint Venture, Kopano Ke Matla JV and Unik – from whom they are demanding the increase.
Although representatives of the employers reportedly arrived later and indicated a willingness to consider the demands, no written agreement has yet been reached.
The operators said they began providing these transport services in 2022 and had begun requesting a review of their fares the following year, but to no avail.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times after the Tuesday stand-off, National Bus Association secretary, Mosito Mokoaleli, who also runs Mokoaleli Transport, said they had been receiving M31,500 per month per bus since the start of the contract.
“At the beginning, there were no problems with our employers,” Mr Mokoaleli said.
“However, in 2023 we asked for our payments to be increased in line with the annual salary adjustments given to Polihali workers, but up to now nothing has changed.”
He said the operators issued a notice last week warning that they would halt services if their concerns were not addressed. They were now demanding a monthly payment of M54,000, citing rising operational costs.
Mr Mokoaleli explained that the buses currently in use differ from those initially required when the contract began and now required more frequent maintenance.
“The buses must be constantly maintained, and operational costs have risen sharply,” he said.
“Fuel prices have also increased significantly, adding further financial pressure.”
With effect from 1 April 2026, Petrol 93 increased by M6.70 per litre, but with a M2 government subsidy, the pump price now stands at M22.50. Petrol 95 rose by M7.35 per litre, also with a M2 subsidy, bringing the price to M23.30 per litre. Diesel 50 went up by M13.10 per litre, and after a M2 subsidy, it now costs M30.50 per litre.
The operators also complained about delays in receiving their payments, saying they were often told the funds were processed from China where the main contractors working at Polihali are headquartered.
