Seithati Motsoeneng
A coalition of seven organisations, together with the Federation of Lesotho Trade Unions (FELETU), has called on the government to revoke the recently introduced taxi fare increases, which came into effect on Monday.
The groups argue that the hike is unjustified, economically harmful and was implemented without proper public consultation or adherence to legal procedures.
They warned that the increase was placing an unbearable burden on commuters, particularly low-income earners who rely on public transport daily.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, the coalition demanded the immediate withdrawal of the new fares and urged the government to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.
They also called for alternative measures, including addressing rising fuel prices, instead of transferring the burden to commuters.
The coalition comprises Section 2, Southern Africa Alliance Youth Unemployment Lesotho Chapter, Bacha-Shutdown, Workers Camp, Onpoint Foundation, Social Reformers Initiative and AIDS Free Foundation.
Representing the Southern Africa Alliance Youth Unemployment Lesotho chapter, Tšepo Masupha said the fare increase unfairly targeted ordinary Basotho and was introduced without adequate consultation.
“The government did not listen to the voices of the people before making this decision,” Mr Masupha said.
“Many people are already struggling financially and this increase shows disregard for both public concerns and proper legal procedures.”
He criticised the process as lacking transparency and failing to take into account the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“Public opinion was ignored and the process appears to have been rushed,” he added, warning that the fare hike is severely affecting low-income workers who depend on taxis for daily transport.
Section 2 representative Kananelo Raboletsi also accused the government of disregarding court rulings and public concerns.
“If the government continues ignoring our pleas, and continues with its usual practice of defying court orders, we will have no choice but to escalate the matter,” Mr Raboletsi said.
He said protests remained one of the few effective ways for citizens to be heard.
“Protests are the only language this government seems to understand at this point because previous court rulings have been ignored,” he said.
FELETU also condemned the fare hikes, saying they disproportionately affect workers earning low wages, especially factory employees.
FELETU second vice-president, Solong Senohe, said transport costs have become unsustainable for many workers.
He noted that a daily commute for factory workers travelling from areas such as Mazenod now costs about M38 return, a significant expense for employees earning minimum wages.
“A local taxi fare of M34 to factories is already too high for workers who are barely surviving,” Mr Senohe said.
He argued that the government should instead focus on addressing rising fuel prices, which are driving transport costs upward, rather than passing the burden onto commuters.
“It is unfair and inconsiderate to place this burden on passengers, particularly factory workers who are already struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Mr Senohe said FELETU has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarification on the reasons behind the fare increase and its impact on commuters.
Meanwhile, Maseru Region Taxi Association (MRTO)’s lawyer, Advocate Salemane Phafane KC, has written to Section 2, demanding that his clients be copied in all Section correspondence regarding taxi fares.
“Our instructions are to record as we hereby do, that they have a direct and substantial interest in the matter referred to in your statement as they are public transport operators referred to in the matter under consideration. Clients wish to place it on record, that they do not share the views you have articulated and are strongly opposed to the demands that you have made on the Road Transport Board and the Minister.
“For the above reasons, you are requested to include clients in any and every correspondence or step that you may contemplate taking on this matter going forward. Clients reserve all their rights,” Adv Phafane wrote yesterday.
