The Minister of Public Works and Transport says government is aware of disruption made by some of the taxi owners to hinder free movement of the Lesotho Freight Buses in Maseru.

Mr. Ts'ele Chakela said taxi owners have a strong believe that the buses will have a negative impact on their business, saying the move is intended to provide more transport for workers and the general public.

He was speaking at the Press Conference aimed to outline government’s side pertaining to the disruption of free movement of Lesotho Freight buses in some local areas in Maseru.

The Minister stated that the buses are schedule to transport the public during the pick hours starting from 5:00-7:00 in the morning and in the afternoon, saying they deliver passengers to local places that include among others Thaba-Bosiu, Ha Abia, Ha Foso and Qoaling.

He showed that as the Ministry responsible for transport in the country, they have no intention to harm the taxi business, saying there is need for the two parties to embark on effective communication so that they can solve their problems amicably.

Also speaking, the Principal Secretary Mr. Lebohang Phooko said they will put in place the strategy to sell monthly tickets for the users of the Lesotho Freight Buses, and introduce a swiping process through the machine which will be installed in the buses.

Presently, about six buses which arrived in the country last month are operating while others are expected to arrive before end of the year.

Sources: LENA 21/05/2008