Taxi industry protest: Taxi operators block roads

MATHATISI SEBUSI

MASERU – Morning vehicular traffic along the Main South I at Ha Matala was on Tuesday interrupted with protesting taxi operators burning tyres to block the road as well as forcing commuters out of taxis that have defied the protest call.

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) responded in time to quell the situation, and a water canon was used to disperse the crowd that had thronged there.

Traffic has been slow along the road from Ha Matala to Lekhalaneng, leading into town from the Thabong traffic circle –police are, however, visible in this route at potential hotspots for violence.

Large number of commuters were seen walking into town, while some who were brave enough opted to be ferried by a few 4+1 sedans that took advantage of the chaotic situation collect a few Maloti picking up passengers at isolated places where they could not be attacked.

The taxi’s strike is a result of failed dialogue between the taxi owners and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to address industry grievances.