Public transport curtailed during lockdown

MATHATISI SEBUSI

MASERU – The number of public transport vehicles allowed on national roads during the period of the ordered lockdown has been reduced by government. Transport minister, Keketso Sello, has announced that the move is intended to help curb and control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged states across the globe. Sello said only 45 4+I taxis have been allowed to operate in the whole of the Maseru district, with only five granted licenses to ferry passengers in each route.

He said the licensed 4+1 taxis will be expected to each carry two passengers and operate between 6am and 10am and again between 3pm to 6pm. “15-seater taxis will be allowed to only carry nine passengers while a 10-seater will only take seven passengers. Similar time frames are ordered to apply in all the other nine districts of the country, but in the districts only 20 4+1 taxis will be permitted to operate with five per route,” he said.

He said the public transport vehicles will only be allowed to take passengers to towns to access essential services, and noted that legal action will be taken against those who will be found in contravention of these announced time frames, and failing to furnish substantial reasons for infringement of such. He further noted that protective masks and sanitizers have been handed out to public transport owners who have been authorized to operate during the lockdown.