Minibuses want to revert to long routes
The Mutharika government made the directive to reduce rampant minibus accidents that maimed and killed many Malawians.
But in an interview on Wednesday, Moam secretary general Coxley Kamange said the reasons the former government gave are no longer valid because speed traps are everywhere.
“When they stopped us from covering long distances, they said our drivers were over-speeding. But with the acquisition of speed traps, we find that reason invalid,” he said.
Kamange alleged that the Mutharika government came up with the directive not to protect Malawians, but big bus operators, especially those that supported the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
But Road Traffic Directorate director Jack Manonga said since minibuses stopped over-speeding and operating long distances, accidents have been reduced.
He said since the directive, minibuses are now on position four on the list of vehicles involved in accidents annually since 2009.
“Saloons, pick-ups and heavy load vehicles are now topping the chart in that order and minibuses are on position four.
“If Moam has genuine reasons to start going to areas over 160km, then we will be glad to hear them out. Otherwise, we are happy with the situation,” said Manonga.
Director of Transport in the Ministry of Transport Victor Lungu said government wants a coordinated transport system that is viable and does not cause unnecessary loss due to accidents, thereby eroding the country gross domestic product (GDP).
