Nekundi warns public transport on illegal taxi fare hikes

Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has ordered public transport operators to immediately halt unauthorised fare increases, warning that those who defy the law risk losing their permits.

In a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Nekundi said his office received two phone calls from operators indicating that they want the fees to increase due to the fuel increase. 

“I have asked for them to submit a proposal detailing their concerns. I have no quarrels for increase due to costs of fuel price but they should just make a submission,” he said. 

Nekundi said any fees increased without his approval is illegal and those doing so risk losing their permits. 

“Let’s respect the laws . We don’t want to quarrel with them. They should just follow the rules,” he said. 

The minister reiterated his position and urged affected passengers to report operators charging illegal fares to his office or the Road Transportation Board Secretariat, providing proof such as receipts, vehicle registration numbers and written complaints.

His warning comes amid growing frustration from commuters, particularly in the Okongo area, where residents say they are being forced to pay inflated transport fees. Some routes between Okongo and Eenhana have reportedly increased, with additional hikes of up to N$10 in surrounding villages, affecting learners and daily commuters.

Nekundi emphasised that fare adjustments are strictly regulated under the Road Transportation Act of 1977. While operators are allowed to increase tariffs by no more than 10% following fuel price hikes, they are required to apply within 10 days and comply with formal approval processes.

Criminal offence

He cautioned that failure to adhere to these provisions could result in suspension or withdrawal of operating permits.

“Anything increased without approval is illegal,” Nekundi said, adding that operators who wish to raise fares must submit formal proposals outlining their cost pressures instead of acting unilaterally.

Meanwhile, the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) has distanced itself from a document circulating on social media claiming that new fares have been approved.

The document depicts the logo of NABTA and stated that the fees became effective from 6 April 2026. 

NABTA Secretary General Pendapala Nakathingo also confirmed on Tuesday that the notice is fake and warned that operators using it to justify fare increases are committing a criminal offence.

“No bus or taxi fares have been increased to date.

Operators must wait for official approval and communication,” Nakathingo said.

He called on the public to report any operator charging unapproved fares to the police or relevant law enforcement agencies, as government moves to clamp down on what it describes as exploitation of commuters.

Nakathingo said they are busy with consultations and engaging stakeholders as they too have the fuel increase in their consideration.