City buses remain parked

Elizabeth Joseph











WINDHOEK







Public buses will remain non-operational for the duration of the lockdown, says City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye.



Despite this regulation, many mini-buses are still operating, with drivers saying they only transport seven of 12 possible passengers as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.



This comes after President Hage Geingob announced a countrywide state of emergency until mid-April.







No incidents



City Police chief Abraham Kanime said public transport drivers have parked their buses.



“We have had no incidents of buses driving unlawfully because the City has made sure that all buses are parked by their drivers and will only be operational after the lockdown. We all have to do our part in ensuring that we remain indoors and adhere to the rules,” he said.



Meanwhile, the public has been making use of other forms of transport such as taxis and mini-bus taxis.



A government directive has indicated that only half of the maximum passengers are allowed to be transported.



This poses a struggle for drivers as they lose out on income.



Petrus Kalimba, a mini-bus driver, said he is feeling the impact because although many people turn to mini-buses now, the maximum number of passengers remains a thorn in their side.



“I am doing my part to make sure that everyone who enters my bus is properly sanitised and that we continue keeping our distance during this difficult time.”