6 February 2008
Maputo — Beira Association of Public Transport (ATABE) in the town of Beira, central province of Sofala, the second largest city of Mozambique, has suspended the fare increase that was expected to come into force this Wednesday.
It is not known yet how long the suspension will last, but new fares are pending on the outcome of an urgent meeting convened with its members on Tuesday afternoon.
This move follows the riots that broke out in the Mozambican capital Maputo, where at least 93 people were injured and one was killed when huge crowds took to the streets to protest against rises in minibus (locally known as "Chapas" ) fares.
ATABE had already circulated information on the mainstream media warning of a new fare increase with effect as from February 6.
This decision was welcomed by ATABE's members who acknowledged the need for some extra time to allow the current mood to cool down.
Cited on the Wednesday's issue of the daily "Noticias", Julio Macie, ATABE's deputy chairperson said that the meeting will design a new strategy seeking to prevent eruption of new conflicts and riots.
"Yes. We have announced new fares to come into force as from tomorrow (this Wednesday). However, following the incidents that broke out in Maputo we are expecting to meet and decide on how to prevent similar problems", said Macie.
On the occasion, Macie said that such meeting would take place on Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the head of Sofala Transport and Communications Directorate, Manuel Guimaraes, said that ATABE's decision did not follow formal procedures.
According to Guimaraes, ATABE should have made a proposal prior to the increase, which should be submitted to the provincial government for discussion between both parties.
The same stand was also expressed by the Councilor for Transport and Civil Protection for the Beira City Council (CMB), Faque Inácio.
"We, as the City Council believe that this is the way things should have been done. There are adequate mechanisms to establish new fares", said Inacio.
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