Balaka taxi operators defy order to relocate

Taxi operators in Balaka have defied a district council order to relocate to a new site, arguing that the proposed place is not conducive for their business.

Taxi business is booming in the district as people now prefer using taxis for shorter distances than boarding minibuses. There are at least 15 taxis operating between Balaka Town and Manjawira Trading Centre.

Last week, the council ordered all taxis to operate from inside the bus terminal instead of near the main entrance to the depot.

The Nation established that the council made the decision to maximise revenue collection as each taxi leaving the depot would be charged K150 per trip.

On Monday this week, taxi operators met Balaka District Council chairperson Patrick Botomani to express their concerns.

Balaka Taxis Association chairperson Innocent Mandevu said they will not move to the new site because where they are is strategic for business.

In an interview, Botomani said they agreed to relocate them to some place to avoid accidents as the place is near a railway line.

“We understand their concerns, but at the same time, we need to consider people’s safety. In the next two weeks, we will identify a better place where they can operate very smoothly and relocate them,” he said.