MOAM changes tune on reducing minibus fares

Minibus Association of Malawi (Moam) says it has no intentions of meeting to discuss and decide over minibus fares in the country.

Each time whenever there are fuel price adjustments, Moam meets to decide on the new transport fares.

Following the reduction of fuel prices on the world market, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) recently announced reduction of fuel prices for the country.

Coxley Kamange Chairperson of Moam said in an interview the body has not yet called for the meeting and chances were high that the meeting would not be organized at all.

“No we are not going to have any meeting this time around and the public should not expect anything from us,” said Kamange.

He attributed failure to convene a meeting this time around following an earlier appeal from the Competition and Fair Trade Commission for the association not to change bus fares each time there are fuel price adjustments.

“Last time we met with the Commission we were told not to take any action and this is why we are silent not announcing new bus fares despite that fuel prices have dropped.

“You may however wish to note together with Passenger Welfare Association of Malawi we have been trying to propose for a meeting with the Commission but to no avail,” he said, adding that there is need to reviewing the business Act.

Christopher Kaunda of Area 36 in Lilongwe complained of minibuses not cutting down their fares despite reduction of a fuel pump price.

“It does not make sense paying the same fare when price for fuel had dropped, why the transport sector should cash on the poor and struggling Malawians,” wondered Kaunda.

Efforts to talk to the Competition and Fair Trade Commission proved futile.

According to Kamange, passengers should take their own initiative to make sure that they don’t pay the old fares.

—Reporting by Solister Mogha