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Return to main bus rank - PM

02/06/2012 00:00:00 webmaster

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BY ZWELAKHE MOAHLOLI

MATSAPHA – In a bid to re-solve the ongoing im passe over the Satellite Bus Rank, government and stakeholders have reached a consensus that all east-bound public transport should revert to the main bus rank.

This is with immediate effect.

Government through the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini said after consulting with the different stakeholders, it was observed that the majority preferred the main bus rank.

Dlamini held consultative meetings with Swaziland Commercial Amadoda Road Transportation Council (SCARTCO), Swaziland Tran-sport and Allied Workers Union (STAWU), vendors, councillors and management of the Manzini Municipal Council.

During a press conference held at the Matsapha Town Board, yesterday, the Premier said the stakeholders, each presented their cases regarding challenges they faced by using Satellite Bus Rank.

"After deliberations with the different stakeholders, we reached a consensus that there should be a forum," he said.

Dlamini, who was flanked by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Lindiwe Dlamini and Minister of Home Affairs Prince Gcokoma, said the committee was expected to give government direction on how the Satellite Bus Rank would be operated.

He pointed out that it was not government’s wish to see the national asset (Satellite rank) being labelled as a white elephant.

Adding, he said they decided to appoint an independent chairman for the forum.

He named Bishop Stephen Masi-lela as the Chairman.

The Premier further expressed that they were hoping a report would be presented after five days.

When addressing Masilela, Dlamini said: "We are hoping you will start work on Monday, and by Friday we would have a report."

Dlamini highlighted that Masilela was not new at heading such a forum.

He noted that the bishop also assisted in the regulation of insurance within the public transport industry.

Public transport workers had resolved to embark on an 11-day protest action if the impasse was not solved.

STAWU suspends protest action

MATSAPHA – The Swaziland Transport and Allied
Workers Union (STAWU) has suspended the protest action, following a meeting with the Prime Minister, yesterday.

STAWU Secretary General Simanga Shongwe said members would be informed of any developments during the cause of their consultation with recently established forum.

Shongwe said the union shall be on the ground monitoring the prime bone of contention ‘Satellite Bus Rank’ in Manzini, operational mechanism and adherence of affiliates to this call.

He added that the union shall allow the due process of the employed mediatory efforts and practicality of such in cross reference of the union’s interests over the demands.