Nervous tension is back on the streets of Blantyre as uncompromising minibus operators enter a second day of industrial action.
Minibus drivers and conductors across the country withdrew their services yesterday in a desperate attempt to force the authorities to review prevailing Covid-19 induced restriction on passenger capacity.
In a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the government reduced all passenger service vehicle capacity to 60 % translating to 2 passengers per row in case of minibuses.
However, the operators want the authorities to review the ceiling upwards so that they can break even considering a fuel pump-price increase last December.
Unlike the situation in other parts of the country and contrary to the principles of liberal market, the Blantyre operators are causing havoc on the streets blocking their willing colleagues from plying their trade.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport Spokesperson Andrew Mthiko insists the seating capacity restriction will remain in force until an appropriate review on prevailing Covid-19 regulations is done.
