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Momodou
Denmark
11780 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Dec 2007 : 22:19:39
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COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LAMENT PAYMENT OF DUES AT GARAGES
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Commercial (Van) drivers plying between Banjul and Serekunda have complained bitterly against what they called ‘a cheating system’ meted on them at the Banjul and Serekunda garages.
According to some of the drivers, they are asked to pay D10 dalasis to the ‘chef de garages’ on each of their trips. They lamented that they are never given any ticket for what they are paying. They pointed out that the ‘chef de garages’ are employing harsh methods to compel them to pay for their demands. They complained
that the boys of the ‘chef de garages’ will block the road and forcefully ask them to pay the money; that when they ask for the reasons for paying the amount demanded, they would not get any tangible response; that the only response they would get from them is `that is not your business’. The drivers explained that
on many occasions, drivers would engage in a brawl with the money collectors.
Most of the drivers pointed accusing fingers to the police and the Gambia National Transport Control Authority (GNTCA). They alleged that the two are in collaboration with the ‘chef de garages’ to collect monies from them. They also questioned the significance of paying such amounts to the `chef de garages’ when their vehicles don’t spend the nights at the garage for safe keeping. They alleged that the monies are shared among the `chef de garages’ and old and pensioned drivers.
The police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka, brushed aside the allegations against the police. He said the police have no hand in the affairs of drivers and ‘chef de garages’. He maintained that they are not aware of this sitution and are not a party to it. Inspector Secka opined that it might be that the initiative was taken by the ‘chef de garages’.
When contacted the president of GNTCA, Mr. Mumini Sey, said it is an obligation on every commercial vehicle to pay dues to the garage when drivers load their passengers. He said that this is part of the garage rules. He denied his organisation’s involvement in the affairs.
Mr. Sey also denied the allegation that his organisation takes monies collected from drivers.
He indicated that he understands that monies collected from drivers are kept in an account; that they also contribute in constructing a toilet at the Banjul garage. Mr. Say denies that the ‘chef de garage’ are entirely depending on the subventions given to them. He said it is not compulsory for vehicle owners who do not load at the garage to pay the amount. He maintained that the transport union has no hand in the affairs of the ‘chef de garages’ and the way they conduct their affairs in the garages.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 147, 14 – 16 December 2007
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