Commuters stranded after matatu strike

Hundreds of passengers were on Monday stuck in different stages along Mazeras-Kaloleni road after public service vehicles operators went on strike protesting against bad state of road.

Bus and matatu operators held peaceful demonstrations to push the government to repair the 22 Kilometre road which was constructed 38 years ago.

Holding placards and tree branches, more than 50 matatu owners, drivers and conductors chanted songs as they walked from Mazeras town to Kaloleni district commissioner’s office where they presented their grievances.

Anti riot police were deployed very early in the morning and were positioned in strategic areas for the whole day to ensure the demonstrators maintained order.

Those interviewed accused the government and area MP of neglecting the road which plays a vital role to Kaloleni farmers.

When the Nation visited the area, at least four vehicles were parked by the road side with broken axles as a result of deep pot holes.

Mr Peter Kalonga, one of the area residents, said the road was built in 1972 and has never been repaired. Mr Kalonga is blaming the bad state of road for the increasing rate of poverty facing Kaloleni people.

“We have various products from palm tree but we cannot transport them to the market because vehicle owners are now withdrawing their vehicles,” said Mr Kalonga.

Mr Kalonga also blamed heavy trucks transporting clinker to Athi River Mining factory which is based along the road for the destruction of the road.

“Heavy trucks carrying raw material to the factory have contributed greatly to the destruction of the road,” he said.

Mr Mohammed Banza, one of the matatu owners said they are incurring huge losses due to persistent repair of their vehicles.

“Matatu owners are just doing a favour to Kaloleni people to ply the road since most of the money they get is spent on maintenance and they are not gaining any profit from the business,” he said.

Mr Emanuel Chengo, one of the protestors, said they are planning a major strike if the government does not respond to their grievances.

“Today it’s just a one day strike but we are planning a major one or to withdraw our vehicles if the government does not repair the road,” said Mr Chengo.

Kaloleni has been one of the regions in Coast province which produces the  largest number of palm tree products ranging from coconuts, brooms and palm wine popular known as mnazi.