A group Drivers under the nomenclature the “Driver Union of Liberia” has embarked on a go-slow action across the Country.
Speaking at a press conference, Sunday, November 25, 2018 the spokesman of the Bong County driver’s union detachment, Phillip Kwenah said the go-slow action is intended to call on the attention of National Government to ensure a reduction in the high increase in vehicle registration and licenses in the country.
Mr. Kwenah said they have observed over the years the high increase in vehicle registration in the country.
He alleged that there has been no proper regulation in the transport setting, adding that the prices of vehicles in Liberia is not stable and vehicles parts expansive and the rate in the Country is not stable.
Mr. Kwenah said with all these challenges they are demanded to register their vehicle with one hundred and ninety United State dollars ($190US), compulsory Insurance of three hundred and thirty United State Dollars ($3,30US) and they are buying license for forty-five United State Dollars ($45 US) to use for two years.
According to him, during the regime of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf they as drivers were paying 30 United States Dollars for three years, but under President George M. Weah Pro-Poor Agenda for prosperity and Development vehicle license registration has increased to 45 United State dollars which are used for two years.
The Driver Union spokesman clarifies that their go-slow action is mainly imposed on commercial drivers, not on government vehicle or private vehicle in the country.
The aggrieved Drivers alleged that on several occasion they have been intimidated by the Liberia National Police by harassing and collect money from them as drivers.
“If you drive from Gbarnga to Monrovia you will see a lot of Police cones on the road and these officers are always collecting money from us as drivers.”
According to the aggrieved Drivers, they wrote the ministry of Transport on November 22, 2018 about their concern, but up to press time there has been no response from the ministry, so they are left with no other alternatives, but pack their vehicles.
Mr. Kwenah further said their go-slow action will continue if the government through the Ministry of Transport refuse to address their plight.
