Kigali’s moto industry is one of the most efficiently organised, to a large extent, it is also the most enduring image of the city. Seeing them ride about the city, they seem to be the hallmark of Kigali’s free market economy. The motos are a favourite for vote and popularity. In a country where journalists, lawyers, teachers and accountants have fledgling associations motorists in Kigali to have cooperatives that meet on a weekly basis. If you have been careful enough, you have probably noticed the unusual number of motorcycles parked at the entrances of popular bars, mostly on Sunday evenings. A Sunday Mag reader was one day in such a bar where the motorists were meeting, the reader eavesdropped on the proceedings of the meeting taking place in the outskirts of Remera. The meeting took place before the recent decision by governrment to reduce fuel prices. Below are some of the excerpts Rider one: “Petrol prices have gone to the roofs; I cannot be expected to keep the charges of my route the same while everything else in the country was increasing daily. Even the traders have hiked their prices, yet the festive season is still months away.” Rider two: “For me I have increased my fare because my clients are now fat. Don’t you see the rainy seasons currently causing havoc to the Eastern and Western Provinces? There have been floods and houses destroyed but its not all bad news. Rider three: “I heard that the government and some of our fellow investors are set to increase the number of coasters in the city and throw out all the minibuses or Twegerane. This is because we are a bad sight and therefore likely to spoil the beauty of the city when its administrators are busy planning for the next big conference of even bigger investors. Have you heard of the new Kigali city Master Plan? I swear there’s no photo of a moto in all the graphics.” Ends
