ATRACO resolves Muhanga Taxi drivers’ concerns

New ATRACO Muhanga leader elected SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA — Taxi drivers in Nyamabuye sector have finally agreed to pay the mandatory parking fees after meeting with leaders of the Taxi operators Association (ATRACO). The agreement was reached on Sunday evening after Col.(rtd) Dodo Twahirwa, the ATRACO chairman, addressed a multitude of drivers at CEPAF centre. The drivers recently protested against payment of parking fees and went for three days operating without paying the mandatory Rwf 4,000 route and 3,000 parking fees- for operating on the Kigali route and within the province respectively. Among the resolutions passed at the meeting, was reduction of the dues for taxis operating within the provinces, from Rwf 3,000 to Rwf 1,500. But the dues for the Kigali route remained unchanged. During the same meeting, the drivers also appointed a new leader Samuel Hatangimana to be in charge of Muhanga-ATRACO zone. He replaces Godhehard Rwakagabo- whom drives have of recent times accused of intimidating association members. It emerged at the meeting that drivers have been paying extra and illegal charges imposed by the former ATRACO area leaders. Twahirwa however, clarified that there are two ATRACO’s known and hence official charges namely route and parking fees and payments for Football Club tickets. “The rest are not official and that is because of bad leadership,” he clarified. He further urged the drivers to avoid over blowing issues concerning the transporter’s association, saying they should always pass their concerns through established leadership channels. At the meeting, police promised to support the drivers to restore order and security after reports surfaced to the effect that there are operators from Kigali who continue to create chaos in Muhanga. Calling for collaboration, Hatangimana, the newly appointed Muhanga- ATRACO chief, promised continued advocacy and streamlining the problems of the association. Ends