Taxi drivers demand increase in fares

Taxi drivers are demanding a fare increase from N$13 to N$15, saying fuel and maintenance costs are too high. The call for an increase comes from the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA), represented by its Secretary‑General, Pendapala Nakathingo, who sent a formal request to the Ministry of Works and Transport.

According to Nakathingo, the current N$13 base fare no longer covers steadily increasing petrol bills and repair costs. Ministry of Works and Transport spokesperson Julius Ngweda had previously warned that union bodies have no unilateral power to increase fares, stressing that only officially licensed operators can apply and only the Road Transportation Board may approve such changes. 

Drivers argue that fuel now sells around N$22 per litre, up nearly N$1.88. With maintenance prices also climbing, they claim the N$13 fare leaves them operating at loss.