The capital is bearing the brunt of the absence of buses from the public transport company (Transco). Following a problem with the government’s supply of fuel, the company which transports Kinshasa residents at a ridiculous price is struggling to keep its vehicles moving. The issue was even raised last weekend during a council of ministers, but the crisis is still not resolved.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa
Transco is 250 buses deployed every day on the roads of Kinshasa, but for several weeks, only a few dozen have left the parking lot. After the government began disbursing funds this weekend, the company was only able to run 110 of the 250 buses, explains one of the company’s managers.
Customers suffered the consequences on Monday. Columns of schoolchildren flooded the boulevards of the capital in the morning, while civil servants crowded into makeshift buses commonly known as “spirits of death”. The situation is a boon for motorcycle taxis who have upped the ante by doubling the price of the trip.
Transco is running out of fuel for its buses, but the problems are more complex. The government is expected to pay nearly $1 million every month to the company as a subsidy for fuel and spare parts.
Funds to compensate for the losses Transco incurs by delivering its services 4 to 6 times cheaper. But for several months, the State has no longer paid its subsidies. Just like 1.7 million dollars in bonuses that the company should receive for two years for the transport of non-paying passengers such as the military, police and members of the Red Cross.