Copperbelt PSV drivers down tools

By Staff Reporter 

Copperbelt Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers have protested against the hostile business environment. 

The drivers have since withheld their services by parking their vehicles.

The protest started on Monday in Kitwe and spread to other Copperbelt districts on Tuesday. 

A check by WM Media at Chisokone station in Ndola central business district, some drivers alleged that Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has increased license renewal fees from K150 to K600. 

And a ZRA official (name withheld) in an interview with WM Media said that there was nothing for or which was at K150 in as far as PSVs are concerned. 

“ZRA doesn't issue license, it only issues Tax Clearance Certificates upon payment of the presumptive tax, then that one copy of presumptive tax is taken to Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) where they are issued with licenses,” the source said. 

And a press release made available to WM Media by concerned stakeholders stated that the Copperbelt drivers are demanding that ZRA revisit its license renewal fees. 

Meanwhile, some drivers in Ndola told this reporter that the environment for public transport business is hostile, hence the protest. Drivers added that the transport sector in Zambia is neglected. 

Among other victims, most of the grade 9 pupils on Tuesday morning in Ndola who were going to write their final exams anticipated to find the usual forms of transport at their respective stations but got stranded as buses and taxis were not offering the usual services. 

Workers and other commuters resorted to ferrying Canters, Vans and Bicycles to reach their various destinations. 

The protest by minibus and taxi drivers has left a multitude of commuters stranded in many parts of the Copperbelt.