Transporters in Sour El-Ghozlane, a town in the Bouira province of Algeria, have started an indefinite strike. The strike, announced a week ago, is in response to recent changes made to the local transport plan. The changes, according to the transporters, were made without consultation or prior notice. The new plan has altered the routes and stops used by transporters, causing difficulties for both the transporters and their passengers.

The changes to the transport plan have resulted in the removal of an old bus stop near the main post office in the town center. Transporters have been instructed to use the bus station instead. However, this change has caused problems for transporters, who claim that their routes and schedules have been disrupted. The transporters also argue that some neighborhoods are no longer being serviced by public transport, causing inconvenience to residents.

According to the transporters, the new plan has not only changed their routes but also restricted access to certain neighborhoods. They claim that they are no longer allowed to enter some areas, including those in the north of the town. This has left hundreds of residents without access to public transport. The transporters have expressed their frustration, stating that they were not consulted before the changes were made.

The transporters have submitted a letter of complaint to the local authorities, including the director of transport for the province. In the letter, they request improvements to their working conditions and a revision of the new transport plan. They argue that the changes have caused them significant difficulties and have affected their livelihoods.

The local authorities have responded to the transporters' concerns, stating that the new plan aims to bring order to the transport sector, which had been plagued by anarchic conditions for several years. They claim that many transporters were operating without proper authorization, creating unfair competition for legitimate operators. The authorities have also promised to make further improvements to the plan, particularly with regards to neighborhoods that are not currently serviced by public transport.

The strike has had a significant impact on the daily lives of residents, particularly those who rely on public transport to commute to work or school. Many have been forced to walk long distances or hire private taxis at high cost. The strike is ongoing, with no immediate resolution in sight. The transporters remain committed to their demands, while the authorities are under pressure to find a solution to the crisis.

The situation in Sour El-Ghozlane highlights the challenges faced by many Algerian towns in managing their transport systems. The need for effective planning and consultation with stakeholders is clear. As the strike continues, residents and transporters alike are hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.

Key points

  • The strike by transporters in Sour El-Ghozlane is in response to changes made to the local transport plan without consultation or prior notice.
  • The changes have disrupted the routes and schedules of transporters, causing difficulties for both them and their passengers.
  • The local authorities have promised to make further improvements to the plan, particularly with regards to neighborhoods that are not currently serviced by public transport.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.