A mediation led by the prefect of police of Bondoukou, Commissioner Koffi Djadjikan, has successfully facilitated the resumption of activities for taxi drivers in the city. The drivers had earlier gone on strike to protest the anarchic parking of vehicles from other localities, which they claimed was affecting their business. The strike caused inconvenience to commuters, some of whom were forced to walk part of their journey.
According to Camara Souley, president of the Bondoukou public transport drivers' union, the strike was not about the transport fare, which is fixed at 250 FCFA. He emphasized that the drivers are committed to working with the mayor to enforce this decision and that those who do not comply will be sanctioned. The drivers are demanding that out-of-town vehicles be restricted to designated parking areas.
The out-of-town vehicles, Souley explained, are from cities such as Abidjan, Agnibilékrou, Transua, and Bouna, and are parking in various parts of the city, including areas reserved for Bondoukou vehicles. Even those with designated garages, like the Bouna vehicles, are not limiting themselves to these areas and are instead parking all over the city.
The issue had previously been brought to the attention of the mayor of Bondoukou, who had promised to find a solution. However, with no concrete measures in place, the drivers decided to go on strike. The prefect of police has since committed to meeting with the relevant authorities to find a solution to the parking problem.
At the end of the mediation, the drivers agreed to resume work, but Souley warned that if no concrete measures are taken by Friday, the drivers may embark on another strike from the following Monday. The prefect's intervention has brought temporary relief to commuters, who had been affected by the strike.
The strike highlighted the challenges faced by public transport drivers in Bondoukou, including the issue of parking and the need for better regulation of out-of-town vehicles. The drivers are hoping that a lasting solution will be found to address these issues and prevent future disruptions to their services.
The resumption of taxi services in Bondoukou is a welcome relief to commuters, who rely on these vehicles for their daily travels. The city's transport system is expected to return to normal, with drivers operating in a more organized and regulated environment.
Key points
- The strike by Bondoukou taxi drivers was over the anarchic parking of out-of-town vehicles, which they claimed was affecting their business.
- The prefect of police, Commissioner Koffi Djadjikan, mediated a resolution to the strike, committing to meet with authorities to find a solution to the parking issue.
- The drivers have warned that they may embark on another strike if no concrete measures are taken to address their concerns by Friday.
