LAW ENFORCEMENT ON OVERLOADING OF MINIBUS TAXIS IN MAPUTO
Date
2011-06-22
Authors
Seda, FulgĂȘncio Lucas Muti
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Abstract
This study was conducted in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The context of this
study is the imbalance facing the transport industry in Maputo. This disparity relates to
the forces of supply and demand between the public and private sectors in the provision
of a healthy transport service. The overloading of passengers was identified as the
primary research problem, and was linked to two management functions: leadership and
control. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors leading to overloading,
the dominant trends in the enforcement of regulations on overloading, and the current
government strategy (if any) to address the problem.
The study applied a qualitative method in which inter-departmental interviews were
conducted with the taxi drivers, passengers, traffic officials and representatives of the
government. Findings indicated that the private sector has dominated the transport
industry and that this situation has resulted in high demands being placed on transport.
A result of these demands is overloading as an ineffective enforcement body is
attempting to develop a form of intervention in the face of conflicting political influences.
This study concludes by recommending a complete transformation of the transport
industry. New rules should be introduced which prohibit government members from
owning minibus taxis that are used for public transport. The aim of this would be to
considerably reduce political influence. Consequently, an effective enforcement body
would act to protect passengers from opportunistic private operators
Description
MM - P&DM
Keywords
Minibus taxis, Maputo, Mozambique