Truckers protest without their trucks - PM office promises to respond appeal shortly


Truck owners demonstrating at Meskal square on
Thursday Sept 14,2006 in protest against new directive

By Tedla Yeneaka - Capital

19 September 2006

Over 300 transport truck owners who oppose July's directive forcing them to buy at least 10-25 trucks in order to continue their businesses appealed to the Prime Minister's office on Thursday, September 14 th .

A seven member committee was put in place to coordinate the demonstration that started at Meskel Square and made its way to the Office of the Prime Minister.

However, the Addis Ababa City Administration banned truck owners from demonstrating with their trucks as they originally wanted to, forcing them to make their statement on foot. Only three trucks prepared for the demonstration were seen parked around the square.

Tsega Asamere, President of the Total Ethiopian Fuel Truck Owners Association Office, told Capital that the Prime Minister would respond to their appeal as soon as possible after talks with officials of the Ministry of Transport and Communication.

According to the directive released by the Authority, companies or individuals that have a business license are permitted to import 10 to 25 new oil trucks. Moreover, the interested parties should have experience in the sector as well as deposit 30% of the money they intend to spend on the trucks into a blocked account, of which they need to present a statement of proof.

Despite a two meetings with Junedi Sado, Minister of Transport and Communication, the oil truck owners failed to reach an agreement.

In related news, owners of freight transport trucks are signing a petition in protest at the Ethiopian government's decision to allow MIDROC Derba Plc. to import 800 trucks duty-free for transporting cement.

Out of the 1,200 truck owners working in the transport sector, 300 owners have written a letter protesting against the permit issued by the government to MIDROC Derba, which allows them to import the trucks.