MOGADISHU( Halbeeg News)-The administration Benadir region has banned the import and assembly of auto-rickshaw into the region.
A decree from the office of Benadir governor who is also the mayor of Mogadishu, Abdirahaman Osman banned the import of the rickshaw from the main port putting into consideration repeated complain from the public and the security agencies.
The administration argues that auto-rickshaws brought unwanted traffic jam into the main roads in the city that are important to the movement of people, goods and services thereby prompting accidents.
Auto-rickshaws are a common transport in Mogadishu and other main cities in Somalia and charge less fare on the passengers compared to other vehicles that ply along the main roads thus becoming an alternative transport used by middle class and low class citizens.
On the other hand, despite the security concerns expressed by the administration, many people defend auto-rickshaws as a source income where to thousands of people mostly youth earn their daily bread.
Experts underline, if used wisely, auto-rickshaws could be complementary for the low income people in the country who suffer due to lack of proper transport.
Early this year, auto-rickshaw drivers in Mogadishu went on strike after they accused the federal government of Somalia of restricting their movement in some important roads in the city especially the road leading the airport and the president palace.
The auto-rickshaws are mostly manufactured at India and China and import a large number on daily basis.
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