Taxi drivers in Hulhumale’ staged a peaceful protest today, voicing their opposition to the government’s plans to introduce a state-operated taxi service. Drivers participating in the demonstration vowed to continue their protest until the government officially halts its proposed initiative.
The demonstration, organized at Ruggandu 1 in Hulhumale’, saw participation from over 80 taxi drivers. Misbah Shareef, one of the drivers leading the protest, said the primary demand was for the government to cancel its plan to launch a state-operated taxi service.
“We will not stop this protest until we receive an official statement from the government that the plan has been abandoned,” Misbah said. The drivers began gathering at 4 PM, but police initially blocked their access to the protest site. After some negotiation, officers allowed vehicles into the designated area, enabling the demonstration to proceed peacefully.
Concerns Over the Proposed Service
Protesters argue that introducing around 300 government-run taxis will create unnecessary competition and financial difficulties for independent taxi drivers. One of the participants expressed concerns about the already limited space in Male’, adding that the government’s initiative would worsen traffic congestion and economic struggles for local families dependent on taxi services for their livelihood.
While drivers acknowledged the need for improving transportation services, they stressed that the government’s approach undermines their rights and jeopardizes their income. “We are here to protect our livelihood. We will continue peacefully, no matter the obstacles,” a protester stated.
The government initially announced plans for a state-run taxi service on July 25 last year. However, the proposal was retracted on August 4 following similar protests from taxi drivers. Despite the pushback, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen reaffirmed the government’s intentions on October 29 during a parliamentary session, explaining that the service would be managed through a state-owned company.
The Drivers’ Demands
The protesting taxi drivers emphasize the importance of finding solutions that involve and benefit all stakeholders. They believe an open dialogue between drivers and the government could address issues within the taxi industry without creating additional challenges.
The drivers have called for transparency and fairness in the decision-making process, urging the government to prioritize the needs of existing taxi operators while exploring improvements to the transport sector.
The drivers insist they will persist with peaceful protests until their concerns are addressed. For now, the streets of Hulhumale’ echo with their unified stance, as they await a resolution that benefits both the government and the community.
