Delta State Government on Thursday threatened to penalise owners of transport companies diverting fuel subsidy palliatives in the state.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan warned the Delta Transport Service and other private companies given the mandate to administer the palliatives to desist from charging arbitrary fares or risk sanctions.
The state government had directed the transport companies not to increase fares as a result of the hike in the price of petrol, noting that it would bear the extra cost occasioned by the increment.
Uduaghan, who gave the warning when he paid an unscheduled visit to the loading bay of Delta Line in Asaba, ordered the immediate reversion to the pre-Christmas fares.
The governor, who was unhappy with the action of the transport companies, lamented that after several discussions and agreements with them, they still went ahead to corner the palliatives provided by the state government.
He warned government parastatals against sabotaging palliative measures put in place to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, stressing that any government functionary found culpable would be sanctioned.
“I don’t want a repeat of this. Do not collect more than the fare you were charging before Christmas. If you repeat this, I will show you the way out,” said the governor while warning the General Manager of Delta Line, Mr. Isaiah Eyione.
He added, “Transport companies should be humane rather than exploitative at this material time in the nation’s history. Do not exploit the people. Be considerate and charge moderate fares. There should not be anything like special seasonal fares. Instead of high fares, it should be lower.”
He urged the state transport company to repair all broken down vehicles and put them on the routes outlined for the company so that commuters would enjoy the palliative measures designed by the state government to reduce hardship.
Uduaghan assured commuters of the state government’s determination to make fuel available in all petrol filling stations to further ameliorate the hardship.
