MRTO holds government by the horns

MRTO has taken government by the horns.
.by Sebonomoea Rk Ramainoane on Tuesday, 02 August 2011 at 08:18.Your note has been created.
Adv. Letuka Molati (31) has been explaining the interim court order regarding a case that was filed by taxis and buses operators of Maseru, that government erre by increasing fares with any public consutation as required by the statute.

The Maseru Region Transport Operators in court, argued that it is not fair and that it was ultra vires for the government to have increased the fares without any public consultation whatsoever.

Their case therefore, Molati speaking on Pro bono Publico programme this morning , said, is that government should just follow the letter of the Road Traffic Act 1981 which provides for a public consultation with all stakeholders before government could effect any changes in fares.

Further, they argued that already, when the government intends to increase electricity tarrifs, it does hold a public consultation in which the consumers, as individuals or through their organisations have an opportunity to make their subimisions. MRTO, therefore, argued in court that the principle should have been applied in their case, after it is a legal requirement.

Any transport operator who will effect the new tariffs, notwithstanding this courder, Molati said risks being prosecuted for "contempt of court."

Molati said the principle used here is called Mandamus, which has been advocated by MOAFRIKA FM since last year 2010.

The principle of mandamus allows for a peaceful way of forcing the authorities to act on the law, to avoid strikes, which in this country, may lead to destruction of properties and to unnecessary blood shed of the innocent.

It seems Molati at his age should give hope to Basotho that what was discussed on Pusong ea Sechaba ka Sechaba last Saturday: Knowledge Management Paractice, that make use of tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge is achievable. Young people should thereforerise and take their rightful place in all areas of developing their Fatherland.

Similarly, it is high time those in authority recognises the potential of lesotho youth in the planning and development of this kingdom. God bless you friends. I am off to attend a monthly meeting of chiefs in my village, Serooeng. See you in the late afternoon. I love you dearly.

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