By Burnett Munthali
Authorities in Mzuzu are preparing to take action against taxi operators using unauthorised locations as passenger pick-up points, following growing concerns over safety and unfair competition within the city’s transport sector.
Mzuzu City Council says it will soon enforce regulations against taxi ranks operating outside officially designated areas.
The planned crackdown follows complaints from taxi operators who argue that unapproved ranks are disrupting legitimate businesses and creating potential risks for passengers.
Mzuzu City Taxi Operators General Secretary Justa Chiumia said operators working from recognised taxi ranks are being disadvantaged because they can spend hours waiting for passengers while competitors operating from unauthorised locations continue to attract customers.
Chiumia also raised concerns about the treatment of passengers at some of the unofficial taxi points, saying reports of harassment had emerged.
According to him, taxi operators have previously approached the city council several times seeking intervention over the growing problem.
Mzuzu City Council spokesperson Macdonald Gondwe acknowledged the concerns, describing the situation as troubling.
Gondwe said the council would work with relevant stakeholders to enforce regulations and remove taxi operators from areas that have not been approved as taxi ranks.
He said allowing taxis to operate from undesignated locations undermines efforts to maintain order and support the orderly development of Mzuzu.
The council’s planned enforcement campaign is expected to bring renewed attention to the management of public transport spaces in the city, while taxi operators are calling for consistent application of the rules to ensure fair competition and improved passenger safety.
