Vihiga County Women Representative Beatrice Adagala wants the government to commence talks with key stakeholders to resolve the ongoing transport paralysis gripping the county over the hike in fuel prices.
In an official statement, Beatrice Adagala highlighted the severe economic pressures facing the citizens, noting that the current situation is disrupting daily lives, delaying access to essential services and hindering people’s ability to safely travel to work and school.
“I urge the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the National Treasury, the Ministry of Transport, EPRA and all relevant stakeholders to move with speed in resolving the current stalemate and finding sustainable interventions that will cushion transport operators and ordinary citizens from the rising cost pressures,” stated Adagala.
She further stated that leaders must appreciate that this situation affects families, businesses, students, workers and the economy at large. She therefore called for urgent, practical and lasting solutions that place the interests of citizens first.
Adagala directed her appeal to the highest levels of economic and energy planning, recognising that the solution requires a coordinated government appeal.
She challenged key state organs to stand and work with speed to draft immediate cushioning measures.
She insisted that stakeholders must move past short-term fixes and focus on sustainable interventions that protect both the investments of transport operators and the purchasing power of the public.
Adagala commended the residents of Vihiga County for their maturity and restraint during the disruption despite the mounting hardships and widespread frustration.
While transport hitches have caused massive inconveniences across the region, Vihiga has remained largely peaceful.
“I wish to thank the residents of Vihiga County for remaining calm, patient and orderly despite the inconveniences caused. Let us continue to uphold peace and understanding as well; we collectively look forward to a swift resolution,” she stated.
Government officials from the targeted ministries have been called upon to offer a response to women representative’s demands but the pressure continues to mount as local transport unions threaten prolonged go-slows if a resolution is not reached soon.
By Clara Simiyu
