Rising fuel costs are affecting punters at Nasali Landing as stagnant fares and soaring fuel prices threaten the vital transport links for the Rewa Delta.
The punters have reached a breaking point as the widening gap between fixed fares and escalating fuel prices rips through their daily earnings. Among them is Jone Tabisa,43, from Nadoi, Rewa, who warned their local transport was under record strain.
While the cost of fuel has taken a drastic leap, boat fares remained frozen, leaving them to absorb the losses.
“The price of fuel now is so high but boat fares to the surrounding villages are still the same,” Mr Tabisa said.
Operators are among the most affected as they must share a part of their daily earnings with boat owners. With profits shrinking, many are finding it hard to make ends meet and cover their household costs.
There are growing fears that if the economic pressure continues, operators will be forced out of business, leaving Delta residents stranded without reliable transit.
“This is our livelihood, and sometimes we can’t make ends meet with the increase in fuel costs,” said Mr Tabisa.
The 43-year-old called on the government to provide urgent intervention for small-scale maritime operators and not turn a blind eye.
“I urge the Government to assist us, small business operators. This is our livelihood, and this is the source of our family’s survival.”
