By YVONNE CHATE and MILDRED KATONGO –

PUBLIC transport operators in Ndola have increased fares on most routes by K1 after the hike in fuel prices last week.
The public transport operators have gone ahead to hike the fares despite Government not sanctioning the move.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Minister Yamfwa Mukanga had warned that any increment in taxi and bus fares would be illegal.
Mr Mukanga said this was because Government was not convinced with reasons that transport operators were giving for the increase.
He said when Government reduced pump prices in January this year, operators refused to reduce fares even after being engaged.
Mr Mukanga said it was therefore unfair for the transport operators to increase bus fares.
A check by the Times at Mulungushi and Chisokone bus station in Ndola, found most routes had increased the bus and taxi fares by K0.50 and K1.
Routes to Ndeke from town had their fares increased from K4 to K5 for taxis and K3 to K3.50 for buses.
Chifubu Township fares which were K2.50, have been increased to K3.50, while Kansenshi fares have been hiked from K2 to K3.
Other routes include Ndeke to main Masala from K2.50 to K3 while town to Masala was increased from K2.50 to K3.
Fares for all short distances have increased from K2 to K2.50.
Bus drivers talked to, said the move was effected after the prices of fuel were hiked.
Bernard Chola said if they did not increase the bus fares, the transporters would not make any profits.
“Fuel prices have gone up and so we have increased the fares, because if we do not increase, we will not make any profits,” he said.