By Fatai Akanji
Operators of the popular minibus also known as “Korope” in the State of Osun have linked the ongoing construction of the Olaiya flyover to the recent increment to the fare of transportation per drop.
Osun Defender correspondent gathered that Korope drivers, who operate in Osogbo, the state capital and major towns on Monday effected the directive of the motorists’ union on the 100 percent increment.
Recall Osun Defender had earlier reported that, the drivers, who operate in Osogbo, the state capital and major towns across the state, on Friday said that from today, May 17, the fare per drop will increase to N100 from N50.
The development was confirmed by a minibus driver, Mr Adegbite Nurudeen, in an interview with Osun Defender correspondent in Osogbo, who lamented the construction of Olaiya flyover, as the cause of the incessant gridlock in the state capital.
Adegbite said, “I used to buy fuel of N1000 from Kobo/Ogo-Oluwa Axis to Abere, the fuel will still take me back to Kobo, but now that the construction is going on at Olaiya, that we all need to drive around Alekuwodo and Odi-Olowo axis, I need to buy another fuel before I can get back to my destination”.
He also berated over the the rise of waste bin that the state government imposed on drivers, he stating that it has now been increased from N3500 to 12000.
Also, Mr Lukman Aderibigbe who is also a driver spoke on the high cost of living in the country, which has taken its toll on the price of every commodity.
Aderibigbe said the maintenance of the minibus is now on the high side stating that engine oil which sold for N3500 has moved up to N8000 with its ripple effect on the sales drivers make per day.
According to him, “We must increase our fares because the price of everything has doubled.
“The price of Motor spares parts and Engine Oil has doubled. Fuel is also something else. Tell me, how do you want us to survive this calamity?” he stated.
