The national traffic control authorities found on Friday that the majority of semi-collective and collective passenger bus drivers do not have the necessary qualifications.

An operation launched by the National Road Transport Institute (INATRO) and the Traffic Police (PT) found that 95% of the drivers questioned were operating illegally - without a driving license compatible with the activity and operating licenses - meaning that only five percent were allowed to carry out the activity.  

The operation took place at the Junta Interprovincial Terminal, in the city of Maputo, and at the Nhongonhane checkpoint, in the district of Marracuene, Maputo province. The work consisted of checking documents, technical conditions and raising awareness of road safety.

"We thought it would be appropriate for all those subject to inspection and with incompatible license problems to be sensitized today, in order to create the conditions to regularize their situation," said Cassimo Ali, head of the Traffic Police Department of the General Command of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique.

The President of the Board of Directors (PCA) of the National Road Transport Institute (INATRO), Nelson Nunes, noted several irregularities in Nhongonhane, ranging from the absence of licenses and insurance, including incompatible driving licenses and the lack of passenger lists. But he also noted deficiencies in the checkpoints, which could be remedied by introducing technological methods. Nunes says that there should be an in-depth reflection on the current inspection methods.

The Traffic Police called on drivers to regularize the situation and on passengers to report overcrowding and other irregularities.