Semi-collective passenger transporters are desperate to pay the subsidy promised by the government eight months ago and point to the rise in fares as a way of compensating for the rise in fuel prices and operating costs.

The authorities repeat that they will pay, but do not give any dates.

It is more than eight months since the Mozambican government announced the existence of 3.2 billion meticais to subsidize passenger transport and alleviate the impact of high fuel prices in the country.

However, from then on, the hauliers have been desperate for this subsidy and, until they receive the promised funds, they point to a fare increase as the solution.

"Life hasn't been easy, we feel for the population, but fuel prices are high and salaries are not in line with the cost of living," said Carlos Mondlane, quoted by VOA. "The good thing would be to lower fuel prices and maintain the 12 meticais," added António Cossa.

The government recognizes its failure to comply, and for the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala, it is the lack of money that is at the root of this situation.

"With a lot of humility and honesty, we don't have any money; if we had money, we certainly wouldn't lack the means, but we don't have any money," acknowledged Magala.

Magala guaranteed that there is already money to compensate passenger carriers in the Greater Maputo metropolitan area, but did not reveal when the payments would begin.

"We promised and we will pay the compensation to the semi-collective passenger carriers," said Magala.

Faced with yet another promise, Castigo Nhamane, President of FEMATRO, said that the hauliers were looking forward to it.

"The only information we have is that the government continues to guarantee that payment will be made within this month," said Nhamane.

Two weeks ago, transport fares were increased by three meticais, contrary to the wishes of hauliers who wanted an increase of around seven meticais.