Students and scholars from the city of Bobo-Dioulasso took to the streets on Monday November 18, 2024 with their destination, the High Commission. Objective, to express their dissatisfaction with the service of the Ouagadougou Public Transport Company (SOTRACO).
It is around 9:20 am when we come across a crowd leaving Tiéfo Amoro Square, where the main SOTRACO station is, leaving for the High Commission. Some, with bags on their backs or shoulders and others in their hands and even at shoulder level, show that they are students or scholars. Traffic is a concern this morning, as there is no way for motorbikes or cars. Everyone stops to look at them. A traveler asks this question: What is happening that these children are leading a show? We will know when we get to the High Commission. There, the demonstrators are welcomed by the High Commissioner of the Houet region, Laurent Kontogom and the Western Regional Director of SOTRACO, Luc Mano as well as his staff. According to René Bayili, SVT student at Boni Nazi University and representative of the demonstrators, “This morning’s march is a peaceful march. The main reason is to express our dissatisfaction with the living conditions of SOTRACO.” So he said that they have not been able to understand how SOTRACO works since last year. “Going to school is a real problem, but he has set himself the goal of making mobility possible, especially for pupils and students,” he insists. also note the problems which, among other things, break down and delay buses which cause the loss of certain classes and homework; already there, theft and lack of air in buses due to overloading.Overloading causes students to hang on bus doors.
Please help us!
The student representative suggested that the protest of his comrades is to ask the High Commissioner du Houet to help them to face this difficult fight that they face every day. High Commissioner Laurent Kontogom welcomed the peaceful march of the demonstrators as no damage was noticed during the march. He told the demonstrators that SOTRACO is a mixed economy company, which means that it is managed 25% by the State and 75% by private companies whose general management is in Ouagadougou. Decisions to strengthen the car park are being taken from Ouagadougou. As the Regional Directorate, Bobo has only to coordinate the day-to-day organization of the various tours to satisfy all bus users. The High Commissioner assured the demonstrators that their problems will be escalated to the General Directorate because the solution is in Ouagadougou.
Suggestions for some solutions
The Western Regional Director of SOTRACO, Luc Mano, explained to the exhibitors that the demand is great compared to last year, but that there are not enough buses. “Today, it is difficult to have new buses,” he said. He suggested that what they can do at their level is to continue to maintain the current park while they wait for the State to come to their aid. He also explained to them that an investigation was carried out and it emerged that 76 buses would be needed to solve the entire problem of pupils and students. However, there are currently only 25 buses in operation. Laurent Kontogom also confirmed, among other things, that they will make a strong appeal for additional buses to relieve users, and to prioritize student lines in the mornings. The protesters proposed a two-month delay to resolve their problems.
Estelle Wende Mi DO
Catriona TIANIAGOU/Stagiaires
What are the key grievances of the students and scholars protesting in Bobo-Dioulasso regarding public transportation?
World Today News: Good morning, Mr. Bayili, thank you for joining us today. Could you please tell us more about the reasons behind this protest by students and scholars in Bobo-Dioulasso?
René Bayili: Of course. We are protesting against the inadequate public transportation services provided by the Ouagadougou Public Transport Company (SOTRACO) in our city. Our main grievances are the overcrowding, delays, breakdowns, and theft that we face every day while using their buses. We feel that these issues are affecting our education and overall quality of life.
World Today News: Thank you for sharing that. Mr. Kontogom, as the High Commissioner of the Houet Region, what are your thoughts on the situation?
Laurent Kontogom: It is always unfortunate to see citizens expressing their dissatisfaction in this manner. However, I appreciate their peaceful approach to this matter. As the High Commissioner, it is important to listen to their concerns and work towards finding a solution. SOTRACO is a mixed economy company, and as such, decisions regarding the strengthening of the car park need to come from Ouagadougou. However, we will do our best to coordinate with the regional office and escalate these issues to the higher authorities.
World Today News: We understand that SOTRACO has limited resources due to the increased demand for buses. Mr. Mano, could you please explain the current situation and possible solutions?
Luc Mano: Indeed, the demand for buses has increased significantly this year, and unfortunately, we do not have enough to accommodate everyone. Currently, we have only 25 buses operating when we actually need 76 to meet the demand. We are maintaining the existing fleet and making a strong appeal to the State for additional buses. Additionally, we plan to prioritize student lines during peak hours to alleviate some of their problems.
World Today News: That sounds like a reasonable solution. Mr. Bayili, would you be willing to work with SOTRACO and the High Commission to find a more permanent solution?
René Bayili: Absolutely. We are open to collaborating with all stakeholders to improve our public transportation system
