Namibians Call for Salary Increases After Transport Fare Hike

A government-approved rise in taxi and bus fares set to take effect on May 18 has sparked swift backlash across Namibia, with many urging authorities to match the move with increases in public sector pay. The adjustment covers taxis, minibuses, and inter-city buses, drawing immediate concern from everyday commuters and civil servants alike.

Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said the revision stems from escalating fuel costs linked to persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a squeeze he noted is filtering through to Namibia’s broader economy.

For riders already contending with steeper grocery and utility bills, the fare bump feels like another hit to household budgets. “A 15% increase might not seem huge on paper, but for ordinary Namibians who rely on taxis every day, it adds up very quickly,” one passenger said, warning that daily travel costs could become untenable without relief elsewhere.