WINDHOEK, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Bus and taxi drivers in Namibia's capital Windhoek have complained of decreasing clients due to coronavirus, as the country has recorded three confirmed cases of the deadly virus.
In an interview on Monday with some drivers, drivers said that they have thus far already lost over 80 percent of their regular clients.
One driver, Emil Immanuel said though he fears for his health, he has no choice but to continue working as he has to make ends meet. At home he is the only breadwinner to a family of nine.
"It is so sad to know that the job I loved so much can now be risky for my health. We drivers are at high risk of contracting and spreading the deadly virus," Immanuel said.
Immanuel said his job is the only way for him to make money and he has already lost a lot of clients due to the closure of schools and some work places.
"As schools were forced to close for one month, and with some companies demanding that people work from home, we taxi drivers have lost a lot of money. For now we are really struggling. Many of my clients have also decided to drive with their colleagues to work, because they fear taking public transport," Immanuel said.
Another taxi driver, Neels Links said his daily income has decreased by over 77 percent.
"Many entertainment venues are now closed. It is true that people in Namibia now don't travel as much they used to. Most of the time I would be driving around alone. For us making ends meet is difficult now," Links said.
Some drivers have started implementing new sanitation protocols while contending with reduced commuters as fears of COVID-19 persist.
The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) Secretary-General, Pendapala Nakathingo, has in the meantime urged taxi and bus drivers to wear masks and gloves to not only protect themselves, but also their customers from the deadly virus.
One former client, Benjamin Plaatjies said he stopped taking public transport because it is a gathering, something the health officials and the Namibian President, Hage Geingob has already warned against.
"When it comes to my health I am not taking any chances. I have bought my own car last week. For me prevention is better than cure," Plaatjies said.
City of Windhoek (CoW) spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said they are currently busy discussing the necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.
"However for now, registered buses and taxis should be disinfected daily and drivers will be offered masks and gloves. City bus driver are also required to disinfect all busses before and after transporting passengers," Amutenya said.
