A health expert has slammed government over its decision to bow down to minibus operators’ demand of increasing the carrying capacity to three people per seat from two.

Maziko Matemba said government’s move is unfortunate as it is coming at a time when the country has started registering positive Covid-19 cases.

Matemba said: “This has the potential of increasing the spread of pandemic in the country.”

On Monday, minibus operators in Blantyre have resumed their services after government bowed down to their demands.

The operators were on strike as one way of pressuring government to increase the current carrying capacity to three people per seat following fuel hike in the country.

Speaking to YFM, Minibus Owners’ Association (MOAM) general secretary Coxley Kamange said the association had an audience with government officials on Monday afternoon where the concerns were addressed.

public transport commuters in Blantyre City were forced to walk to their respective work and business places after minibus operators suspended their services.