Public service drivers complain of illegal roadblocks in Lower Shabelle

Drivers operating in Afgoye and its environs are expressing concern over illegal roadblocks that have been mounted in areas between Mareeray and Afgoye towns in southern Somalia.

Some of the drivers operating the road connecting the two towns told Goobjoog News that they always spend a lot of money on illegal roadblocks to save their lives.

“We have lots of problem with these illegal checkpoints in Lower Shabelle region because we cannot afford the amount of money we are forced to pay,” said one of the drivers.

Drivers have complained repeatedly about the illegal roadblocks that have been setup by the militias.

One of the bus drivers, who asked to remain anonymous in fear of reprisal attacks from the militias, has told Goobjoog Sunday that most buses would halt traveling to Afgoye. “The armed militiamen setting up roadblocks have increased, so we can no longer work on situation like that,” he said.

The drivers called the federal government to take immediate action of removing the illegal checkpoints in the region.

Armed men with SNA uniform set up roadblocks to embezzle cash from drivers who constantly use the busy main highway connecting the Lower Shabelle region.

According to local sources, more than 10 roadblocks have been setup between two towns in the Lower Shabelle region.

The federal government carried out several operations to remove the illegal roadblocks set by the men dressed in military uniform but no change was so far felt according the owners and the drivers.