Wrecked by debt, tourist contract bus owners ‘contemplating suicide’

The Tourist Contract Bus Owners Association (TCBOA) are at a lost – and some members claim to be “contemplating suicide.”

Despite three meetings with Transport Minister Alan Ganoo, the association claimed that twenty vehicles acquired by their members through leasing will be seized next week for non-payment of their instalments.

“We are once more imploring your assistance to leastwise provide us a loan of Rs 200 000 – Rs 400 000, in conjunction with a moratorium of 18 months for repayment: so that our vehicules are not seized,” said a letter cited by Le Mauricien to be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Our vehicles are our only source of income to cater for our household obligations and to cover costs for the repayment of our loans. There are many members who are in a severe state of dependency are contemplating suicide. We are therefore appealing to your kindness, care and concern ; so you may be able to lend some assistance,” said the letter signed by TCBOA secretary Bhavish Manohar.

They are also planning a protest in Port Louis “if the government refuses to listen”.