Following the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, some residents of Daura in Katsina have resorted to using ox-drawn carts to convey their goods.
During a visit to their park, some residents were seen using the ox-drawn carts to convey their goods.
Some of those using such ancient means of transportation said they were forced to do that due to the high cost of conventional means, occasioned by subsidy removal.
Some riders of the ox-drawn carts said that their businesses are booming because of more patronage by low-income earners in the town.
Kabir Adamu, who uses ox-drawn carts, said he resorted to the carts just to cut costs and reduce the burden and pressure on him.
“I decided to abandon the conventional means of transportation because I can’t afford it. The cost is triple what we normally pay. Therefore, it’s necessary for us to choose an alternative way of moving our goods from one place to another, which we can afford to pay,” said Mr Adamu.
He added, “We are now struggling for what to eat, because prices of goods are no longer affordable like before.”
Muhammad Sani, an ox-drawn cart rider, said although this mode of transportation has been in existence for about 50 years, he had not seen such a huge patronage of it until now.
“Many people, especially the low-income earners, are no longer using vehicles to convey their goods due to the high cost, except when they are taking such goods far away from town.
“Because of this, they are now patronising us, and business is bringing in more money,” he said.
According to him, despite the state government’s effort to provide more affordable means of transportation, the people still have challenges conveying their goods.
(NAN)
