Sayed-Khaiyum clears the air about the implementation of the ‘Lottery System’

The Acting Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Transport and Infrastructure Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has cleared the air about the implementation of the ‘Lottery System’ for awarding taxi permits.

In his response to SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro’s question on why this was implemented, the Attorney General said this was done because a lot of people were complaining about the lack of transparency in the process.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the Land Transport Authority has now distinguished different zones and the number of permits that are required in these various zones.

He says applicants must be in the zone in order to apply for the taxi permit.

The Attorney General has also confirmed that no existing permit holder will be affected by this process.

He adds that people who have applied before and during the taxi permit freeze will be prioritized.

Sayed-Khaiyum says an Independent Committee will be set up to award these new permits and the permit holders must begin services after 3 months of being awarded.

He says people will also have a right to appeal if they have not been given a permit.