Some residents of Ndola’s Chifubu township have expressed concern over an increase in bus fares from the central business district to Chifubu township.

The residents have stated that following the collapsing of Chifubu bridge due to the heavy rains recently, buses now take longer routes from the CBD to Chifubu township which has led to an increase in bus fares.

They have since called for a speedy re-construction of the bridge so that buses can start using the main road and reduce the bus fares.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo has appealed to the bus drivers not to take advantage of the damaged bridge and exploit people.

Mr Matambo has urged the bus drivers to continue with the normal bus fare passengers used to pay before the bridge was damaged.

He has however stated that the construction of a new bridge has since commenced and is expected to be completed within 14 days