MASS TRANSIT BUSES FINALLY ARRIVE

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000179 DEPT FOR AF/W DEPT FOR EB/IFD/OMA DEPT FOR EB/ESC/IEC FOR PHAYMOND DEPT PLEASE PASS TO USTR FOR LAURIE ANN AGAMA DEPT PLEASE PASS TO COMMERCE FOR SALIHA LOUCIF TREASURY FOR OFFICE OF AFRICAN NATIONS SIPDIS E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: ECON EPET PGOV GV SUBJECT: MASS TRANSIT BUSES FINALLY ARRIVE REF: A) CONAKRY 185 B) CONAKRY 0070 ¶1. (U) On May 9, local internet media reported that on May 8 the 100 long-awaited mass transit buses arrived in Conakry (REFTELS). Econoff witnessed the parade of at least 50 empty, freshly painted buses as they were being driven on a tour of Conakry. (NOTE: The tour of the buses also contributed to a significant traffic jam, as well as much excitement from bystanders along the route. END NOTE.) ¶2. (U) The Ashok-Leyland buses are reportedly to be put in service at a to-be-determined date, both for inter-city and intra-city transport. An Ivorian company, Socit des Transports Abidjanais (SOTRA),will reportedly operate the bus line for Guinea. ¶3. (U) COMMENT. The arrival of the buses fulfills one of Prime Minister Kouyate's first promises to the people of Guinea after the end of the strike in 2007. He has not been able to provide water and power to all of Conakry, but at least he can now show some tangible benefits from his administration's efforts, in addition to some improved roads. END COMMENT. CARTER