ANAMBRA STATE GOVT CAUTIONS TRICYCLE OPERATORS AGAINST RECKLESS

Reporter : UCHE NDEKE

Tricycle operators in Anambra State have been enjoined to adhere strictly to all the rules and regulations guiding their operations while they ply the roads in the area.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, gave the advice during a forum with the tricycle operators as part of preparations for the yuletide.

Since the ban of commercial motorcyclists in some cities across Anambra State, tricycle operators have become a major means of transportation within Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia among other areas due to their ability to access some hard to reach areas.

However, their conduct on the road according to some road users had become worrisome considering the level of recklessness among a large number of some of them exhibit on the road that had often led to accidents.

Mr. Mbanefo said the state government deemed it necessary to educate the operators on the need to ride safely, especially as they make ends meet during and after the festive period.

He therefore urged the tricycle riders to take advantage of the numerous policies introduced by the ministry of transport to guarantee safety of all commuters and operators in the state .

In a remark the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the State, Mr. Andrew Kumapayi, commended the government for training the tricycle riders as it would help them to have a better driving attitude on the road and give them the advantage to make more money from their business .

The Chairman of Tricycle Operators in the state, Mr. Sylvester Obiora, noted that the exercise became necessary because of the established cases of recklessness of members in the state.

In their separate presentations, the Commander, Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Mr. Chidi Umezinwa, and the Awka Zonal Commander, Vehicle Inspection Officers, Mr. Eloka Obidoa cautioned the riders to respect other road users, drive to save lives and ensure that their tricycles were always in a good condition before bringing it on the road.

Some of the participants commended government for the initiative but however appealed for a downward review of thief daily levies.