By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, November 14, Mana: Motorcycle taxi operators in Blantyre have appealed to Blantyre City Council (BCC) to provide designated operating spaces within the city as opposed to current situation that sees them operating in undesignated places in town in conflict with traffic regulations.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), a motor cycle taxi operator, Maxwell Teketeke, said was aware of inconveniences caused by undesignated parking spaces but added that most operators have no choice but to operate though in conflict with traffic regulations.
He said on average operators earn between K8,000 and K15,000 per day despite difficulties, however they bemoaned the fact that many operators are fined by traffic police for breaking route restrictions often compelling them to pay heavy penalties.
“We know the law, but sometimes we have no choice but to break them because there are so few places for us to operate. We are given huge fines to the extent of K100,000 which make us get loans to retrieve our bikes,” Teketeke added.
He also expressed concern over motor bicycle operators’ safety saying minibus drivers often ignore motorbikes safety on the road.
“One time, a minibus hit me, and the driver sped off leaving me behind in pain. Minibus operators don’t respect us,” he added.
Blantyre Police Office-in-Charge, Assistant Commissioner, Aubrey Kawale, admitted that motorcycle operators are fined depending on an offence they commit.
“Police charge every committed offence and these include; fines for riding without licence, K15,000, riding without insurance, K50,000, riding an unregistered bike K20,000, and without a helmet K10,000, among others,” Kawale added.
On safety measures, the Officer in Charge said that the police have Community Policing Office responsible for sensitising motor bicycle operators on road safety.
Kawale however observed that some motorbike operators are suspected of using their bikes to facilitate crime in the city.
Blantyre City Council, Chief Executive Officer, Denis Chinseu said he was not aware of any Kabaza operator officially registered with the city authority.
The Chief Executive Officer said the council could not provide parking spaces for unregistered operators.
“They need to come to us, identify themselves as operators to get registered. They should also be properly trained by the Road Traffic Directorate, as we must ensure the safety of all city residents,” he added.
