By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, December 24, Mana: Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization has intensified road safety measures for Kabaza operators in Blantyre to help minimize accidents and ensure safer rides during this festive season.

The organization has donated 1,000 reflective vests and 3,000 reflector tapes to Kabaza operators from Makhetha, Kameza, Chinsewu, Ndirande, Limbe Central, Chirimba, Kapeni, Bvumbwe, Soche, Mpemba, Mbayani, Bangwe, and Njamba ranks.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre on Monday, Ashraful Aid’s Country Director, Abbas Panjwani, emphasized the importance of using safety gear to reduce accidents.

Panjwani said that Kabaza is an essential means of transport, just like any other, and operators must protect themselves to ensure the safety of their passengers.

“In recent years, Kabaza has become increasingly popular among Malawians, especially during festive seasons. Therefore, ensuring the safety of operators is crucial to saving precious lives,” he said.

Panjwani encouraged the summoned Kabaza operators to not just keep the vests but should make them part of their uniform.

He disclosed that Ashraful Aid has partnered with Quarry King, Easy Pack Limited, Build Africa, Speed Courier, and Hisco to implement this initiative.

Blantyre Police Urban Traffic Officer, Superintendent Cassim Symone, highlighted that most accidents involving Kabaza operators are avoidable and are often caused by their failure to follow road safety rules.

“Many accidents occur because Kabaza operators speed unnecessarily and lack the proper safety gear, making them avoid traffic police. Operators must prioritize road safety for their own good and the safety of others,” said Symone.

He urged Kabaza operators to register their motorcycles with the police to enhance recognition and facilitate assistance in case of accidents or other issues.

“Registration should be a priority for anyone starting a motorcycle business. It not only provides an identification record but also aids in insurance claims in case of accidents,” Symone explained.

Symone commended Ashraful Aid’s initiative, expressing hope that the provision of safety gear would help reduce road accidents in Blantyre.

“We expect operators to wear the safety gear provided, including helmets for both themselves and their passengers,” he added.

One of the Kabaza operators, Jones Steven, expressed gratitude for the donations, noting that they would help reduce incidents of robbery and accidents.

“This initiative will improve our safety and that of our customers. I encourage my fellow operators to report accidents to their rank chairpersons and the police for effective assistance during and after the festive season,” Steven said.

He condemned the behaviour of drinking and smoking while on duty, emphasizing that such actions compromise safety on the roads.

He called on the government to reconsider the high fees for registration and insurance, pointing out that many operators do not own the motorcycles they use and cannot afford these costs with their current earnings.