Police spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera.
Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) urges taxi-moto operators to follow new guidelines set to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
The new guidelines were issued by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA). The issued guidelines are part of the efforts to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 when moto-taxi operators resume their work on June 1.
Among the guidelines issued in a statement, motorcyclists and passengers have to carry hand sanitizers. Motorcyclists are required to sanitize the helmets and ensure passengers sanitize their hands before boarding. Both the motorcyclists as well as passengers have to wear their face masks and taxi-motor operators have to obey one-meter distance while in parking.
Motorcyclists in Kigali are required to use meters cashless payment of their fare using Mobile Money or Airtel Money. The cashless payment also applies to motorcyclists operating in other parts of the country.
No cash will be allowed in order to decrease the risk of spreading Covid-19 through cash handling.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera reminded taxi-moto operators and their clients to ensure maximum compliance.
“Motorcyclists as well as passengers have to follow rules and directives that have been set. It is for everyone’s safety. They will resume their businesses but we remind them to not put their lives in danger. Washing their hands and helmets, wearing face masks, cashless payment, and social distancing is necessary for everyone’s safety,” CP Kabera said.
He warned of appropriate actions against anyone who will be caught violating the guidelines. He further urged them to operate within the limits of traffic rules and regulations
“Besides Coronavirus, reckless usage of roads can also claim lives. We expect people to do the right thing to protect themselves and others and those who disobey will be punished. Let’s make respecting rules part of our culture,” CP Kabera emphasized.
The President of FERWACOTAMO, a federation of motorcycle cooperatives; Daniel Ngarambe said that all efforts are currently being put in emphasizing the government directives to curb the virus from spreading.
“We will control and monitor motorcyclists and passengers on compliance; washing or sanitizing hands and helmets, wear face masks and maintain the one-meter distance. Whoever uses a moto must feel safe but he or she will not get service without wearing a face mask or sanitizing their hands,” Ngarambe said. (End)