MCE ENGAGES TRANSPORT OPERATORS ON ROAD SAFETY, BEST PRACTICES AND DEVELOPMENT.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Freeman Tsekpo engaged the various unions of transport operators in the municipality on their general activities, compliance with approved transport fares and assembly’s transport bye-laws.
The meeting which took place at the premises of the assembly accentuated road safety concerns, terminal development, collaborative efforts to increase revenue for development and general challenges facing the transport operators. He entreated the drivers to partner with the assembly by registering and patronizing the assembly’s vehicular stickers, clamping down on floating drivers, desist from the exploitation of passengers and charging of unapproved fares.

The MCE emphasized the assembly’s commitment to improving the inner road infrastructures and transport terminals in the municipality, citing the engagement of a new contractor who has commenced decongestion to improving general sanitary conditions at the lorry terminal.
He also assured the drivers of a major facelift of selected inner roads such as Rocky, Tsinagbe and Pinto roads. The Assembly would ensure they are motorable and reduces vehicular traffic. He noted the major drains constructed as a testament to the ensuing infrastructural development.

The Transport operators raised grave concerns on safety, security and congestion at the terminal. Pertinent amongst them were poor road conditions, inadequate parking lots, poor illumination, activities of illicit drug dealers and alleged harassment by some city guards and officers of one approved security agency on our roads. They requested improved lighting system within the enclave, security measures at night and clamping down on illicit drug dealers.

Speaking to these challenges, the MCE stated that “the assembly recognizes the vital role transport operators play in the development of the municipality, asserting the assembly’s poised position in joint collaboration to bringing development to residents.
He assured the drivers that their concerns would be addressed, indicating ongoing road repairs and terminal reconstruction. Streetlights would also be made available at the terminal and other obscure places. He proposed intense public education on transport bye-laws to streamline activities of the drivers and onward enforcement of the law to the latter.

The Municipal Co-ordinating Director (MCD), Mr Banini Dzorgbenyui Kwadzo disclosed the intended temporal relocation of the market to pave way for the 24-Hour Economy Market. He called on the drivers to take cognizance of this development and assist the traders in this regard.
The drivers appreciated the recent decongestion exercise resulting in free flow of traffic at Kaketoo. They expressed their satisfaction with the engagement and the opportunity to have their challenges resolved. They welcomed the initiatives and pledged cooperation with the assembly for development.
Notably among the driver union is the Ashaiman Municipal Private Transport Operators Co-ordination Council (AMPTOCC).