Anambra inaugurates Keke operators regulatory unit

Apparently worried by reported incidences of recklessness by commercial tricycle operators across the state, Anambra State Government has inaugurated a regulatory unit to oversee orderly conduct of tricycle operation in various loading points.

The unit known as “Keke Control Officers’’, would ensure total compliance by tricycle operators to acceptable standards while loading or off loading commuters, especially in gridlock-prone flashpoints in the State.

Inaugurating the officers at Central Terminal Park, Onitsha, Anambra Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko, enjoined them to ensure that tricycle operators conducted their businesses in orderly manner on roads.

He urged them to be guided by their mandate to assist government to create a favourable working environment devoid of lawlessness and chaos, which often characterised various loading points.

“Do not indulge in unwholesome practices such as extortion of money, intimidation or harassment of tricycle operators.

“Anybody caught must be severely punished. You are to work in synergy with ATMA Officers and OCHA Brigade in carrying out the assignment. We don’t want you to take the law into your hands,’’ Dr. Madubuko said.

The State Chairman, Commercial Tricycle Operators Association, Mr. Sylvester Obiora, pledged the commitment of his members toward supporting the new initiative to achieve desired results.

The Chairman, who was represented by Deputy Chairman of the Association, Mr. Toochukwu Anyaoku, lauded the government for providing the needed support services being enjoyed by all the stakeholders in the transport sector.

Earlier, Director, Keke Control Officers, Mr. Eloka Egbunike, said the officers were trained and equipped for effective service delivery.

He assured that they would swing into action immediately, with every sense of civility to effect compliance to laid down traffic rules by commercial tricycle operators.

“This in essence will discourage confusion in loading points.’’