The Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti Sector Command, has taken its campaign against overloading and speeding to markets, motor-parks and other public places in the state.
The FRSC Ekiti Sector Commander, Mrs Elizabeth Akinlade, who addressed the people on their rights when boarding vehicles, said the sensitisation was part of measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the state.
She warned drivers against speeding and overloading; saying the act could aid the spread of the virus.
Akinlade stated this on Wednesday during the sensitisation programme on the dangers of overloading during this COVID-19 pandemic to markets, motor-parks and and other public places in Ado-Ekiti.
“Coronavirus is real, when boarding, particularly commercial vehicles, do not allow any driver to carry passengers more than the specified numbers in compliance with the measures guiding COVID-19.
“When you go to the markets to buy your goods, do not allow the drivers to overload to ensure social and physical distancing.
“To you drivers, ensure you do not overload your buses. The Federal and State Governments have directed that vehicles with capacity for 13 passengers must carry only nine mow.
“Also the government has reduced luxury buses’ capacity to 50 per cent of their normal capacity while those that used to carry six passengers before have been directed to be carrying four.
“We want everyone to comply with these directives in order to curb the spread of Coronavirus and stay alive. Use your face masks always.
“After this sensitisation campaign and awareness, FRSC will embark on enforcement with full force. The directives of the Federal and State governments on combating COVID-19 must be obeyed by all the residents of the state,” Akinlade said.
Responding the Chairman of the tomatoes sellers at the popular Shasha Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, promised that his members would join hands with the FRSC in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus, especially, in the area of overloading.
“We can assure you that any vehicle loading in and out of our market as from Thursday, July 16 will not be overloaded with goods.
“In addition, we will ensure that our market men and women use their face masks and we will make available waters at our entry points for customers to wash their hands always,” Musa said.
The Seriki, Hausa Community in Ekiti, Alhaji Lawal Umar, conducted the entourage round the market during the sensitisation.
At the New Garage, Ado-Ekiti, the former Chairman of the National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr John Olayemi, appealed to the government to provide, particularly, infrared thermometers for them at the motor- parks.
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NAN reports that other places visited include the popular Fayose Market, Tosin Aluko Motor-Park and Basiri Motor-Park. (NAN)