By Solomon Odeniyi
The State Government of Osun has warned residents of the state not to board any vehicle violating the guidelines on the prevention of the ravaging Coronavirus.
Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engr Olatoke Olaniyan, the state government urged passengers to always be on the watch for transporters violating the guidelines for their operations.
Olaniyan called on members of the general public to report all transport operators and local park managers that fail to comply with these guidelines to the ministry, stating the Vehicle Registration Number, Park and Time.
This is as he advised residents making use of commercial transportation to refrain from boarding buses, tricycles and Motorcycles carrying more than the stipulated passengers.
The SA on transportation who spoke exclusively to OSUN DEFENDER in a telephone interview said the act by the passenger will force defaulting transporters to comply.
He said it was disheartening some transporters were still flouting the stated guidelines which was released after the lockdown in the state, adding that the ministry would meet with the leadership of the transport unions in the state on how the guidelines would be totally complied with.
He said, “While we are trying to ensure total compliance with the guidelines by transporters, we need the residents who are boarding these commercial buses, motorcycles and tricycles to be more vigilant. As we all know this is a deadly virus which power is it spread we all have to be responsible to ourselves.
“In case you see any bus crowded don’t board it. If it is not and people already inside are not using face masks don’t board. In case you board when there were few people and the driver decides to bring in above the stipulated passengers please disembark. It is your life and not theirs.
“The state is free from logjam, there is no need for you to rush to anywhere so take your time and be watchful of the bus you board. The guideline is for the safety of all residents and we will appreciate it if they see it as one.
Apart from this, members of the general public are also expected to report all transport operators, that fail to comply with these guidelines to the Monitoring Officer at sight or write to the Ministry, stating the Vehicle Registration Number, Park and Time.
“ We are aware of how critical the sector is if the state is to flatten the curve of the deadly virus and we are leaving no stone unturned, although it is disheartening we still have people flouting the guidelines. At our own end we are meeting the leadership of the different transportation unions to talk to their people .It is our hope they will listen and comply, it is for the good of everybody in the state.”
