The Lagos State
Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has arrested over 100 vehicles
for violating the social distancing order put in place to curb the spread of
COVID-19.
The lockdown order
was relaxed on May 4, giving people a bit a freedom to move about when
necessary.
Consequently, the
Lagos State Government issued new transport operational guidelines, which
includes observing social distancing in commercial vehicles, compulsory use of
face masks and other measures to prevent spread of the virus.
However, some
commercial drivers did not adhere to the guidelines and they were arrested.
Commenting on the
enforcement operations by LASTMA on Tuesday, the General Manager, Mr Olajide
Oduyoye, blamed the transport unions’ management for not sensitising their
members well.
“What we noticed is
that the transport unions and bus park managers are not passing the message of
maximum of two passengers per row in their buses; and that needs to change.
“While we corrected
and educated no fewer than 200 drivers on Monday, it gives concern that the
citizenry in general were interested in getting to their destinations more than
their health and existence.
“They failed to ask
themselves real questions: This journey I want to embark upon, what value is it
to me or my life? Can it wait? Can it be achieved in order ways than travelling
on the road?
“Meanwhile, LASTMA
was able to arrest over 100 vehicles, particularly commercial bus operators for
violating the physical distance directive of the government,” Oduyoye told NAN.
According to him,
the order on the minimum physical distancing in the buses has not sunk into the
hearts of the operators.
“It was more
unfortunate to see many commuters fighting and arguing that three passengers on
a row of danfo (commercial buses) should be allowed, even when the distance
between passengers is like four inches only.
“Many parents were
also out with their children, without face masks. It’s scary to say the least.
“I also noticed
private car owners in the spirit of trying to help colleagues carrying three
passengers at the rear when the maximum should just be two and four persons in
total,” he added.
The LASTMA said
though, the enforcement was a combination of warnings, education and arrest, it
seemed that more arrests had to be made to force people to be serious about the
pandemic.
Oduyoye commended
all the enforcement officers, urging them to do more to help the state stem the
spread of the virus.
“I want to advise
the public to continue to fervently support the government in this trying
period by maintaining physical distancing at all costs.
“The risk of going
about their business over long distance does not just worth it.
“As uncomfortable as
it may seem, please wear your face masks at all times.
“Prevention is
certainly better than cure. Coronavirus is real and it’s all our collective
duties to look after ourselves,” he said.
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