Bono RCC lifts ban on ‘pragya’ operations
The Bono Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has lifted the ban it placed on the operation of tricycles known locally as ‘pragya’ in the region on April 1, 2020.
It has, however, directed that the operators take two passengers on board at a time in order to ensure effective social distancing.
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In addition, all tricycles must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) while the riders should carry their rider's licence.
The RCC banned the use of tricycles in the wake of the three-week partial lockdown of the Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi and Kasoa in the Central Region.
According to the Regional Minister, Mrs Evelyn Ama Kumi-Richardson, the ban was to ensure that as many people as possible stayed home since the preferred mode of transport by a lot of commuters outside Sunyani was by tricycle.
Meetings
She explained that following the lifting of the ban on movement and a series of meetings with operators of tricycles in the region, the RCC decided to lift the ban after the operators had agreed to strictly adhere to measures put in place for their operations.
" While we are not condoning their illegal operations, it is a fact that in places such as Berekum, Dormaa, Wenchi and Chiraa, among others, the preferred mode of transport for commuters is by tricycles.
“We, therefore, have to make considerations to make moving around convenient for people," she explained.
Precautionary measures
Mrs Kumi-Richardson stated that as a precautionary measure, all the riders were expected to wear nose masks and make sure that their passengers also wore their masks before boarding.
In addition, owners of the tricycles were expected to make available hand sanitisers for use by passengers before they boarded the tricycle.
The riders have also been asked not to ply the principal streets of Sunyani, the regional capital.
"It is the cherished hope of REGSEC that all owners and riders involved in the operation of tricycles in the Bono Region shall strictly abide by the measures and existing road traffic regulations for the common goal of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the region," the RCC said.