Booming motorcycle taxi business in Blantyre puts people at risk.

The booming of motorcycle taxi business in Blantyre puts lives of people at danger.

According to a snap survey which radio Islam conducted in Blantyre’s populous Bangwe Township and Limbe where motorcycles are plying the trade, many of them are unregistered with most of the riders unqualified.

However, Blantyre city council has expressed ignorance of the existence of the motorcycle taxis in the city.

Passing through Bangwe-Mvula road, the motorcycle taxis are busy picking and dropping passengers in one of Blantyre’s most populous township of Bangwe.

With many of the riders unqualified, there has been an increase in the number of accidents, with two accidents noted in just two days.

Speaking to radio Islam, Chairperson of motorcycle Transporters at Mvula Felix Chiwanda confirmed that many of the members are unqualified whilst their motorcycles are also not registered with the road traffic department.

Chiwanda however said “it is becoming difficult to control the riders as their advice falls on deaf ears since many of them focus on making profits.”

Speaking to this radio, a police officer at Mvula police unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said police in the area are yet to make agreements with the bicycle taxi operators.

The police officer said “it’s challenging to control the situation because there are instances where police have fallen victim to mobs if they attempt to rectify problems caused by the motorcycle transporters.”

He added two of the motorcycle transporters have been arrested for using the motorcycles to steal.

Chairperson of Limbe motorcycle operators Victor Kuseliwa said they are not registered with Blantyre city council.

He added police is aware that they are operating in Limbe.

However, public relations officer for Blantyre city council Anthony Kasunda said there are no motorcycle transporters in the city.

But Principle road traffic officer Joseph Chisamba said “we punish motorcycle transporters who do not have licenses and helmets.”

It remains to be seen whether the council will move in to regulate the booming motorcycle business in the township.