By Burnett Munthali
Salima Traffic Police Officer-in-Charge, Joseph Mtenje, has raised concerns over the high number of road accidents involving bicycle taxi (kabaza) operators in the district. He attributed the accidents to a lack of road safety awareness among the operators.
Speaking during a road safety campaign organized by the Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders Association (MACOKASA) in Salima, Mtenje emphasized the need for kabaza operators to adhere to traffic laws to reduce and prevent accidents.
“We appeal to kabaza operators to follow road regulations to ensure their safety and that of their passengers. Many accidents can be avoided with proper road safety knowledge and adherence to rules,” said Mtenje.
The campaign, led by MACOKASA, aims to address the growing concerns about accidents involving kabaza operators. MACOKASA Executive Director Moses Mwalabu said the organization is committed to ensuring the safety of kabaza operators, who play a crucial role in providing affordable transport services in Malawi.
“Our goal is to create a safe working environment for kabaza operators. We want them to be informed about road safety measures and to implement them in their daily operations,” said Mwalabu.
The campaign included workshops and demonstrations on road safety practices, with a particular focus on wearing reflective jackets, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding overloading passengers.
The initiative was welcomed by kabaza operators, many of whom acknowledged the importance of adhering to road safety practices to protect their livelihoods and the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead
Both the police and MACOKASA have committed to continuing such campaigns in other districts to ensure that kabaza operators across Malawi receive the necessary guidance and support to operate safely on the roads.
The efforts underline the importance of collaborative initiatives between law enforcement, advocacy groups, and communities to improve road safety and reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users.
