Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Absalom Mwakyoma

Police in Kilimanjaro Region have cautioned motorcyclists to abide by traffic rules to minimize accidents in the area.

The police force in the region also appealed to the motorcyclists to volunteer information which will lead to the arrest of offenders to police officers, saying that this will curb the crisis in the region.

The call was made here early this week by the Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Absalom Mwakyoma during a discussion on road safety requirements and security in the region.

The meeting was attended by over 280 motorcycle operators commonly known as Bodaboda in Moshi Municipality. The meeting addressed issues of lack of insurance and permits, drunk-driving, over-speeding, overloading, abiding by traffic codes, putting on helmets and respecting traffic rules.

“It’s very evident that the population is growing in the area and the number of road users has increased, therefore the number of bodabodas has also increased; this calls for co-operation and taking measures on traffic rules so as to avoid accidents,” RPC Mwakyoma said.

He also noted that the police and motorcyclists should work as partners and the target should be a win-win situation through community policing. He encouraged them to be vigilant on matters of security by providing information on dubious passengers and operators.

RPC Mwakyoma called them to form an association of motorcycle operators which will help them to solve their problems. He also appealed to them to mobilize themselves and send their members to driving schools for training on traffic rules and road safety as soon as possible.

Speaking on existing corruption between some traffic police and ‘Bodabopda’ operators, RPC Mwakyoma warned, “The one who offers bribe and the one who receives it are all committing a crime; so you should all stop it immediately…” the RPC insisted.

Speaking on behalf of bodaboda’ operators, Mr Felix Kimaro requested the police to follow up and find out why some of their members have not yet acquired their driving permits despite the fact that they had already sat for their driving tests.

By JAMES LANKA, Tanzania Daily News

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