By: Solomon M-Ahiable | ignewss.com |Ho
Taxi drivers and Tricycle riders popularly called “Mahama Can Do operators” in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region have met officials of the Ho Municipal Assembly over daily charges.
Both taxi and tricycles numbering about 100, gathered at the Ho Jubilee Park to have close to an hour engagement with the Ho municipal assembly.
Among the concerns raised were the daily toll of GH¢ 1, which the operators said was burdensome considering the current economic situation they find themselves.
They appealed to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) to reconsider their daily toll decision and make it at least ones every market day.
The drivers said they are ready to pay even if it will be 2.00 Ghc on market days.
They alleged that the Assemby had failed to justify the need to collect daily tolls adding that they were paying for side stickers and other taxes.
They observed that, the Ho Municipal assembly only wants to use them as a source of their revenue.
“We are not saying we are not going to pay. The problem is not knowing what they are using the money for,” they said.
The drivers have also raised concerns over the slow pace of work on projects the money was being claimed to be meant for.
Among the projects they mentioned included a bypass to the Ho Central Market which bears increasing pressure as the main road remains closed for a bridge construction.
Leaders of the various driver unions also raised an alarm over the increasing rate of underage and unlicensed drivers’ operation tricycles in the Municipality and said most reckless driving and resultant road crashes could be traced to them.
The chairman for the tricycle riders and owners association Mr Francis Selassie Alagah advised the public not to patronize any tricycle when the driver do not dress well and does not look decent.
The municipal road engineer, Mr Edward Anyam, disclosed that, even though the work delayed, it will be ready for use by early July 2022.
He, therefore, appealed to the operators to bear with them as they also work around the clock to ensure the work is done.
Addressing these concerns, Mr Divine Bosson, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive said, taxi operators remained integral part of the city’s infrastructure and that, the Assembly was aware of their challenges hence will not do anything to burden them.
He said the Assembly had met leaders of the various unions and came into a concensus.
The MCE appealed to operators and union leaders to help improve the transport system and inject professionalism to enhance customer experience
The MCE assured that work on both projects progressed in earnest and would be completed soon to the relief of all.
Mr Bosson said the Assembly had taken note of the emerging trend and would work with relevant agencies including the police, vehicle licensing, and road safety authority in arresting the situation.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com