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Coronavirus: Tricycle, shuttle operators defy Obiano’s order, insist on full load

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By Pamela Eboh, Awka

Tricycle operators, aka, KEKE Napep plying within the Anambra State capital, Awka have continued  flout the order of the state Governor, Willie Obiano for them to carry only two persons as a way of curbing the spread of Coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging the world.

The Governor handed down the order yesterday evening following the increasing spate of the number of people testing positive of the virus.

Obiano also reduced the number a shuttle bus which carries a capacity of 7 passengers to 3 people.

Our correspondent observed that the order was totally ignored as tricycle operators  were seen still loading 4 passengers each at theri loading spot along Dike street and aroma junction.

According to a tricycle operator who simply identified himself as Osy, he said it was impossible for operators to carry only 2 passengers after fueling their trycicle.

He said, “Why would they give us that kind of order without considering the fact that fuel our KEKE. After buying fuel at N134 per litre, then you come and carry passengers at N50 per passenger.

“The only way it can work is if the fare will be increased, otherwise it will be difficult.”

On the issue of Coronavirus, he said, “I am not scared of Coronavirus. Na one thing go kill a man. This is where I feed my family from, I can’t fuel my keke and be carrying only 2 persons.”

Also another trycicle operator popularly known among his colleagues as Udo Obodo said he cannot afford to carry only 2 passengers after fueling his trycicle.

Udo obodoin his late 50s said that he is not worried about the pandemic saying he cannot get it because he has a high immune resistance.

“I have not been sick since 1983 and o will not be now. Government should think twice before issuing such order.”

The trycicle riders are not alone on their part to destruction as their counterpart, shuttle operators insist on carrying 7 passengers.

Some if the shuttle drivers who ply between Awka and oye Agu market, Abagana said that if they are not allowed to increase the fare, then the government order cannot be obeyed.

A driver, said, “If Obiano wants us to cut down on the number of passengers we carry because of Coronavirus, then the fare will increase or we go on strike.”

Though there is no case of Coronavirus yet in Anambra State, most residents are already beginning to apply caution to avoid being a victim.

As of yesterday (Monday) few people were seen wearing face masks even as banks started subjecting customers to temperature checks.

For instance, at one of the branches of Access Bank, security men were seen taking customers’ temperatures and sanitizing their hands

Also, at the ATM point, few people were observed to be using improvise like paper and tissue to press the machine knobs as a way of avoiding direct contact.

While many people are still oblivious of the propensity of the plague, some have started practicing social distancing even as most families have withdrawn their wards from school.

 

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