Kaduna bans motorcycles, tricycles
Kaduna State government on Wednesday banned the operations of motorcycles and tricycles across the state saying that the two means of transportation do not satisfy the conditions of social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The state government said commercial buses are for now allowed to operate but warned that they must comply with the new rule of not more than two passengers per row.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who made this known in a state broadcast, explained that the decision was taken after senior government officials met to review the level of compliance of the measures taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
She stressed that the government was ready to suspend all forms of public transportation if circumstances warranted that.
Dr. Hadiza recalled that the state government had also requested the federal government to stop the Abuja-Kaduna train services to help curtail the spread of COVID-19.
She added that, “Further to this, the Kaduna State government will today (Wednesday) be taking steps to stop the AbujaKaduna train service which needs to be suspended for a few weeks.”
She said payment of salaries for March 2020 has commenced but advised everyone to be financially prudent, “given the tough times that lie ahead,” adding that the state government was committed to getting food and necessities across to identified vulnerable groups should a lockdown become inevitable.
“The required supplies are being procured while a system of distribution to the persons that most need them is being worked out,” she assured.
The deputy governor also said the government had directed that all utility vehicles that have been assigned to officials be recalled in order to enhance the state’s capacity for rapid response and contact tracing, monitoring and supervision of surveillance activities.
She re-affirmed the ban on large gatherings, the closure of markets (with the exception of traders in food, medicines and essential items) and the need for people to stay at home and to avoid unnecessary travel.