By: Nicholas Bass
The Councillor of Gunjur Ward, Momodou Charreh Gibba, has called on the Barrow administration to lift the ban on commercial motorcycles, arguing that the ban lacks merits.
It could be recalled that the Gambia government sometime last year slammed a ban on commercial motor cycles but councillor Gibba contended that the ban imposed on commercial motorcycles by the national police lacks merits, adding that many Gambians were dependent on the business to make a living.
“Considering the circumstances and the conditions of our road network, this decision to ban the ”Jakartas” is indeed irrational because it does not consider the economic and social realities of the country, particularly the youths,” Gibba maintained.
He called on President Barrow and the IGP to review this decision and reconsider the economic impact, transport challenges and the public inconvenience brought about by the ban, stating that many young people were relying on commercial motorbikes as a source of employment and income. Gibba noted that a ban on commercial motorcyclists would lead to an increased unemployment rate and financial hardship for more than a thousand youths, which may result in increased crime rate.
”The Jakarta services provide affordable transport means for low-income families who cannot afford taxis,” Gibba emphasized.
According to him, the poor road network, especially in rural communities, makes motorcycles a more practical means of transport than vehicles. He stated that in many communities in provincial Gambia, motorbikes were the only available means of transport due to bad roads.
Gibba further stated that motorcycles offer faster and more flexible transport options, especially in areas where taxis are not easily accessible or available, arguing that banning commercial motorcycles could make transportation more difficult for students, workers, and traders who depend on them daily.
He suggested that instead of imposing a ban on commercial motor cycles, the Government could allow the local governments to register, regulate, manage, and organize “this very useful sector, which is contributing immensely to youth employment in mitigating irregular migration”.
”Allowing local councils to register, regulate, manage, and organize the commercialization of motorcycles would help address both economic and safety concerns. Local councils can request all commercial motorbike operators to register their motorcycles and obtain a commercial license. The operators would be urged to establish cooperations or associations for motorcycle riders to ensure accountability and better coordination,” Gibba opined.
