By:Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – Kaduna State Government on Wednesday banned the operations of motorcycle taxis and tricycles because they do not satisfy the conditions for social distancing.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who made this known in a state broadcast, said thd decision was taken after senior government officials met to review the level of compliance of the measures taken to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Dr Balarabe said that commercial buses are allowed to operate for now but must comply to the new rule of not more than two passengers per row.
According to her, the government is ready to suspend all forms of pubic transportation if circumstances compel it.
The Deputy Governor recalled that the State Government had “requested the appropriate authorities to stop train services to help curtail the spread of Covid-19.
“Further to this, the Kaduna State Government will today(Wednesday) be taking steps to stop the Abuja-Kaduna train service which needs to be suspended for a few weeks,” she added.
Dr Balarabe said that government has directed 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 should any positive case be identified.
“The vehicles should be parked in the yard of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure. Drivers of the utility vehicles should also report to the Commissioner of Public Works to submit their contact details,” she directed.
According to her, payment of salaries for March 2020 has commenced but she advised everyone to be financially prudent, given the tough times that lie ahead.
“The state government is 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.
Dr Balarabe thanked people for the growing compliance with the measures that have been announced to protect residents of the state from coronavirus.
“The state government will continue its enlightenment campaigns in the media to help people stay safe, stay alive and save lives. And it will not relent in robustly enforcing preventive measures,” she said.
She reiterated the ban on large gatherings, the closure of markets, with the exception of traders in food, medicines and essential items, including the need for people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.