Motor bike sector: City Council Steps Up Drive

T he Douala City Council is step­ ping up efforts to professio­ nalise the commercial motor­ bike sector, as riders have been encouraged to obtain driving li­ cences, respect road safety regulations and make proper use of identification jackets. Speaking to motorbike riders on Sa­ turday September 5 after driving exa­ mination organised for them, the Mayor of the Douala city council, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, stressed that professionalism remains central to improving relations between riders, passengers and law enforcement of­ ficers. “There must be more profes­ sional motorbike operators who res­ pect the Highway Code, reassure their clients, ensure safety on the roads and, in return, earn greater respect from law enforcement officers”, the Mayor said. Mayor Mbassa Ndine described the driving examination as an important step in the professionalisation process, expressing the hope that most of the participants would soon obtain their driving licences. Beyond the licence, the Mayor said the City Council would continue wor­ king with motorbike taxi operators to identify and implement other be­ nefits that could improve their working and living conditions. He cited the city’s housing programme for commercial motorbike riders, which has already enabled some operators to benefit. The initiative, he explained, would continue progressively so that more members of the profession could be covered. Another major component of the ini­ tiative is the distribution of blue iden­ tification jackets to motorbike riders. Acc...