Kaduna State Government has announced the immediate banning of motorcycle taxis and tricycles as they do not satisfy the conditions for social distancing needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
This and other measures were announced by the Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe in a state broadcast after a high-level review meeting chaired by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
“KDSG is ready to suspend all forms of public transportation if circumstances compel it. Operations of motorcycle taxis and tricycles are banned immediately as they do not satisfy the conditions for social distancing. It has long been illegal to run motorcycle taxis under state laws.
“Commercial buses that are allowed to operate for now must comply to the new rule of not more than two passengers per row.
“KDSG continues to take steps to secure the suspension of the Abuja-Kaduna train service which has unfortunately continued running despite state government requests to federal authorities
“To enhance the state’s capacity for rapid response and contact tracing, monitoring and supervision of surveillance activities should any positive case be identified, all utility vehicles currently assigned to state government officials or their agencies are recalled immediately.
“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. The vehicles would then be made available to the health agencies
“The Kaduna State Government has commenced payment of salaries for March 2020. It advises everyone to practice financial prudence given the tough times that lie ahead.
“The state government is committed to getting food and necessities across to identified vulnerable groups in areas where a lockdown becomes inevitable. The required supplies are being procured while a system of distribution to the persons that most need them is being worked out.
“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.
“KDSG apologises for any inconvenience, but it trusts that everyone understands the necessity for these sacrifices as the most pragmatic way to keep people safe and alive. We don’t want anybody to die when such dangers can be avoided by observing simple preventive measures.
“The number of persons in Nigeria that have tested positive for Covid-19 keeps rising. This means we must all be more serious about preventive measures to ensure that we stay safe, stay alive, stay home and save lives.”
