Chief wants motorbikes registered to curb accidents

Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachulu of Rumphi has appealed to authorities to enforce traffic laws following an increase in road accidents in the district.

Speaking in an interview Friday, the chief attributed the rise in road accidents to the increase in unlicensed motorbike taxi operators in the district.

Kachulu appealed to relevant authorities to consider enforcing traffic laws to reduce accidents.

“From what I have observed, most of the motorbike taxi operators are plying their trade without licences and their motorbikes are not registered, which is contributing to the accidents on our roads today.

“This is the reason I am appealing to the relevant offices such as the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services [DRTSS] and police in the district to enforce the existing traffic laws, particularly registration,” he said.

Kachulu also asked  DRTSS to consider opening an office in the district, citing the distance to Mzuzu as a challenge.

“The council should have an office in the district to ensure these motorbike operators abide by the laws,” he said.

But Rumphi district commissioner Fred Movete said his office is not mandated to handle such issues.

He said it was the duty of traffic police to enforce traffic laws.

Rumphi Police Station spokesperson Tupeliwe Kabwilo said her office engages motorbike taxi operators on road safety.