The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has reiterated the need for motorists to comply with its transportation safety guidelines to control the second wave of COVID19 pandemic in the State.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, emphasised that it is mandatory for all passengers and commuters to wear face masks, wash their hands with soap under running water and sanitise with alcohol-based sanitisers before and after each trip to further curb the recent rise in cases of the virus.
The Commissioner further urged Lagosians to desist from actions capable of undermining government efforts at curbing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that it is still compulsory for all Transport Operators/Companies to regularly disinfect their vehicles, parks and garages in line with the standards of disinfection approved by the State Government.
While noting that the safety guidelines would be reviewed periodically in respect of interstate operations and movements, Oladeinde maintained that the level of success will be monitored to achieve strategies for effective control of further spread of the highly contagious killer disease.
“With the co-operation of the residents and compliance with the basic rules of engagement, the problem of COVID-19 pandemic is not insurmountable,” the Commissioner said.
Oladeinde affirmed that Okada remains banned in all areas of the metropolis and are not expected to carry passengers due to their being susceptible to the Coronavirus infection and warned motorists driving against oncoming traffic to desist from the reckless act or face the wrath of the law.
He also warned operators of various mechanic villages in the State to ensure that all abandoned vehicles within their premises are evacuated immediately while ensuring that the environment is kept clean, as non-compliance will attract serious sanctions from the Ministry.
Speaking on the need for adherence to guidelines on COVID-19, the Commissioner insisted that all truck drivers, passengers and individuals transporting foods, raw materials and other agricultural products to the State must always wear their face masks and gloves.
On water transport operation, Oladeinde explained that water transport operators would not be allowed to operate beyond 6p.m daily, while they must ensure that their passengers wear life jackets in addition to compulsory hand sanitisation on every trip.
Rounding off, the Commissioner assured that the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration would not relent in its efforts to eradicate the killer disease completely from the State.
