ABC calms transport sector dispute
The decades old misunderstandings among stakeholders of the transport sector that have been impeding national development have start seeing headway after the Attitudinal and Behavioral Change (ABC) converged actors yesterday for an objective dialogue at the Ministry of Information conference room, Youyi Building in Freetown.
The well attended meeting which brought together executives of Motor Drivers’ Union, Commercial Bike Riders’ Union and Motor Owners’ Union aimed at seeing how changing practiced bad attitudes and behaviors could help revitalize the transport sector.
In his opening remark the Director of ABC, Dr. Ivan Ajibola Thomas admonished participants that they ought to collaborate effectively in order to effect national development. This he stressed could be possible by operating according to their prescribed rules and enshrined specifications of the constitution.
According to him the lack of harmonious operations among them is not only rendering the industry unprofitable but endangering the lives of plenty through nonobservance of road signs, traffic regulations and deliberate extortion.
Dr. Ajibola Thomas called on them to join the bandwagon of President Koroma’s clarion call of positive change for sustainable national development. In his view, members of the respective unions must see themselves as partners to efficiently deliver services rather than desperate competitors or enemies. The Director of ABC disclosed that his institution which has the responsibility of making President Koroma’s dream of turning Sierra Leone into a peaceful and economic buoyant nation through an overhaul of existing negative attitudes and behaviors is committed in doing so. This he said will be achieved through the sensitization and education of nationals at both institutional and community levels.
In her contribution the National Coordinator and Second-In-Command of ABC, Mrs. Nanette Thomas reiterated the essence of having a well regularized transport sector in the country. She underscored the immorality of unions deviating from securing the welfare of their members in ensuring the later to deliver services at affordable prices to connive with unscrupulous individuals for personal aggrandizement. She called on the transport stakeholders to see reason in conducting themselves in modes and manners which spell professionalism, transparency and patriotism.
Madam Thomas did not mince her words in translating the volume of allegations ABC has been privy to from the public about the misconducts of those operating in the transport sector. She however divulged that ABC which abhors witch-hunting values common exchange of ideas among producers of dependable products and services in an environment that guarantees the satisfaction of consumers and producers as well. She called on those present to desist from the culture of silence which forms a core of current Sierra Leonean culture. According to her until citizens of Sierra Leone, a country yearning for economic, political and social development, are ready to undress unprogressive issues without fear and favour development will be hard to materialize.
On why members of Drivers’ Union are instituting alleged unbearable charges on drivers and consequently motor owners the President of the union, Alhaji Fofana informed that they are under obligation of paying whopping sums to City Councils for using parking spaces. He Called on ABC to come to their aid because in spite of the millions of Leones they remit to Local Councils the latter are failing to provide the required facilities.
Several motor owners confided that the Motor Drivers’ Union is not working in their interest despite the fact that they are investing their hard earned cash to boost the economy by providing employment to drivers and rendering services to commuters. They commended ABC for initiating the meeting among them and promised the dialogue will lead to amicable resolution to the mishaps that have been hounding the industry.
By Momoja Lappia
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