IPNEWS: The former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) says it will resist the removal of motorcyclists from major streets across Monrovia.
CDC described the planned removal from the streets of all motorcyclists as counterproductive and marginalization of ordinary citizens.
Janga Kowo, Acting Chairman of the CDC addressing a press conference Monday, April 29, in Monrovia, said motorcyclists are integral part of the local economy as such, their removal is aim at taking bread from the mouths of the cyclists. The CDC contents that the government action will never accept.
“ The road doesn’t belong to Boakai and his gang”. Kowo exclaimed.
However, a recent Memorandum of Understanding on road and public safety signed between the Liberia National Police and Motorcycle and Tricycle Union agreed for a deadline of May 15,2024, to clear off the streets all motorcyclists from major streets across Liberia.
Kowo, addressing hundreds of supporters of the party at the headquarters, said his party will resist any attempt by the police to remove motorcyclists from the streets of Monrovia, noting, motorcyclists are integral part of the local economy as such, their removal is aim at taking bread from the mouths of the cyclists, Kowo told journalists.
Last Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Deputy Police for Operation, Nelson Freeman signed the MOU on behalf of the police, while Mr. John Kenyor, the president of the Motorcycle and Tricycle Union, signed for his organization.
Freeman, speaking at the police headquarters during the signing ceremony, stated that the MOU was agreed upon on April 2, 2024, but it will take effect on May 15, 2024.
He mentioned that over the last month, the police have conducted a safety campaign to ensure safety measures for Liberian society.
“Today, we address the issue of Motorcyclists, next, we will engage with the truck drivers’ union and other stakeholders affected by the police safety measures. We aim to create conditions wherein drivers plying the streets will observe all safety rules,” he stated.
He further explained that, according to the MOU, both the police and the Union have agreed to designate the roads from Freeport to Central Monrovia and all parts of town as restricted areas for the movement of motorcycles.
The Deputy Inspector General for Operations elaborated that the route from ELWA junction through Tubman Boulevard and the rest of Monrovia will also be designated as a restricted area for motorcycles.
He added that, similarly, Kehkeh riders will be allowed to ride from Freeport through Clara Town and Via Town areas. However, Kehkeh riders will not be permitted to use the new bridge but must use the old bridge leading to Waterside and other areas.
The Deputy Police boss asserted that Kehkeh en route from Airfield and New Matadi will use the Jallah Town Road to Benson Street corridors to enter town. Kehkeh riders will be allowed to use the Japan Freeway and also the ELWA to RIA route, he stated.
Mr. John Kenyor, president of the union, pledged his group’s support for the MOU, and further stressed the importance of respecting the agreement between both parties, as there will be punishments for violators.
But in reaction to this MOU, the CDC said it will not allow such to be achieved, noting that such will not hold, a situation that seems to smell trouble and create fear in many Liberians, mainly commuters.
