The smiles are back on the faces of taximoto operators but most importantly, their customers were more than happy to see the motorcycles weaving again through traffic.
The most popular means of public transport in the region are motorcycle taxis. Rwanda has more than 60,000 operators, half of whom trade in Kigali. Thus Kigali becomes paralyzed without the motorbikes.
The three-month lockdown took a heavy toll on all those in the sector and those who survive indirectly from the trade. Therefore, some corporate organizations that have come on board to help the taxi-men and women are making a welcome gesture.
Many organizations have come forward to lend a hand and tens of thousands of liters of fuel have been donated so far to assist taximoto operators resume their work on a secure basis.
However, by doing away with what they are best known for, they have to repay that kindness; unruly behavior on the road, and traffic violations.
Even as major companies encourage each other to contribute to the causes of the taximoto owners, it is also our turn to encourage them to be at the forefront of best behaviour and to follow the strictest adherence to antiCovid-19 steps.
The pandemic has taught us a lot of lessons, it has given people a greater awareness that their health lies squarely in their hands, on how they act and treat hours. Let’s not have those lessons been in vain.