Govt faulted for banning buses at night

Malawians  have faulted government for imposing a 10pm curfew on buses.

The development follows the announcement which the minister of transport and public works, Jappie Mhango made earlier this week.

Mhango on Tuesday told Parliament that with immediate effect, passenger and goods vehicles will not be allowed on Malawian roads after 10 pm.

The minister said that the development is amid concerted effort to curb road accidents on the roads.

However, the decision seem to have provoked people’s anger, who are saying it is not the right decision.

On Malawi24’s Facebook post which sought people’s views on the decision, commenters said the ban is ironic since most of the road accidents experienced so far happened during daytime.

Prince Ndao Kananji said: “That’s not a solution because if you can analyse properly you will see that dangerous accidents have been occurring during day light, so banning travelling at night will bring nothing as far as accident prevention is concerned.”

“In dealing with a problem first identity the problem and causes then look for several solutions, analyse the solutions, choose the best and finally implement the chosen solution. I don’t think this was done because the worst accidents occur during the day. Which stats did they use?” Patrick Chinyangah chipped in.

Others suggested that constructing good roads and enforcing rules which are already in place would be better solutions.

Severiano Phiri: “It doesn’t make sense. The solution is good roads, roadworthy buses which are faithfully serviced, good drivers who respect road laws and long distance buses which have two drivers.”

Another comment came from Jeffrey Mbeya who said: “If this Government listens to its people , simple , let them find out from the people, even here, they count comments which are on negative side and see how many do agree or not?”

Some commenters however defended government saying the measure will also reduce crime.

Precious Gutah said: “Very good thinking it will also minimize theft. Most of the drivers are caught at night especially 12 midnight transporting some stolen items in that way, they will be hindered and get disturbed.”

The post also saw comments from people in the neighbouring countries like Chifundo Khaneni from Zambia who said: “It was the same here in Zambia, accidents were so rampant and the government had to put in place a law that no bus should be found on the road 9:00pm and Zambians today are appreciating because there are few accidents happening from the time the law was enforced. I think somehow this will help.”