Blantyre Police Station deploys traffic wardens

Blantyre Police Station has deployed 45 traffic wardens to be stationed at various points within Blantyre central business district to control traffic.

In an interview on the sidelines of an orientation meeting in the commercial city on Wednesday, Blantyre Police Station officer-in-charge Dennis Kaduya said the Traffic Act empowers them to engage wardens to control traffic.

He said: “We decided to have the traffic wardens to help ease congestion in the city.

“However, police traffic officers will work hand in hand with the wardens.”

Kaduya said traffic congestion in the city remains a challenge; hence, introducing the initiative.

In a separate interview, Blantyre Police Station community policing chairperson Geoffrey Bizwick Mpiha said they will ensure that the wardens perform their duty without infringing on people’s rights.

“They should not use their positions to intimidate people. Rather, they should aim at achieving the goal of easing traffic congestion,” he said.

Meanwhile, motorists in the city have since welcomed the initiative.

A taxi operator, Mayeso Chaka, said traffic congestion delays his customers from reaching their destinations in time.

“During peak hours, it can take about 30 minutes to drive from Blantyre Flea Market side to Mount Soche Hotel,” he said.

During the meeting, the wardens were told to avoid fighting with motorists despite any obstacles that they may arise in the line of duty.

They were also encouraged to desist from corruption.