Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders Association chairperson Moses Mwalabu has urged motorcycle operators (kabaza) in Salima to register with the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services.
The kabaza operators are expected to pay K56 000 for zero to 100 CC motorcycles while those between 101 and 250 CC the fee is K77 000.
The directorate has also agreed with motorcycle driving schools to charge K100 000 for riding lessons.
Speaking on Tuesday during awareness at Kaphatenga in the district, Mwalabu said the registration window opened on March 10 and runs up to June 30 this year.
He said they have been lobbying government since 2017 to initiate fair registration fees for motorcycle operators.
“It is now our opportunity to register our motorcycles. If we register, we shall be able to track our motorcycles when they have been stolen,” said Mwalabu.
He assured the operators not to get worried about passing driving lessons as the language of instruction will be their mother tongue.
“Do not worry about language because every region or district will use their mother tongue during lessons, including the Highway Code,” said Mwalabu.
Salima Police Station traffic inspector Joseph Mtenje said their duty is to ensure safety of people travelling on the roads.
“Many road accidents involve motorcycles. I hope the association will help encourage its members to adhere to road safety measures to reduce road accidents in Salima,” he said.
Mtenje said registration of motorcycles will bring sanity on the road.
One of the motorcycle operators at Kaphatenga, John Kagone, commended the association and government for the awareness.
“I am ready to register my motorcycle and undertake driving lessons,” he said.
Kagone encouraged his fellow kabaza operators to observe road safety measures to prevent accidents.
