The Kumasi Mayor, Hon Samuel Pyne last Thursday engaged with 24 transport unions operating in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The meeting was at the instance of the Transport Department of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and was to fashion ways to decongest the Central Business District (CBD)from the incessant vehicular traffic and indiscipline from drivers on the streets.
Addressing the meeting, Hon Pyne noted that the Assembly was ready to collaborate with the transport unions to make their work easy as well as ensure safety on the roads and streets of Kumasi.
“As a measure, the KMA will especially identify its task force with their proper names on their uniforms to work in line with all 24 transport unions so that their activities would not impede the flow of traffic as well as eliminate the incidences of indiscipline that is associated with on-street parking and boarding of vehicles”, the Mayor assured.
PLANS:
The Mayor revealed that the KMA upon completion of phase two of the Kejetia Market would have a large parking lot for over 800 vehicles underneath the first floor of the New Market.
This, he noted would take away the issue of traffic and congestion that is associated with trading and transportation in the CBD and around the markets.
He also noted plans by the Assembly to complete market projects including the Krofrom market so that the Assembly could get some of the traders to move across those areas so as to reduce the numbers currently trading and hawking in the Kumasi metropolis.
“Currently I am lobbying to get support from potential investors so that all markets that were started by the Assembly including the Krofrom Market are completed and made available to traders in Kumasi so that it can help to reduce the pressure and congestion in the CBD”,
POLICE:
Speaking at the forum, Mr Frank Abrokwah, Manhyia Divisional Police Commander urged the driver unions to conduct their activities in civil manner.
He urged them to obey traffic regulations and streamline their parking and boarding regimes so that they do not cause unnecessary traffic in the CBD and across the city of Kumasi.
DRIVER UNIONS:
Vincent Akowuah, a representative from the All Tops Driver Union said the 24 associations are happy to have been engaged by the KMA and the Mayor.
This collaboration, he noted when nurtured well would bode good things for both outfits since they work hand in hand to bring relief to the people of Kumasi.
Stephen Boateng, a representative from the GPRTU expressed delight at the opportunity to engage with the KMA.
He said plans by the Mayor to work to complete other satellite markets around Kejetia was a laudable project and urged the people of Kumasi to offer support to the KMA to succeed.
STORY BY MICHAEL OFOSU-AFRIYIE, KUMASI.
