Transport industry tackles COVID-19

*Thulaganyo Segokgo

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Ministry has decided to take precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of this virus. The transport Industry has the potential to spread this virus rapidly if safety precautions are not taken into account. It will be noted, however, that road transport is used by the majority of our populations hence a need to take the following drastic interventions.

Transport Operators

All

1. Continuous disinfection of seats, door handles and surfaces on public transport, commercial, and freight vehicles

2. Keeping of windows open for air circulation in public service vehicles.

3. Public transport operators encouraged to use sanitizer dispensers or water and soap at the doors of public service vehicles.

4. Prohibition of hawkers in public service vehicles.

5. Public transport operators must have clinical waste containers for disposal of used tissues.

AIR SERVICES

1. Airlines have been issued with instructions not to board passengers from high risk countries identified by the Director of Public Health.

AIR BOTSWANA

1. Due to developments in the region Air Botswana regional services have been suspended.

2. Demand for domestic air travel is below commercial viability.

OTHER AIRLINES

1. Qatar have suspended operations to Botswana.

2. Ethiopian Airlines 3 flights per week.

BOTSWANA RAILWAYS

1. The overnight passenger service and services to Bulawayo Zimbabwe have been suspended.

2. Cross border freight services continue with precautionary measures taken.

• Human to human contact at the exchange stations (Mafikeng & Plumtree) has been reduced/ eliminated. Operations restricted to disconnecting wagons.

• Drivers are starting being provided with packed lunches, gloves and sourcing masks.

PASSENGERS

1. Passengers encouraged to buy their own masks and sanitizers or soap solutions.

2. Passengers encouraged to reduce unnecessary trips both locally and internationally.

3. Passengers are advised to stop handshaking and use other non-contact methods of greeting.

4. Passengers are reminded to avoid touching their faces and always sneeze into a tissue and use elbow if tissue is unavailable. The tissue should be thrown in waste containers

5. Passengers encouraged to bring money that does not need change in paying fares

NB: Please note that an infection or virus can be transmitted by touching contaminated currency. Therefore passengers are encouraged to practice good hygiene at all times.

Temporary suspension of some services

My Ministry has taken a decision to temporarily suspend the following road transport services, in order to reduce movement and congestion of people:

a) All driver Tests (theory and practical).

There is an influx of customers, mostly from the Tertiary institutions, who come for driver test bookings.

b) Applications for passenger permits.

c) Renewal of Drivers licenses. The department will waive penalties for the period beginning 25th March 2020 till the end of suspension.

d) Transport Advisory Board (TAB) and Appeals Tribunal sittings.

e) Conversion of foreign driver’s license.

*Minister of Transport and Communication