Coronavirus: STMA, EKMA impose social distancing rules on traders & drivers

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) continues to put measures in place in the fight against Coronavirus in the Western Region capital.

In an interview with 3news.com, Public Relations Officer of STMA John Laste said they are bent on enforcing all the directives on public gatherings in the metropolis.

Mr. Laste said STMA and its adjourning assembly, Effia Kwesimentsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), have had a successful meeting with the leadership of the various transport unions in a bid to ensure social distancing in commercial vehicles.

“Taxis operating within the jurisdiction of the two Assemblies shall take three passengers instead of four. So, one passenger in front and two at the back. Commercial vehicles taking four or five passengers on a row shall not take more than three passengers on a row with one passenger in front. This directive is to take immediate effect.”

According to him, the meeting agreed that till any further directives from the national level, the fares will remain.

“Passengers are to as much as possible reduce the rate of talking while in commercial vehicles, wash or sanitize their hands before boarding and after alighting. Passengers are advised to report or insist on the above seating directives in case a driver or driver’s mate decides otherwise,” he advised

Takoradi Market

For the Takoradi Market Circle, Mr. Laste said all bulk breaking activities will be relocated to the Takoradi Jubilee Park with effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2020 till further notice.

“No trading activities will be permitted at the inner and outer perimeters of the market circle. All traders who will be affected by this exercise at the market circle will be given a temporary space at the Jubilee Park,” he said.

Sekondi Market

Mr. Laste said to reduce congestion during the Tuesday market days at the Sekondi Market, all second-hand cloth and shoe dealers are being relocated to Ekuasi Park with effect from Tuesday, March 31, 2020 till further notice.

He added that other traders selling within the median from Commercial Bank to Star Night will be relocated to the park close to the Independence Circle (Enamasi), insisting that no one will be allowed to sell or display goods within the median.

Kojokrom Market

The Public Relations Officer said that for the Kojokrom Market, all bulk breaking activities will be relocated to the Kojokrom Community Park close to the Methodist Church from Wednesday, April 1, 2020 till further notice.

He said dealers in some selected commodities will be relocated from the market to other locations in due course.