2024-02-28 09:23:06
In the CAR, a modern motorcycle taxi service was launched a month ago. Named “Igwé Motor” (in local language, “let’s go”), this company makes a point of better respecting safety criteria and hygiene measures. For the first time, an “Igwé Motor” application also allows customers to book a ride online. With 500 subscribers, this new service is gradually winning the hearts of users.
Under the blazing midday sun, around ten motorcycles are parked near the martyrs’ intersection. Drivers are actively looking for customers. Yellow vest and black helmet on his head, Joachim, one of the drivers of Igwé Motor, stands out from the other multicolored motorcycle taxis without a license plate. “ As you see, Igwé Motor has well equipped us with helmets, gloves, glasses and vestshe rejoices. For safety reasons, I only carry two people. I start work at 6 hours and I finish at 7:15 p.m. I cover all the nine districts of the capital. » Users can also contact drivers on the Igwé Motor application. A first since 2004, the year when the first motorcycle taxis began to circulate in Central African Republic.
« They are efficient and what’s more, the cost of transport is not expensiveexplains Israelle, a regular user of this service. Prices vary between 1 000 et 2 000 CFA francs depending on the race. Before getting in, as you see, the driver passes me some hand sanitizer. Then he cleans the helmet with the gel before giving it to me. There is a whole sense of security there and I feel reassured. Plus, they are always clean unlike ordinary motorcycle taxis. »
Today, the Bangui motorcycle taxi union estimates that there are more than 20,000 drivers working in the capital. But the majority are not in order. Not only do most of these motorcycle taxis not have adequate equipment, but they also sometimes transport up to five people.
Many serious accidents
With around twenty motorcycles in service in the capital, Igwé Motor brings new life to this service, according to Joachim, who has even received specific training: “ We were instilled with the value of respecting the principles of the Highway Code. I received training on road safety, respecting road signs and prohibited directions. I completed training on the Highway Code before starting. »
In Bangui, three out of ten Central Africans are victims of amputation, severe fractures or deaths linked to accidents caused by motorcycle taxis. In 2023, the community hospital’s trauma department has documented more than 500 serious and fatal accidents involving these machines.
Beyond road safety, entrepreneur Anis Zowe Nganyade hopes to stimulate the Central African economy with his Igwé Motors project. “ In the Central African Republic, the youth unemployment rate is very high, he notes. There are young people who have diplomas, but who have nothing to do. But we recruit these young people, we give them work and they manage to make ends meet. »
Each motorcycle pays the fixed sum of 8,000 CFA francs to Igwé Motor every day. This sum makes it possible to pay employees’ salaries and ensure the functioning of the company, which gives them status and pays them bonuses.
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