A FORMER Director of Traffic has accused the Road Transport Board [RTB] of knowingly allowing public buses to illegally operate short bus routes in Honiara.
William Foufaka who retired last year told Solomon Star on Thursday the impact of the illegal operations is pronounced on ordinary citizens because of the costs involved.
“This is happening because the RTB has neglected its duties and responsibilities towards ordinary citizens of this country.
“It costs around $40 or more each way each day. And for ordinary working person, that’s a lot of money. I call on the RTB to convene immediately to discuss this matter because people are suffering and bus drivers have become law unto themselves,” he said.
The RTB is headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and its membership is drawn from the Honiara City Council and the private sector.
“As far as I know the Board has done nothing about this matter. Sometimes, one wonders whether Board members are fully aware of their responsibility. They cannot blame Traffic police, because police only carry out orders in upholding the law,” Mr Foufaka said.
He said legal routes prescribed by the Honiara City Council Ordnance have not changed.
That route runs from the Central Market to White River and King George VI school and back. That’s the legal route and yet it seems the Road Transport Board has ignored this resulting in the hardships that workers endure everyday.
“Now, they simply run the Naha-East Kola, King George and Central Market. Each stop costs $5 and when you add it up, it comes to around $25 each way. That’s a lot of money for an ordinary person,” he said.
Mr Foufaka said the Board must wake up to its responsibility.
“They must wake up to their responsibility or ship out. They must remember that their role is to serve the interest and safety of the traveling public. At the moment, they are not,” Mr Foufaka said.
By Alfred Sasako
