FORMER Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou, has urged the re-elected Mayor of Honiara City Council, Eddie Siapu, to address the town’s transport system issues.
MP Hou made this call during his contribution to the special adjournment motion moved by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last Friday to adjourn Parliament till 10 June.
He described the current transport system as chaotic.
“The two bus stops near him (Siapu) are chaotic from morning to evening. Some of these issues don’t require new policies. It’s a matter of management. HCC needs to address this,” MP Hou said.
Mayor Siapu acknowledged Hou’s concerns, admitting the complexity of the issue, primarily due to bus drivers’ non-compliance with regulations.
He noted that when HCC Law Enforcement Officers and Police are present at the bus stops, the drivers comply with the rules.
However, in their absence, the drivers often disregard the regulations.
“This is an attitude problem. The bus drivers might argue that they need to make a profit.
“In business, you will experience both profits and losses, but ultimately, you must comply with the law,” Mayor Siapu added.
Mayor Siapu suggested that one potential solution could be for the HCC to revoke the business licenses of non-compliant bus owners in accordance with the council’s ordinances.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
