Following the introduction of bursaries for youthful motorbike riders in Mansa District in 2023, the Mansa Municipal Council committed to providing ranks for motorbikes on the condition that they accepted to be trained and acquire the required skills to operate motorbikes in the district.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Luapula Province Constituency Development Fund (CDF) approval committee, approved bursaries for 101 youths in Mansa District to acquire a motorbike riding skills at Mansa Trades Training Institute (MTTI). 60 youths were to be sponsored under the Mansa Central CDF while 41 were to be sponsored under the Bahati CDF.
In this view, the Mansa Municipal Council working together with the Zambia Police and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) established 10 ranks for Motorbike riders in various locations within the district.
The stations that have been set-up include One (1) at Kampwena Market, three (3) at Senama Market for the Senama – Kalaba, Senama – Town and Senama – Kabunda routes, two (2) in Town Centre opposite Shoprite and behind the GBM complex, one (1) in Chitamba, one (1) Down UB Market near the Central Clinic, one (1) at Maiteneke Market and one (1) at Namwandwe Market.
During the introduction of the ranks, the Zambia Police encouraged the riders to ensure that the motorbikes are cleared with the Zambia Revenue Authority, Interpol and RTSA as well as the riders to be licensed.
In addition, the Local Authority reminded the motorbike riders to operate only within the allocation ranks as the relevant authorities will take necessary action against riders who will be found operating in illegal stations contrary to the Markets and Bus Stations Act of 2007.
The motorbike riders were also guided to carry only one passenger at a time as opposed to the prevailing situation where riders transport more than one person at a time.
Further, the authorities encouraged the motorbike riders to join the Luapula Motorbike Association and to select rank representatives who can represent them as this will ease communication between the relevant authorities and the association. The identification of these rank leaders will also help in managing and meeting the needs of the riders.
Overall with establishment of the ranks, the Mansa Municipal Council will continue to conduct its responsibility in managing the stations as outlined in the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and the Markets and Bus Stations Act of 2007.
