Transport problem must be addressed
DAVE SAVIDES writes about the dangers of school 'taxis' on Zululand roads
THE new school year has started and will bring with it many challenges.
One of these, not directly related to education per se, regards the transportation of children to school.
Wednesday had barely begun when a reader submitted a photo of a heavily overloaded van piled to the hilt with young children who no doubt were excited to start or resume their school careers.
These children were seated on the floor, with no seat belts or other form of restraint.
This is a long-outstanding issue, one that raises a number of significant concerns.
Is this means of transportation legal?
Do the vehicles conveying these precious children carry the prescribed authorisation to convey passengers?
Are the drivers in possession of licences and permits?
Are the vehicles and passengers covered by insurance?
Are the vehicles inspected for roadworthiness?
Are they authorised to charge fares and are they registered ‘taxis’?
Who is liable in the case of a serious or fatal accident?
What role should schools play in ensuring their pupils are brought safely to and from school?
Could liaison with bus companies not alleviate an obvious shortage of proper mass transportation?
It seems that authorities, who officially mouth all the right words, turn a blind eye to this practice of herding children into bakkies.
Ward Committees, among others, have appealed against this practice but their complaints go unheeded.
We hope it will not take a disastrous accident to get decisive action on the matter.
