Isoka Town Council has operationalised the Mwaiseni Bus Station along the Great North Road in Muchinga Province. Speaking in an interview with the media at the newly operationalised bus station at Mwaiseni junction, Isoka Town Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sichali, said…

Isoka Town Council has operationalised the Mwaiseni Bus Station along the Great North Road in Muchinga Province.

Speaking in an interview with the media at the newly operationalised bus station at Mwaiseni junction, Isoka Town Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sichali, said the facility will help curb the loading and offloading of passengers along the busy highway, which has posed a safety risk to commuters, traders and motorists.

Mr Sichali said buses will now be required to use the designated station, while traders will be expected to operate from within the facility.

“With the opening of this bus station, we are hoping that danger will be alleviated and the number of accidents that were being recorded will reduce,” he stated.

Mr Sichali added that the council is working with bus operators and members of the surrounding community to ensure the station is used for its intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Power Tools Bus Station Supervisor, Lawrence Sikaonga, said the operationalisation of the facility has provided transport operators with a safer and more organised environment to conduct business.

Mr Sikaonga said operating from the roadside exposed both passengers and bus operators to danger.

“It was very dangerous loading and offloading passengers on the roadside. This station has provided a much safer environment for both operators and the travelling public,” he indicated.

Maureen Kangwa, a community member, said the opening of the station has made boarding and disembarking safer and more convenient for residents.

Ms Kangwa commended the government for the construction of the facility, describing it as a timely intervention for the community.

Martha Muwowo, a trader, also welcomed the operationalisation of the bus station and appealed to authorities to ensure all public service vehicles use the facility.

Ms Muwowo said continued loading and offloading of passengers along the roadside would undermine efforts to improve safety and affect businesses operating from within the station.

The Mwaiseni Bus Station was constructed to provide a designated point for buses to load and offload passengers and to enhance safety along the Great North Road.