By CHARLES IWUOHA, Enugu

The Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union (ATRTU) in Enugu State has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for upwards review of tricycle operating time within the state.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Ikah, and its Secretary, Mr. Pius Ezugwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.

Recall that on Monday, Enugu State Government reviewed upward the operational time of tricycle operators, popularly known as keke riders from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m. daily, with effect from Wednesday, August 19.

The union also lauded Ugwuanyi for also giving palliatives at various times to its members to cushion the effect and hardship posed by the ravaging COVID-19.

“ATRTU humbly wish to express our heart warm appreciation to you for harkening to our appeal for upward review of our operating hours as per our letter dated June 10 on the above subject matter.

“You did not only accentuate our request but added some palliatives to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on our members.

“You have, by this gesture demonstrated your love for the indigent tricycle operators and have equally restored our hope to a better living ahead.

“We are greatly happy and overwhelmed with joy by this singular action,” it said.

According to the statement, we pray that the good Lord will continue to replenish you in all that you spent to make us feel belonged.

As part of COVID-19 containment measures, the Enugu State Government previously limited the operating hours of commercial tricycle operators between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

However, the operators still carry only two passengers, who must compulsorily wear face mask/shield, at the rear seat of their tricycles in line with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol meant to check spread of COVID-19.