As dark clouds gather over Kaduna and heavy rains drench the city, most residents seek shelter. For commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, however, the downpour signals another demanding day on the road in pursuit of a livelihood.
While commuters often lament flooded roads and traffic congestion during the rainy season, operators of okada and keke say the weather presents both opportunities and challenges that directly affect their earnings and safety.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted across Kawo, Sabon Tasha, Kakuri, Barnawa and the Central Market revealed that demand for commercial transport usually increases during rainfall. However, operators also contend with slippery roads, concealed potholes, frequent vehicle breakdowns and a higher risk of accidents.
Mr Ibrahim Musa, a motorcycle operator in Kawo, said every rainy day begins with uncertainty because the weather determines whether he earns enough to support his family.
“When it rains heavily, many people do not want to walk, so more passengers look for motorcycles. Sometimes we earn more than on dry days because demand increases.
“But the danger is always there. Potholes hidden under floodwater can throw you off your motorcycle before you even realise they exist. Once you fall, whatever you earned may end up being spent on hospital bills and repairs,” he said.
Mr Peter John, a tricycle operator in Barnawa, described the rainy season as a period of mixed fortunes.
According to him, although passenger traffic rises during rainfall, the cost of repairing damage caused by waterlogged roads significantly reduces his profits.
“Almost every week, mechanics replace brake pads, wheel bearings or other parts damaged by bad roads. What we gain from increased patronage is often spent on maintenance. Sometimes we also stay off the road for hours waiting for the rain to stop, and that affects our income,” he said.
At Sabon Tasha, trader Mrs Grace Yakubu said commercial riders remain the most reliable means of transportation whenever heavy rainfall disrupts movement.
“When taxis refuse to enter flooded streets or charge exorbitant fares, motorcycles and tricycles are usually the only option. They help many of us get to our businesses and return home safely,” she said.
Despite their importance, some commuters expressed concern over reckless riding during rainy weather, urging operators to prioritise safety over the pursuit of higher earnings.
Mr Emmanuel Joseph, a civil servant, said some riders speed through flooded roads despite poor visibility, exposing themselves and their passengers to unnecessary danger.
“Most riders are responsible, but a few become careless because they want to carry more passengers before another rainfall begins. That puts everyone at risk,” he said.
For mechanics, the rainy season is often the busiest period of the year.
A motorcycle mechanic in Kakuri, Malam Sani Abdullahi, said workshops receive more motorcycles and tricycles for repairs during the wet season.
“Water affects brakes, chains, wheel bearings and electrical components. Many operators postpone maintenance until minor faults develop into major problems that cost much more to repair,” he said.
Transport union officials have advised operators to reduce speed during rainfall, avoid flooded roads where possible and ensure their motorcycles and tricycles remain roadworthy throughout the season.
They also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to rehabilitate deteriorating roads and improve drainage infrastructure to reduce accidents and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of commercial transport operators.
For many riders, however, staying off the road is simply not an option. Whether under scorching sunshine or heavy rain, they continue to navigate Kaduna’s streets each day, driven by the need to provide for their families while offering an essential transport service to residents.
As the rainy season continues, both operators and commuters hope that better road infrastructure, improved drainage systems and stricter adherence to traffic regulations will make travel safer while protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on commercial transportation.
Source:NAN
