EES Drivers’ Association Elects Executive Body

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 28th January 2012 [Gurtong] - In order to manage Eastern Equatoria State (EES) drivers’ affairs, present their grievances and protect all bicycle/motorcycle taxi operators and commercial drivers from rights infringement across the State, EES driver’s organization has elected its first ever executive body in the State.

The State drivers assembled at the workers trade union headquarters in Torit a week and a half ago. The event was co-witnessed and observed by the workers’ Trade Union and members from South Sudan National Council of Drivers.

The election saw Mr. Alfen Bakhit unanimously win the position of the EES Driver’s Union Chairperson with Mr. Juma Benjamin being his deputy. 137 voters participated in the exercise.

Mr. Bakhit pledged that his first priority is to initiate dialogue with the Torit County administration on ways of reducing the ongoing high transport fees; saying that the Torit Bus Park should be managed by the workers trade union in order to address challenges ahead of them accordingly.
 
Mr. Ali Taban was elected as the executive body’s Secretary General while Dominic Francis as his deputy with Mr. Francis Tartisio as the Finance secretary.
 
A South Sudan Steering Committee of Drivers Union member, Mr. Laku Phillip underscored the importance of having the Drivers’ Union since its existence promote the interests of drivers apart from protecting and defending their rights.
 
While calling on all drivers and cyclists to be obedient and responsible in their work, Mr. Laku urged them to respect each other and the public adding that even the Association formed does not belong to tribes.

He urged the drivers to contribute to the union since they had no funding from elsewhere.
 
Speaking before the elections were conducted, the Torit County’s Executive Director, Mr. Cyprian Michael Oling who officially opened the function, recognized and acknowledged the importance of the elected body since the State transport sector will now have smooth operations.
 
He advised the Association to get organized for any external support and urged them to select hard working and honest members to represent them in leading their organization.