The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) has warned the public against hiring unregistered motorcycles, popularly known as bodaboda, saying some are being operated by criminals.

Speaking to The Guardian recently, Sumatra licensing manager Leo Ngowi said only 668 motorcycles countrywide were registered and licensed.

He said registered motorcycles in Dar es Salaam were 15 in Kinondoni district and three in Ilala district, noting that none had been registered in Temeke district.

“These operators are carrying on business without being licensed. Some of them cooperate with criminals. It is difficult to get hold of unregistered operators without cooperation from wananchi,” said Ngowi.

Sumatra, in an announcement issued on August 1, 2011 required motorcycle operators in the city to obtain licencees for smooth operation of their business, but the response has been very minimal.

According to Ngowi, said the objective of the registration was to identify motorcycles operating commercially so they should pay tax to the government.