Katsina — Women in Katsina state may in no time get an alternative transportation system as the state is planning to ban them from plying on commercial motorcycles popularly referred to as Achaba.

The State House of Assembly is working towards banning motorcyclists from carrying women.

Daily Trust reports that the ban is already effective in some northern states, following the introduction of the Shariah system.

The ban which is prompted by a visit to the Assembly by the chapter Chairman of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan, was however subject to the provision of alternative means of transportation by the State Government.

The sponsor of the motion and member representing Kurfi Local Government Area in the Assembly Danlami Mohammed Kurfi said it's improper and contrary to the religious norms and tradition of the state for women to be transported by men on commercial motorcycles.

He said: 'Most married women, especially the pregnant ones were forced to hire this motorcycle to the Hospital, Market and other Public Places with the high risk of being thrown out on the road or get involve in accident.'

Mr. Danlami Kurfi said there was the need for the 2008 budget to make provision for

Town Service Vehicles to cater for the transportation of women especially in the seven major Towns of :Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Malumfashi, Dutsinma, Kankia and Mani.

In a contribution the member representing Safana Local Government Mr. Ahmed Dayyabu suggested that the 34 local governments should be encouraged to enhance their transport system by purchasing at least 10 vehicles each.

Daily Trust gathered that the State Assembly has resolve to refer the matter to the House Committee on transportation for action and report back to the committee of the whole house in two weeks.