Member of Parliament for Northwest St. Catherine, Damion Crawford has signaled his intent to meet with taxi operators in the Mount Diablo/Treadways area in an effort to increase public transportation for citizens.

This in the wake of the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in the constituency last Thursday.

She was reportedly ambushed while walking home alone from school in Mount Diablo.

Reports are that the child was drugged before being assaulted.

A 27-year-old man accused of the crime has been charged with rape, forcible abduction and sexual touching.

At the weekend, Mr. Crawford told IRIE FM News that after visiting the parents, it was understood that the child opted to walk home after having difficulties getting transportation.

According to the MP, the lack of transportation is a result of the poor condition of the roadway.

He said, public passenger vehicle operators avoid the area due to the high costs associated with repairing their vehicles.

Speaking again on the issue at the victim’s school yesterday, Mr. Crawford noted that the meeting with taxi operators will determine how best his office can collaborate with them to ensure they ply the route.

He said he has also written to the Education Ministry appealing for the implementation of what he called “walking accomplices” in the area for the next three months to help ensure children’s safety.

In the meantime, Mr. Crawford reiterated that he will be lobbying for the sex offender registry to be made public.

According to Mr. Crawford, the 7-year-old’s attacker made previous attempts to carry out similar acts.

The MP said the sex offender registry will assist residents in knowing the background of unfamiliar individuals who enter their communities.