Joseph Isangura
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango has called for urgent measures to tighten the regulation of school buses across Tanzania, citing significant concerns over their safety standards and the qualifications of drivers.
Speaking during the national road safety week and the 50th anniversary of the National Road Safety Council, Dr. Mpango highlighted the alarming conditions under which many school buses operate, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention by the traffic police.
Dr. Mpango underscored that many school buses currently in use do not meet the basic safety requirements necessary for transporting children. He noted that these vehicles are often overloaded beyond their capacity and are driven by individuals who lack the necessary qualifications, thereby endangering the lives of young students daily.
The Vice President’s concerns were brought into sharp focus by a tragic incident on April 12th in Arusha, where a school bus accident, caused by driver negligence, led to the death of seven children. Dr. Mpango stressed that this heartbreaking event should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to enforce stricter regulations on school transportation.
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He urged the police, particularly the traffic unit, to intensify their oversight and ensure that all school buses are regularly inspected and that drivers are properly trained and certified. Dr. Mpango emphasized that the safety of children must be a paramount concern and that any lapses in regulatory enforcement could lead to further tragedies.
The Vice President’s remarks align with broader government efforts to enhance road safety across the country, particularly in the context of school transportation. The directive to the police is clear: they must act swiftly to ensure that all school buses comply with safety standards and that only qualified drivers are allowed behind the wheel.
