LATRA ordered to operate 24hrs a day

THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has been ordered to ensure that it operates 24 hours a day in order to serve well stakeholders.

The directive was issued on Saturday by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr Atupele Mwakibete during his one-day visit at LATRA offices in Mwanza region.

“In order to promote growth of the country’s economy LATRA should work 24 hours a day to serve those who need its services, because travellers are there all the time,” Mr Mwakibete said.

The deputy minister noted that he wants LATRA Headquarters, especially the Customer Service Department to work 24 hours and be able to serve customers at all times to avoid unnecessary complaints.

“LATRA director general should ensure that all requests that are sent through the internet are processed,” Mr Mwakibete said.

However, he commended LATRA Mwanza Office for working hard and asked the authority to continue serving the people well.

He further instructed the National Road Safety Committee to provide education to the vehicle owners and operators on the importance of ensuring safety of the passengers.

He asked motorcycle and tricylce owners in Mwanza region to have proper routes to avoid unnecessary traffic jam.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report 16,000 people in Tanzania die due to accidents per year.

Mr Mwakibete said many  people die during and after accidents that involve motorcycles, trucks and buses,  caused by drivers’ negligence, engines fault, lack of inspection of passenger buses as well as lack of education to drivers.

LATRA officer based in Mwanza, Ms Halima Lutavi said the region has the challenge of motorcycles and tricycles not having a specific routes.