President Samia stresses road safety

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has reminded motorists to observe traffic laws, rules and regulations to avoid road accidents that have been claiming innocent lives and injuring others.

Dr Samia reminded driv- ers to exercise extra caution, follow traffic laws and prac- tise good management as the end of the year draws near.

The reminder from the Head of State comes at the time when Tanzanians are preparing themselves to celebrate year end festivals.

Tanzania has been experiencing an increase in road accidents at the end of the year.

“The year is coming to an end, and I will continue to urge motorists and other road users to follow road safety rules,” Samia wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

Her caution was in response to an accident in Manyoni, Singida Region, on Wednesday which killed 13 and left 32 people injured. “I have received with sadness the information of the deaths of 13 people in a bus accident in Singida Region earlier on Wednesday. I send my condolences to family and friends who lost their loved ones. Let us join together in praying for God to have mercy on them,” Dr Samia posted on X.

She added: “Let’s also pray for the victims of this accident to recover quickly as they continue receiving treat- ment at Saint Gaspar, Benjamin Mkapa and Singida Regional Referral Hospitals.

”An upcountry bus owned by Ally’s Star Bus Company with registration number T178 DVB, collided with a train, registered V951 9006, in the accident on Wednesday. Singida Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Stella Mutabihirwa, said that the accident occurred on Wednesday, November 29, around 4:00 am. Dr Furaha Mwakafwila, Manyoni District Medical Officer, confirmed that there were 13 deaths and 32 injured passengers. He stated that the injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Manyoni District Hospital and St Gaspar health facility in Itigi.

However, he was unable to disclose the names of those who lost their lives or those who were in- jured in the accident.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Jumanne Sagini yesterday directed Traffic Division Commander along with other law enforcement or- gans to take stern measures against the negligent mo- torists including revoking their licences.

Mr Sagini underlined that suspending licences of all drivers who violate the road traffic regulations and road signs will reduce accidents and deaths caused by reckless drivers.

The deputy minister issued the directives im- mediately after arriving at the scene of the accident, including visiting the iNjured in Manyoni, Singida Region where the accident occurred. “I direct the Traf- fic Division Commander through departments under the Regional Traffic Officers (RTOs), to be strict and stop being too lenient with reckless drivers,” Home Affairs Deputy Minister emphasised.

Adding: “All traffic laws enforcement organs including the Land Trans- port Regulatory Authority (LATRA) and Police must take decisive action to save Tanzanians from losing their lives from accidents like this one which hap- pened here in Manyoni due to driver’s negligence.”

“The impact of the collision with the train to the extent of pushing the train out of its rails clearly shows that the bus driver was speeding,” he said.