DODOMA: THE Chief Executive Officer of the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), Alban Kihulla, has called on the public to purchase sand, gravel and crushed stones based on cubic meters rather than per trip to ensure fair pricing and accurate measurements.
Speaking in Dodoma on Tuesday during a press briefing on WMA’s achievements over the past four years under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, Mr Kihulla noted that purchasing the materials per trip has long been a common practice.
“If you look at trucks transporting sand, gravel and crushed stones, they have markings on the sides indicating their cubic meter capacity. So, when placing an order, specify the number of cubic meters you need, this allows you and the seller to agree on a fair price,” he stated.
He emphasised that buying these materials per trip is inaccurate, advising customers to negotiate prices with sellers based on the truck’s cubic meter capacity to ensure they receive the correct quantity.
Mr Kihulla noted that WMA remains committed to protecting consumers by ensuring that all purchased goods comply with proper measurement standards.
He urged buyers to verify the quantity of materials before purchasing and to report any suspected discrepancies to the agency for further action.
He further revealed that WMA has been investing in modern equipment to enhance service delivery, including 100 units of 500kg iron weights for verifying and inspecting large industrial and road weighbridges.
Additionally, WMA has acquired two large calibration machines and ten portable devices for water meter verification.
Furthermore, he said the agency has procured 12 speedometer calibration machines to enhance transport safety inspections.
Of these, 10 are portable and will be distributed across different regions, while two will be permanently installed at key verification centres, thus one at the Misugusugu Weighing Station and another at WMA headquarters in Dodoma.
“WMA has also purchased four flow meters to verify fuel meters installed in storage depots, mining sites, airports and other high-volume fuel distribution points to ensure accurate measurements,” he added.
The Weights and Measures Agency is legally mandated to regulate the proper use of measurements under the Legal Metrological Control framework to safeguard consumer rights.
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Its responsibilities include verifying measuring instruments across various sectors, such as fuel pumps, trucks transporting sand, gravel and crushed stones, water meters, natural gas meters, fuel transport tankers, and measuring rulers.
Moreover, WMA ensures the accuracy of electricity meters, retail and market scales, road weighbridges, flow meters and fuel storage tanks at both retail stations and bulk storage depots.
