Tanzania’s ex-minister calls for safety of school children

Tanzania’s former minister for Natural Resources and Tourism and current Singida North MP (CCM) Lazaro Nyalandu

What you need to know:

  • He said routine inspection should be conducted by the traffic police on school vehicles to determine their roadworthiness and ensure that drivers are properly trained for the job.

Arusha. Tanzania’s former minister for Natural Resources and Tourism and current Singida North MP (CCM) Lazaro Nyalandu has reiterated his call to authorities to ensure school buses are safe for the young learners to use.

He said routine inspection should be conducted by the traffic police on school vehicles to determine their roadworthiness and ensure that drivers are properly trained for the job.

He made the plea here early in week after the survivors of the Lucky Vincent school bus tragedy sat for their National Standard Seven Examinations following successful treatment in the US.

Mr Nyalandu, who played a key role in supporting the survivors of the May 6 tragedy, said school bus drivers must be trained and undergo refresher courses from time to time.

He said he was happy to see that the trio, Doreen Mshana, Wilson Tarimo and Saadia Ismael have managed to write their primary school leaving examinations after being hospitalized in the US for three months.

He called on parents of the three survivors and other well-wishers to ensure they get all the necessary support to enable them pursue studies to the highest level possible.

For his part, Lucky Vincent  Academy director Innocent Moshi paid tribute to the government and other well-wishers for the support rendered to the institution after the grisly accident which claimed the lives of 29 pupils, two teachers and a driver.

The school and the entire nation was thrown into deep mourning following the accident that occurred near Karatu Town.

The only survivors were later flown to the US for specialized treatment, thanks to  a swift action of Good Samaritans doctors from the US.

Doreen, Wilson and Saadia were among the 72 pupils from the school who last week sat for the examinations.

Speaking with confidence, the trio said they were aiming to pursue studies to the university level because they were sure they would pass their examinations and join Form One next year.

"I am not seeing any obstacle in joining Form One. We were being taught while undergoing treatment in the US," said Doreen with a smile on her face.

Similar confidence was expressed by her two colleagues Wilson and Saadia. "We will surely pass", they affirmed.

According to the school head Ephraim Jackson, Lucky Vincent emerged the best school in Arusha district during last year's national primary school examinations and has been one of the best performers in the region and nationally for years.