Safety concerns rise as school buses fall short of standards

The safety of primary school students during their daily commutes is a growing concern, given the poor condition of many school buses.

While these buses are intended to provide a safe and reliable means of transportation, the reality is often far from that.

According to a survey by Smart World, many primary schools in Dar es Salaam rely on a fleet of old and poorly maintained buses to transport students.

These buses, often decades old and showing signs of wear and tear, pose significant safety risks to the children they transport. From faulty brakes to unreliable engines, these vehicles are a disaster waiting to happen.

Some school owners reportedly purchase old buses, some of which are unfit for driving on the road, in an effort to minimise costs. Those who have been on such buses say that even a layman can tell something is amiss based on the way they sound when you are inside.

One of the most alarming aspects is using these dilapidated buses in the mornings to transport children to school, only to have them returned to the garage for repairs during the day.

These buses are then hastily patched up and sent back on the road to pick up the students in the afternoon, creating a cycle of risk and uncertainty for all involved.

Musa Kassim, 39, a school bus driver, shares that he understands the concerns about the condition of many school buses.

“We do our best to keep them running, but they're old, and maintenance can only do so much. It's tough knowing that we're responsible for the safety of these children every day," he says.

Another driver, Rehema Ngowi, 32, reveals, "I worry about the safety of the children every time I take the wheel. We try to be careful, but sometimes the buses have issues that are out of our control. We need better support and resources to enable us to transport the children safely."

Rashidi Maganga, 53, says it's frustrating to drive these old buses, especially when they break down unexpectedly.

“We're constantly under pressure to get the children to school on time, but it's hard when the buses aren't reliable. Something needs to be done for the sake of the children's safety," he shares.

Mazumo Joshwa, 36, says although he takes his job seriously, his working environment is not conducive. He says it's disheartening to see the condition of some of these buses.

“We do what we can to keep the children safe, but there's only so much we can do without proper support from the authorities. The safety of the children should be our top priority," he notes.

Haruna Mushi, 31, says driving these buses is a huge responsibility. He wishes they had newer, safer vehicles to transport the children in.

For him, it's not just about getting the children to school and back; it's about ensuring their safety along the way. “We need better equipment and more support to do our job properly," he suggests.

While the interviewed drivers were candid about the not-so-good state of some school buses, none of the teachers we spoke to confirmed this.

Mr Philbert Simon, the Head Teacher at Tusiime Primary School, says they ensure that their school buses undergo regular maintenance checks to address any issues promptly.

“We have a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the maintenance schedule and ensuring that all safety standards are met. Our goal is to provide a safe and reliable transportation service for our students, giving parents peace of mind."

Likewise, Mr Benison Chalamila, the head teacher of Decent Pre & Primary School in Dar es Salaam, shares that "maintaining the safety of our school buses is a top priority for us. We work closely with our transportation department to implement a rigorous maintenance schedule, which includes regular inspections and repairs as needed.”

Mr Chalamila says that matrons and patrons in their school are trained to identify any safety concerns and report them immediately.

“By taking a proactive approach to maintenance, we ensure that our students travel safely to and from school every day," Mr Chalamila says.

Maria Marwa, 48, a school bus matron, says she makes safety her priority to ensure that every child is seated properly, wearing a seatbelt if available, and behaving appropriately during the journey.

"As a matron, my primary concern is the safety and well-being of the children entrusted to my care. I make it a priority to ensure that every child is seated properly, wearing a seatbelt if available, and behaving appropriately during the journey. I also keep a watchful eye on the condition of the bus and communicate any concerns to the driver immediately."

Regarding seat belts, which we all know are vital for safety, Esther Sanga, a parent whose children take the school bus, mentions that she doesn’t recall ever seeing seat belts on school buses, except for those in the front seats.

Saidi Mwakalinga, a school bus attendant, shares that he works closely with the drivers and matrons to ensure that all safety protocols are followed.

“This includes regular inspections of the buses, training sessions for the drivers and matrons on safety procedures, and addressing any issues that arise promptly. Our goal is to create a safe and secure environment for the children during their commute to and from school."

The majority of the interviewed parents say they are concerned about the safety of their children as they ride these buses daily. They say they are aware that many school buses are not supposed to be on the road in the first place.

One parent says he was shocked when he got inside his children’s school bus. However, he has not raised the matter with the school administration.

“There is little space between the seats, and the seats themselves are too narrow. I believe they are designed that way so more students can ride the bus,” says the father of two. “I wonder what the owners of the schools do with the money we pay for transport.”

He is supported by Leticia Emmanuel, who says she feels uneasy about her child riding the school bus every day. “The bus looks old, and I worry about my son’s safety."

The fact that she always sees the school bus in the garage makes her wonder why the owner of the school does not buy a new bus.

Likewise, Zahara Juma says she constantly worries about her child's safety on the school bus.

“Most buses are old and often overcrowded. Why don’t authorities guard against poor standards of school transport?”

Zahara calls upon authorities to regularly inspect these buses to ensure they are roadworthy, instead of waiting for a calamity to strike to take action.

The Permanent Secretary in the education ministry, Dr Carolyne Nombo, says that there’s an established protocol that requires school heads to conduct thorough and routine inspections of these vehicles to ensure the safety and security of the students.

According to her, the ministry closely monitors the implementation. The PS calls upon school administrators to prioritise investments in the maintenance and upkeep of school buses.

They should ensure the buses are equipped with the necessary safety features and regularly serviced by qualified technicians.

“This will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the transportation system and instill confidence in parents and guardians regarding the safety of their children. We must collectively prioritise the safety and security of our children," says Dr Nombo.