Fallen Tanesco driver was on contract after retirement

Nyamo-Hanga and Haule lost their lives in the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, when the vehicle they were travelling in from Mwanza to Bunda was involved in a fatal road accident.

The accident occurred at around 1:30am near the Ndabaka Gate, at the entrance to Serengeti National Park. The crash happened when the driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser swerved to avoid a cyclist, lost control and collided head-on with an oncoming lorry.

Speaking to the media on Monday, April 14, after inspecting funeral preparations, Mara Regional Commissioner Evans Mtambi said the burial of Nyamo-Hanga would take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the family residence in Migungani, Bunda town.

“This is a great loss to the region. Nyamo-Hanga played a vital role in implementing key energy projects. He was quick to respond in times of crisis. Just recently, over 300 households were affected by storms, and under his leadership, Tanesco was the first to restore its infrastructure,” said Mr Mtambi.

A distinguished career

In Kibaha, the late Haule was laid to rest yesterday, with family members describing him as a dedicated civil servant who was rehired on contract following his official retirement.

Speaking during the funeral held on April 15, Mr Amiry Lwambano, a relative, said the late Haule had retired in August last year—on his birthday—but was immediately granted a two-year contract due to his exemplary service.

“He officially retired in August last year, the same day he turned a year older. We celebrated the occasion at home, and the following day he received a letter offering him a two-year contract extension,” said Mr Lwambano.

He said that Haule was the first Tanesco driver to serve five consecutive managing directors, having joined the organisation in 1988.

“We are grateful to Tanesco for the support they’ve provided during this difficult period. They have covered all funeral arrangements, including tents, chairs and food,” he said.

Another family member, Mr Hassan Rashid Hassan, recounted how they received news of the accident late Saturday night through a phone call.

“We were informed that an accident had occurred and that identity cards bearing their names were found at the scene,” he said, adding that the loss was deeply personal to him, as the late Haule raised him from childhood.

The late Haule’s widow, who identified herself only as Fatuma, was too overwhelmed by grief to speak to the media.

Tanesco’s Coast Region Manager, Ms Mahawa Mkaka, said the company had lost one of its longest-serving and most trusted drivers.

“This is a tragic loss for Tanesco. We are deeply saddened by his passing,” she said.

Residents of Visiga also paid tribute to Haule, remembering him for helping bring electricity to their neighbourhood.

“He really pushed for electricity to reach our area. We are grateful for everything he did,” said Ms Theresia Majaga.

Cyclist activity common at accident spot

Meanwhile, residents of Nyatwali in Bunda District, where the accident occurred, said night-time cyclist activity is common in the area.

Many of the cyclists are charcoal traders who transport goods under cover of darkness to avoid detection by forest officers.

“A lot of charcoal traders operate at night to avoid arrest by patrol officers,” said Joram Sinai.

Nyambili Gabriel, another resident, explained that the traders usually spend the day collecting charcoal and only transport it at night.

Richard Nyoswede added that despite their caution, many still face difficulties as night patrols often lead to the confiscation of their goods.