Six Katarama buses allowed to resume operations after Latra investigation

Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has permitted six out of ten buses from Katarama company to resume operations, after an investigation into violations of transportation laws and procedures.

Last week, Latra suspended the license of all Katarama buses indefinitely, due to non-compliance with transportation regulations, including tampering with monitoring systems.

After the suspension, Latra, in collaboration with the police, launched an investigation into the company’s operations.

Latra’s head of communications and public relations, Mr Salum Pazzy, said that a preliminary investigation revealed that four of the ten buses had tampered with the system. The other six, which were found to be in compliance, have now been allowed to return to service.

“Latra’s mandate includes both regulation and supporting transport operators to ensure their businesses remain viable. Rather than continue to suspend all buses, we felt it was better to allow those not involved in violations to resume operations,” said Mr Pazzy.

He further explained that before allowing the six buses back on the road, the bus management was required to agree to specific operational conditions, which they accepted.

“We believe that these six buses will perform well. As an authority, we are not willing to put the lives of Tanzanians at risk,” he emphasised, adding that the four buses involved in the violations remain under investigation.

The investigation uncovered that some of the buses had removed Latra-installed devices, replacing them with their own systems to transmit incorrect information to the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS).

The buses were also found to have engaged in misconduct, including speeding and tampering with tracking devices, particularly by replacing antennas, leading to inaccurate information being relayed to authorities.

Latra has legal powers to issue, renew, and cancel licenses, as well as monitor and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Mr Pazzy stressed that Latra will continue to monitor all buses and will take swift action against operators found violating transportation laws and procedures.

Katarama’s managing director, Mr Lauriani Katarama, has pledged to comply with all transport licensing regulations, as directed by the authorities.