Thousands in Dar, Mwanza stranded as drivers strike

Mwanza. Hundreds of passengers yesterday endured hours of agony and frustration after bus drivers went on strike to demand a reverse of an order to redo driving training and fair employment contracts.

Some drivers separately told The Citizen on Saturday that a directive by the Traffic Police Commander Mohamed Mpinga to re-do the driving course and limit speed or face two weeks in jail or have their licences revoked was draconian.

The strike was apparent at the main bus stands of Nyegezi and Buzuruga where hundreds of passengers desperately sought for alternatives to reach their destinations in vein.

This paper visited the two stands as early as 6am and witnessed empty buses parked.

“We don’t know what to do. We really suffer. We are asking responsible authorities to find ways of ending this strike soon,” a stranded passenger, Mr Joseph Wambura, said.

Victor Gervas who is employed by Bunda Express said they resorted to a strike in protest of decision by bus owners to heed to new directives by head of traffic police.

With the new directive, drivers are required to undergo a two-week driving course at Sh560,000 every three months. The drivers there was no need to do so because they have already undergone the same course after paying Sh200,000.

In Kahama

Scores of passengers who were travelling from Kahama to neighbouring Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda were also stranded for hours following the strike.

The leader of the association of bus agents at Kahama Main Stand, Mr Abdi Mohamed, said despite having justified demands from authorities, it was unfair to abandon passengers who travelled all the way from Dar es Salaam.

In Morogoro

Motorcycle riders in Morogoro must be praying that the drivers’ strike continues for at least a week because they used the opportunity to do brisk business.

Immediately after the drivers downed their tools, the motorcycle riders kicked in, netting in a lot of frantic passengers who were looking for public transport which was not available.

Mr Omar Shaaban and Mr John Alamba told this paper at Kwa Chambo Bus Stop within Morogoro Municipality that the strike has enabled them to do good business.

“There is no other transport apart from our motorcycles, travellers have no option but to rely on us. If this strike continues for at least a week, we will make a lot of money,” said Mr Shaaban.

Mr Alamba said they even increased the fare because the demand for their services was very high.

Ms Joyce Jeremiah and Mr Hamisa Rajabu, residents of Kihonda Mizani were stranded commuters who boarded motorcycles.

Reported by Idan Mhando, Ngollo John, Esther Mwimbula and Shija Felician