Truckers end strike on Nzega-Tabora road

Dar es Salaam. Reassurance by the Police Force that there will be adequate security and intervention by Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa) has finally brought normalcy to Nzega-Tabora road on which traffic had been brought to a halt by boycotting lorry drivers.

At least 1,000 vehicles and over 3,000 passengers were stranded since Sunday on the key Mwanza-Dar es Salaam trunk road at Ngonho Village in Nzega District, Tabora Region as enraged drivers pulled over and put ignition keys in their pockets to compel authorities to flush out thugs who repeatedly carjack and rob motorists in the area. The boycott was staged from Sunday after gangsters attacked three trucks and seriously injured the drivers, robbing them of their money and other possessions. The protesting drivers were angered by the regular attacks in the area. In the latest attack, thugs attacked drivers by severing their ears and piercing their eyes with sharp objects.

The Citizen has learnt that on Sunday, Tatoa sent a circular to its members, asking them to talk to their drivers to end the boycott, at least by removing their trucks from the road that they had completely blocked.

Tatoa spokesperson Elias Lukumai, told The Citizen over a telephone interview that the association has moved to call for an end of the protest, mostly in sympathy with innocent bus passengers.

The stranded passengers had to endure hunger and thirst as the truck drivers demanded an audience with Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, Home Affairs Minister Mathias Chikawe or Tabora Regional Commissioner, Ms Fatma Mwassa.

“We find it improper to block the road as a form of protest since some of the trucks are carrying fuel, which has the potential of causing serious disasters in the area,” Mr Lukumai said. He said Tatoa believed that the issue was discussable and there was no need for drivers to protest in that manner.

However, he admitted that the drivers had the right to express their grievances, considering that the attacks have been too frequent.

Speaking to The Citizen, Tabora Regional Police Commander Peter Ouma said he admitted that users of the Dar es Salaam-Mwanza road have been experiencing several incidents of carjacking and thus, the police in the region are now on alert to counter the ruthless robbers. Mr Ouma has assured drivers and passengers who use the major Dar es Salaam-Mwanza road through Igunga to Nzega an around-the-clock security.

He said the Police Force will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of highway criminals, adding that security would be beefed up at all roads in the region, particularly on the major road connecting Tabora with other regions.

“I assure all drivers and passengers using this road that the security will be improved and there will be no further incidents of carjacking,” he said, adding, “I appeal to good citizens who live along the road to provide us information on criminals.” He said the police would conduct investigations to identify officers whose negligence contributed to insecurity.

“Disciplinary measures will be taken against any officer who will be found to have messed,” he said. He explained that security would be tightened at the crime-prone sections of the road by allocating more officers.

Chief medical officer for Nzega District, Dr Emmanuel Mihayo, gave the names of the injured drivers as: Mr Herelina Eddy, a Burundian whose eyes were pierced and was supposed to be referred to Nkinga Referral Hospital for further treatment and Dar es Salaam residents Abraham Ismail and Omary Adinani.

Additional reporting by Mustapha Kapalata, Nzega