PM warns errant government vehicle drivers
ARUSHA: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has instructed drivers of government vehicles to observe their work ethics, warning them against leaking information and documents they are given to transport.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Majaliwa directed executives of all government institutions and Regional Commissioners (RCs) to ensure that drivers get their benefits, including transport allowances, office uniforms as well as training.
Mr Majaliwa made the statement yesterday in Arusha when speaking at the official opening of the 3rd Conference of the Association of Drivers of Government Vehicles in Tanzania (CMST).
The five-day conference which started yesterday is held here under the theme ‘Know Yourself, Fulfil Your Duty, Road Safety Starts with You.”
“Sometimes some drivers overhear conversations of their bosses while they are driving and later, they tell other people what the conversation was about. They may also leak important documents,” he said.
He also urged drivers of government vehicles to be good examples to other drivers in the country by showing high level of professionalism, including observing their responsibilities.
In his directive to the executives of government institutions, the Prime Minister told them to ensure that their drivers get their full benefits as per the law.
ALSO READ: Majaliwa stresses good parenting
“It is important transport allowances be given according to the number of days spent during travel. Uniform allowances should also be paid on time,” he insisted.
He underscored the importance of the training to the drivers, arguing that it improves their efficiency and performance in line with technological growth.
“The Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA) should insist on the importance of this training,” he said.
Earlier while welcoming the PM, Deputy Minister for Works, Eng Godfrey Kasekenya insisted that drivers’ allowances should be provided on time so that they can continue with their daily duties.
He also noted that the Ministry of Transport has revised the structure of drivers in which more retirement benefits for the drivers have been introduced.
For his part, Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda insisted that Mwanza Region will continue to appreciate the work of drivers, considering that they are entrusted to take care of expensive government vehicles.
“The first thing I did when I became the Arusha District Commissioner was to restore grounded government vehicles so that every driver could have a car to drive,” he said.
On her part, Ms Flora Mnyandavile, who is the Chairperson of the association urged all government vehicle drivers to comply with road safety rules.
According to her, among the 1,300 drivers who attended the meeting, 1,200 drivers were from mainland Tanzania and 100 drivers from Zanzibar.
