Tanzania to hold Road Safety Week

Date: 13/9/2012

National Road Safety Week is to be held in Tanzania from September 17th to 23rd with a number of initiatives planned.

The east African country is marking the event in an attempt to help cut down the number of accidents which occur on the nation's roads.

Pereira Silima, the Deputy Home Affairs Minister, said: "Statistics show that the number of road accidents were on the rise.

"I appeal to every Tanzanian to be part of this campaign by abiding to road safety rules in line with year's theme: 'Fight Road Crashes by Action Observe The Law.'"

The campaign will focus on several different areas including education, awareness and vehicle checks as a way to improve the road safety record.

Mr Silima is keen to use the opportunity to encourage all motorists to have their vehicles inspected in order to check that they are road worthy.

Some problems with cars and trucks can accumulate over time and become a much larger and potentially serious issue.

Two companies have joined up in partnership in order to back the week and help save lives on the roads in Tanzania.

Airtel Tanzania and Puma Energy are acting as sponsors of the education programmes and providing stickers as well as 800 T-shirts to the cause.

These T-shirts are being printed up with the slogan 'Fight Road Crashes by Action Observe the Law' to help spread the message.

Beatrice Singano Mallya, Airtel Regulatory and Corporate Communications Director, said: "Airtel is proud to be associated with efforts to save life and property in our community.

"It is committed to enhance the road safety ideals and awareness to road users through such kind of engagement as part of its community social responsibility programmes."

Companies getting behind a national campaign not only helps to fund projects, but also helps to engage the public.

Maregesi Manyama, Managing Director of Puma Energy, said: "We believe that the National Road Safety Council has a big responsibility in making sure that road accidents are reduced."

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News