PM gives Dar tram system ultimatum
Prime Minister Edward Lowassa has directed the Dar es Salaam City authorities to establish a tram transport system.
By Guardian Reporter
Prime Minister Edward Lowassa has directed the Dar es Salaam City authorities to establish a tram transport system.
This is a bid to ease the city`s transport problems as well as attract tourists.
Lowassa wants to get thorough reports related to the implementation of his directive by May 15, this year.
`I know there are long-term plans for establishing an orderly public transport system, including removing the commuter mini buses. However, it is impossible to just keep quiet while the public is facing problems,` said Lowassa.
He said there have been a lot of complaints concerning public transport, including the shortening of designated routes by commuter bus drivers; and conductors being rude to passengers.
`It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that road traffic laws, specifically those that deal with public transport, are applied,` he says in his letter.
The PM has also directed the city authorities to take immediate measures to improve the city�s environment, including the reduction of vehicle congestion and easing of public transport.
Lowassa has instructed the City Fathers to monitor and supervise the implementation of traffic rules, including the fixing of traffic lights.
In addition, Lowassa has issued an order for keeping the city clean, planting of trees and flowers, house painting and designing a programme of showing tourists through the city.
He has also ordered the authorities to immediately evict all itinerant traders commonly known as machinga, so that they return to areas where they have been allocated.
In his letter dated March, 9, 2007, which was copied to the President, Lowassa asks the City Fathers to collaborate with government institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organisation in implementing his directives.
The PM has also directed that the letter be read during the city�s full council meetings.
He says many problems in Dar es Salaam could be solved by using existing by-laws.
Source: Guardian
