Five buses suspended in Dodoma over mechanical and safety concerns

Dodoma. The Traffic Police Unit has suspended a Nasri Company passenger bus operating on the Tarime–Dar es Salaam route after discovering multiple mechanical faults, including a stabiliser link secured with a rope.

The stabiliser link is a crucial component that maintains vehicle balance when cornering, reducing the risk of overturning.

The Nasri bus was among five vehicles suspended following a safety inspection of 40 buses at the Nanenane Bus Terminal in Dodoma. The other four were ordered to undergo repairs before being allowed to resume their journeys.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, 7 July 2025, Dodoma Regional Traffic Police Commander, Yussuf Kamotta, said the inspection was part of routine efforts to enhance road safety.

“We inspected about 40 passenger buses. Five were found to have significant defects. Some were suspended outright, while others must complete immediate repairs before continuing,” said Kamotta.

He cited the Nasri bus as the most concerning case. “Our team found the stabiliser link tied with a rope. The headlights were improvised, and several other systems were defective. We decided to suspend it completely,” he added.

Commander Kamotta stressed that ensuring vehicle roadworthiness is the responsibility of the owner, warning that owners and drivers of faulty vehicles may face legal consequences.

The four other buses ordered to make repairs before resuming operations belong to Shukrani, Bright Line, Tembo, and Simba Mtoto companies.

He urged vehicle owners to conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance before transporting passengers.

Kamotta also called on drivers to refuse to operate defective vehicles that pose a risk to public safety.

“Every stakeholder in the transport sector must take proactive steps to improve road safety. Human life is irreplaceable,” he emphasised.

The inspection comes amid broader efforts by traffic authorities to reduce road accidents in the region, which have been linked to negligence, poorly maintained vehicles, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.

Passengers affected by delays welcomed the police’s intervention, describing it as a necessary measure to safeguard lives.

“As passengers, we cannot always tell if a vehicle has mechanical problems. It is vital for owners to maintain their vehicles properly to avoid endangering lives and causing unnecessary inconvenience,” said one passenger who was forced to disembark from the Nasri bus.

On 9 June 2025, during a graduation ceremony for police officers and assistant inspectors in Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the police to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce road accidents, which continue to claim lives and property.

Police data shows that the Traffic Police Unit recorded 453 deaths and 835 injuries in road crashes between July and September 2024 alone.

Authorities say similar inspections will continue across the country, especially along major highways and at bus terminals, to ensure compliance with road safety standards and protect travellers.