By Alfred Zacharia
In a decisive move to address growing concerns over weighbridge operations, Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega has ordered the suspension of all officials on duty at weighbridges along the T1 highway, which runs from Dar es Salaam to Zambia via the Tunduma border.
The decision aims to facilitate investigations into complaints regarding discrepancies in weight measurements at these stations.
The minister’s directive follows a recent incident involving a transporter, Ms. Pamela James Bukumbi, whose truck, bearing registration number T 137 DLQ with trailer T 567 CUR, was fined for exceeding weight limits at the Vigwaza weighbridge.
However, she contended that previous weighbridges had not flagged her truck as overloaded, raising concerns about inconsistencies in weight assessments.
Addressing the media in Dodoma on March 20, 2025, Minister Ulega stated that, after reviewing both sides of the dispute—Ms. Bukumbi’s claims and the response from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS)—it was evident that a systemic issue required immediate intervention.
As a result, he outlined five key measures, starting with the suspension of all weighbridge officials who were on duty when the incident occurred.
“This issue indicates a serious problem. Therefore, I have decided to suspend the officials who were on duty along the entire T1 highway from Tunduma to Vigwaza at the time of the incident,” Ulega announced.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the minister confirmed that an expert task force had been established to investigate the truck’s journey comprehensively.
The findings of this investigation will inform disciplinary actions against those found responsible for misconduct.
Beyond immediate suspensions, Minister Ulega directed TANROADS to fast-track the modernization of Tanzania’s 78 weighbridges by introducing automated systems.
The goal is to minimize human intervention and allow drivers to self-serve using digital technologies. This aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency and reduce corruption risks in weighbridge management.
Furthermore, Ulega instructed TANROADS to integrate weighbridge data systems nationwide, ensuring real-time synchronization between different stations.
He emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has repeatedly advocated for interlinked government systems, and this measure should be implemented without delay.
In a stern warning to TANROADS regional managers, the minister asserted that they must take a more active role in supervising weighbridge operations. He cautioned that managers would also face disciplinary action if stations under their jurisdiction attract frequent complaints.
“For too long, regional managers have distanced themselves from weighbridge oversight. Moving forward, any weighbridge that repeatedly faces complaints will result in accountability measures not just for frontline officials but also for their managers,” Ulega stressed.
Beyond weighbridge issues, Ulega highlighted the government’s significant investments in road infrastructure, where the construction cost of a single kilometer ranges between TZS 1 billion and 2 billion, depending on terrain.
Given this substantial public expenditure, he urged citizens to protect these national assets for the safety and benefit of all road users.
The minister’s decisive actions reflect a broader government push for efficiency, transparency, and accountability in road infrastructure management. The outcome of the weighbridge investigation could shape future policy decisions on transport regulation and technological integration in Tanzania’s road sector.