Government drivers from the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) have pledged to improve their professionalism, road safety practices and accountability after taking part in a national conference bringing together hundreds of their counterparts from across Tanzania.
The drivers are attending the fifth national conference of the Tanzania Government Drivers Union (MST-TGDU), which started on September 12 at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma and is scheduled to end on September 19, 2026.
The conference provides a platform for government drivers to discuss challenges affecting their work, share experiences and learn about safer driving practices, vehicle maintenance and their responsibility to protect public assets.
Speaking on behalf of WMA drivers, WMA Dodoma Regional Chief Driver John Jumbe said the conference had provided an opportunity for participants to appreciate the importance of their profession and learn from colleagues working in other public institutions.
“We are very happy to participate in this conference. We have exchanged experiences with colleagues from other institutions and learnt a lot about accountability, road safety and how to become good ambassadors of WMA and the government in general. We will put what we have learnt into practice,” he said.
The discussions come as government institutions continue to rely on official vehicles to facilitate the delivery of public services, making drivers an important link between public servants and communities they serve.
Beyond driving, participants are being encouraged to understand their role in ensuring government vehicles are properly handled, maintained and used responsibly, particularly because they are public assets.
The WMA participation also reflects the agency’s efforts, under Chief Executive Officer Alban Mark Kihulla, to strengthen staff capacity at different levels so they can deliver efficient and productive services to the public.
The conference is being held under the theme: “Government Driver, One Force, One Voice; Protecting the Peace of the Country is Also Our Responsibility.”