THE Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and the Consumer Consultative Council of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority- (LATRA-CCC) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance consumer protection in public transportation.

FCS executive director Justice Rutenge said at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the pact is a significant partnership in enhancing citizen agency and strengthening consumer protection mechanisms.

It is a component of a wider partnership with Trademark Africa, where the latter will help the stakeholders to create a more informed and protected consumer environment in land transportation, promoting fair market practices and fostering dynamic business growth.

“Collaboration is vital for creating a robust framework that safeguards the rights of consumers in transportation,” he said, underlining that the strategic partnership will involve co-designing and implementing initiatives that advance consumer rights and protection of regulated land transport goods and services.

“For the past two decades, FCS has maintained a citizen-centred approach focused on advancing citizen agency. Our commitment to consumer protection stems from this foundational concept,” the director noted.

Critical rights that consumers hold include the right to fair settlement for claims, education about regulated land transport of products and services, along with quality assurance.

This initiative, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ireland and Norway through TradeMark Africa (TMA) seeks to support integration of strengths of operating companies, regulators and civil society organisations to promote green economic growth, he further noted

The partnership aligns with the earlier grant, aiming to address and resolve consumer protection issues, raise consumer awareness and empower civil societies and regulatory bodies.

Daudi Goodluck, the LATRA CCC executive secretary, asserted that effective consumer protection within the transport sector is a vital aspect of its functions.

Partnerships among development stakeholders are crucial as such collaborations strengthen consumer protection mechanisms and ensure robust safeguards for consumers.

“As Tanzania moves towards fostering an environment that supports consumer rights, the partnership exemplifies a collective effort to promote equitable trade practices and empower consumers with knowledge about their rights and recourse options," he stated

Through this strategic collaboration, the regulator expects to roll out a comprehensive program on consumer protection and rights in the transport sector, promoting consumer empowerment, advocacy and effective engagement with key stakeholders, he added.