HOME Affairs Minister Eng. Hamad Masauni has instructed the Police Force to preserve vehicles entrusted to them, stating that he does not want to hear complaints from people about inadequate services due to vehicle breakdowns or lack of fuel.

He made the remarks in Dar es Salaam recently during the handover of 77 GWM P Series Double Cabin vehicles, as part of the ongoing implementation of a contract between his ministry and Ashok Leyland of India.

The vehicles are in addition to 40 received last year, with more expected to arrive later to complete the order from the company.

The handover was conducted by Kifaru Motor Ltd, the representative of the vehicle manufacturers and Ashok Leyland, with the Director being retired Brigadier General Michael Luwongo.

During the handover, Minister Masauni expressed his dismay at the thought of people encountering difficulties at a police station only to be told that the vehicle is broken down or that there is no transport to pursue a criminal, or to be asked to provide fuel, especially as the government has decentralised these services down to the district level.

“It would be unfortunate if a person is given a brand new vehicle, and then three days later we find it abandoned,” he said.

He emphasised that this reflects a lack of compassion for the taxpayers’ money, as citizens are paying taxes for officers to perform their duties effectively.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camilius Wambura, thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her ongoing support to the Police Force, including major improvements that are bringing about reforms.

“We appreciate the government for overseeing the policies and development of this ministry, ensuring that the Police Force becomes modern and respected both domestically and internationally,” he stated.

IGP Wambura urged senior officers, and drivers within the force who will be using these vehicles to adhere to public service regulations regarding the management and maintenance of these resources.

He also called for compliance with road safety laws to ensure the vehicles have a long lifespan.

Vita Kawawa, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security said the vehicles are essential tools for the force to achieve the intended effectiveness and must be used for their intended purposes.

At the launch of the vehicles, which use both fuel and self-charging electricity, the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, emphasised the importance of purchasing environmentally friendly vehicles due to the impacts of climate change.

He also noted that to mitigate road accidents, some of which are caused by driver negligence, it is crucial for people to purchase modern vehicles equipped with systems that inform the driver at every stage of their journey.

Retired Brigadier General Luwongo, speaking about the vehicles handed over to the Police Force, stated that Kifaru will work closely with the force to ensure the vehicles maintain appropriate standards and provide necessary technical advice.

Vita Kawawa, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, said the vehicles are essential tools for the force to achieve their intended effectiveness and must be used for their designated purposes.

He noted that to mitigate road accidents—some of which are caused by driver negligence—it is crucial for individuals to invest in modern vehicles equipped with systems that provide real-time information to drivers.