ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 21 -- Tanzanian police have embarked on a school bus crackdown to ensure that all vehicles carrying schoolchildren are roadworthy.
The crackdown came few days, when 33 pupils, two teachers, and a driver were killed after a school bus plunged into a gorge in northern Tanzania's safari capital of Arusha.
In Tanzania's Lake Zone district of Tarime on Sunday, police announced that five school buses have been deregistered.
Joseph Bukombe, head of traffic police in Tarime/Rorya special zone, said that during the crackdown, 17 school buses were inspected in two districts of Tarime and Rorya since the crackdown started one week ago.
Tanzanian government had directed schools in the east African nation to meet the required standards to ensure the safety of children.
Bukombe said that the deregistered school buses were of poor quality to be allowed to carry pupils.
"They must have their buses good, well checked, with good tires, seat belt and comfortable seats. Drivers should also be careful and adhere to traffic regulations," said Bukombe.
He noted that owners of de-registered vehicles should repair them to meet the required standards.
On May 6, 33 pupils, two teachers and a driver from Arusha-based Lucky Vicent primary school died after their bus plunged into Marera River Gorge in Karatu District.
