On Monday 27 October, three trucks donated by member company MAN Truck & Bus and two trailers donated by Britcom International set sail from Southampton. They are being shipped by another Transaid member, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics to Africa where they will be transported to Zambia and play a vital role in the development of Transaid’s Professional Driver Training Project in conjunction with ITC Trust (ITCT).
In anticipation of the arrival of the trucks and trailers preparations have been under way at the ITCT to ensure everything is ready for their arrival. Customs clearance in Durban is being arranged as is onwards transportation of the trucks and trailers up to Lusaka.
Two volunteers from Wincanton’s Health and Safety team have also been out to Lusaka between 21st and 27th of October 2008 to carry out Health and Safety Due Diligence to review all process and procedures. Lisa McGrevy and Gary Spicer’s first tasks were to carry out a minimum standards audit and a pedestrian vehicle interface assessment. As Transaid are doubling the number of HGVs on site it is critcial that there is no additional risk posed to employees and students at the ITCT and that the trucks are kept away from students and employees.
Lisa and Gary were then able to observe some practical driver training themselves and then swapped roles to train the driver trainers on manual handlling techniques and load restraint. Gary and Lisa were also able to support the ITC in creating a fit for purpose fire and first aid policy. At the end of their visit they presented their findings to the ITCT management together with practical low cost solutions to make the ITCT a safer environment for all. The ITCT were extremely receptive to the recommendations and there is a real desire on site to see them implemented over the next few months.
These trucks and trailers will provide a much needed resource to help train drivers to international driver training standards. Currently the centre operates with just two trucks but with this input they will be able to train many more drivers and increase the driver to student ratio. The flatbed trailers will also play an important role as they will be used to give trainee drivers experience of carrying a load and will also be used to demonstrate the correct procedures for ensuring loads are securely fastened.
The donation of these vehicles will make a huge difference to the scope of training received and will address core industry concerns. It will provide ITC Trust with the tools they need to develop their professional driver training and will give trainees the vital training and experience needed to make them safer drivers and ultimately reducing the number of fatalities on Zambia’s roads.
Road deaths and injuries can have devastating consequences for the families of victims in poor communities when the loss of the breadwinner’s income pushes them well below the poverty line. Transaid’s work in Zambia is key to saving lives and making transport safer and more effective in the region.
Please click here to read more about the Professional Driver Training Project in Zambia.
You can view a short three minute film of the Professional Driver Training Project on You Tube by clicking here.
follow us