Since the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding back in August, the Professional Driver Training Project in Lusaka has gone from strength to strength. Towards the end of 2008 and into 2009 a series of technical inputs have gone into the centre with strong support from the Transaid consortium of member and supporter companies.
October
A health and safety review was carried out by experts Lisa McGrevy and Garry Spicer from Wincanton, who identified all immediate risks and put an action plan into place in addition to developing a full health and safety policy. Staff were also given training in manual handling and a pedestrian walkway was identified to reduce risk in the pedestrian and vehicle interface zone.
November
A financial review was undertaken by volunteer John Cook, sponsored by Norbert Dentressangle Logistics (UK). Driver Trainer Paul Collier (Wincanton) conducted an assessment of existing driver trainers to identify competency levels and areas for improvement to be incorporated into a development plan. He also delivered some initial training and helped to create classroom training material in line with the Zambian Road Transport Safety Agency (RTSA) curriculum standards.
December
A series of courses were delivered by Nigel Williams, a truck tyre management expert from Michelin. This covered tyre technical aspects, wear, tear and damage identification and fleet auditing. The course was also extended to other departments within the ITCT to include automotive engineers.
January
Shaun Dempsey, senior driver trainer for CEVA logistics, facilitated a further module in driver training and will revisit the project again in March to consolidate and extend learning.
February
Three trucks (donated by MAN Truck & Bus), two trailers (donated by Britcom) and a car were handed over to the ITCT at an official ceremony attended by the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training. These trucks were shipped to Africa by Wallenius Wilhelmsen in November and will provide a much needed resource, more than doubling the previous number of vehicles available. This will reduce the trainer to student ratio giving many more opportunities to gain necessary practical experience.
The driver training received is already having a direct impact on the trainers and trainees at the ITCT as they increase in confidence, professional driving skills and safety awareness, enabling them to become better drivers.
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