TARIME District Commissioner Maj. Edward Gowele has urged Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to enforce road usage laws by penalising those allowing livestock to roam on public roads and take legal action against offenders.

Maj. Gowele made the remarks recently following the damage caused to road infrastructure by various activities, including livestock movement and passage of heavy equipment unsuitable for the roads.

He urged livestock keepers in urban areas to adhere to existing laws to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the government.

Gowele stated that anyone who allows or permits an animal to roam on public roads commits an offense and if convicted, liable to a fine of not less than 300,000/- or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

TARURA District Manager for Tarime, Charles Marwa, cited the Road Act No. 13 of 2007, sections 49 and 50 (a), which stipulate penalties for anyone driving a trailer, heavy machinery, or engaging in road-side commerce, or allowing animals to roam on public roads, causing damage to infrastructure. Such violators face a fine of 1m/-, a three-year prison sentence, or both.

Additionally, he advised motorists on the Mogabiri-Nyarwana road to halt use of that route due to ongoing road works.

He explained that the area has a steep slope that poses significant safety risks due to incomplete construction.