Press Release: Consumer Rights Protection Takes Center Stage as FCS and LATRA CCC Sign Landmark Partnership Agreement

FCS Executive Director  Justice Rutenge emphasizing the significance of partnerships in enhancing citizen agency and strengthening consumer protection mechanisms during the signing of the MOU between FCS and LATRA CCC

October 22 2024, Dar es Salaam – Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and The LATRA Consumer Consultative Council (LATRA CCC) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance consumer protection and rights within Tanzania’s transportation sector. This landmark partnership aims to represent the interests of consumers using regulated land transport for goods and services across the country.

The signing ceremony took place at FCS offices in Dar es salaam. This initiative funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ireland, and Norway through TradeMark Africa (TMA) seeks to integrate the strengths of private sector actors and civil society organizations to promote green economic growth.

By joining forces, FCS and LATRA CCC intend to create a more informed and protected consumer environment in the land transportation sector, promoting fair market practices and fostering dynamic business growth. The strategic partnership will involve co-designing and implementing initiatives that advance consumer rights and protection of regulated land transport goods and services.

During the MoU signing ceremony, FCS Executive Director, Justice Rutenge emphasized the significance of partnerships in enhancing citizen agency and strengthening consumer protection mechanisms. He stated, “For the past two decades, FCS has maintained a citizen-centered approach focused on advancing citizen agency. Our commitment to consumer protection stems from this foundational concept.”

Rutenge elaborated on the critical rights consumers hold, including the right to fair settlements for claims, education about regulated land transport of products and services, and quality assurance. “In partnering with LATRA CCC, a key stakeholder in advancing consumer protection in the land transport sector, FCS will leverage its expertise in capacity building to support LATRA CCC in mobilizing resources essential to implement initiatives aimed at protecting consumer rights in Tanzania,” he explained.

LATRA CCC Executive Secretary, Daud Daudi emphasized the importance of considering the broader challenges consumers face in accessing regulated transport products and services. He highlighted that effective consumer protection within the transport sector is crucial. Daudi underscored the significance of partnerships among development stakeholders, noting that such collaborations will strengthen consumer protection mechanisms and ensure robust safeguards for consumers.

‘’As Tanzania moves towards fostering an environment that supports consumer rights, the partnership between FCS and LATRA CCC exemplifies a collective effort to promote equitable trade practices and empower consumers with knowledge about their rights and recourse options. Through this strategic collaboration, FCS and LATRA CCC aim to implement a comprehensive program on consumer protection and rights in Tanzania’s transport sector, promoting consumer empowerment, advocacy, and effective engagement with key stakeholders., He said.

Consumer protection remains a strategic focus for FCS, evidenced by their recent three-year grant agreement with Trademark Africa aimed at establishing a robust consumer protection framework. The partnership with LATRA CCC aligns with these objectives, seeking to address consumer protection issues, raise awareness, and empower civil society and regulatory councils through engagement with key stakeholders and the establishment of regional and sector-specific consumer committees.

Sarah Masenga

Communication Officer, Foundation for Civil Society

E-Mail: smasenga@thefoundation.or.tz

About the Foundation for Civil Society

Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) is a leading Tanzanian not-for-profit development organization that provides grants and capacity-building support to local civil society organizations (CSOs). Established in September 2002, FCS has become one of the largest sources of funding for small and medium-sized Tanzanian CSOs and one of the most prominent and credible civil society institutions in Africa.

FCS aims to create a Tanzanian society where empowered, resilient, and responsible citizens realize social and economic justice and improved quality of life. We believe in sustainable and inclusive development in Tanzania through strengthening capabilities and sharing resources by partnering with civil society, community groups, and other development actors. Our approach to bring about change includes:

● Strengthening capabilities of CSOs and local community groups.

● Leveraging resources and managing development grants.

● Catalyzing strategic linkages, convenings, and partnerships.

● Co-creation and management of projects.

● Strengthening internal systems and capabilities

About LATRA CCC

The LATRA Consumer Consultative Council (LATRA CCC) is the Government entity, established by section 29 of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) Law no. 3 of 2019 being legally empowered to be a link between users of services regulated by the LATRA, service providers, LATRA itself, the government and policy makers and various stakeholders for Land Transportation in the country.

With Core Values that ensure Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Creativity, Focus on results, Quick response; we are determined to involve the community in getting feedback and opinions to achieve land transportation that is reliable, safe, on time, affordable and environmentally friendly.

We are striving to achieve high standards of transportation by urban buses (dalalada), regional and international buses, taxis, two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles as well as rail transportation without forgetting ropeway transportation.