A Tractor for Tanzania The Arrival...


A


s I write this in mid May 2021, I am delighted to tell you the tractor, and bits and pieces have arrived


safely. It just missed the m/v EVER GIVEN, getting stuck in the Suez Canal, and eventually arrived in Dar es Salaam just as the strongest cyclone for 60 years hit the area! The lorry and container left the port, crossed the city and started it’s 100kms journey; sadly it became stuck for two days, 40kms from final destination at Kisampa Conservancy.


As Rob Barbour, CEO, says “we had to mobilise our guys from the Conservancy to get the truck out of the mud, but it was clear the truck with a 40 foot container was not going to make it all the way without getting stuck again. We made the decision to unload 40km away, stack all the equipment on the trailer, prep the little tractor with fuel and oil, then drive the balance of the distance to the Conservancy. The tractor fired up straight away (thanks to John’s excellent work in the UK) and they made it into Kisampa sometime close to midnight, under the light of a flashlight strapped to the front of the tractor!”


The picture above shows the problem and one man thinking about the task. There is a video clip of them unloading the tractor; Health and Safety would have had a blue fit if it had been in this country as the


container is on the lorry’s trailer, and the tractor is in the container. However, that didn’t stop them just reversing the tractor out onto two lorry wheels! It certainly came out with a heck of a jolt! I hope it hasn’t caused any damage. Why it didn’t turn over I shall never understand, but the driver had a huge grin on his face when it was safely out and it was high fives all round! I’m just sorry I cannot attach the video clips.


A happy group with ‘Punda’s They have christened the tractor “Punda”, which is the Swahili word for Donkey. The reason being is that she will punch above her weight in the work she will be required to do, and will do so untiringly for as long as we can keep her fuelled and active. The guys added that she is grey in colour, just like a donkey which is traditionally used in many communities here for load carrying. The guys seem to think this is important as she blends in with the other large wildlife on the Conservancy, (buffalo, elephant and hippo).


I’m sure I will have many more pictures and stories but that’s all for now.


By John Selley 4 JULY/AUGUST 2021 call 01295 404099 to advertise or email advertising@vintagescene.co.uk


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