31 May 2019
Transaid work with governments and other organisations to create and promote far-reaching improvements in driving standards.
They also work on transport management systems, joining with partners to increase maintenance of vehicles.
To support this work, Go‑Ahead Group Managing Director, Bus Development, Martin Dean donated LDP292 to Transaid.
On 2 April, the selected bus was sent to Immingham docks to be shipped to Walvis Bay, Namibia where it began its 1300 mile trip to Lusaka in Zambia, arriving on 20 May.
Accompanying the vehicle and tasked with delivering the training at the Industrial Training Centre in Lusaka was Camberwell engineer, Robert Watson. The aim of the training is to improve competence in drivers and to make their vehicles safer. There were many applicants to undertake this challenging role and after much deliberation, it was decided that Rob would be the best person for the job.
“Rob came across as an experienced and knowledgeable engineer, a very good communicator and we decided he would be very effective on delivering the project as well as a great ambassador for our company.”
Chief Engineer Chris McKeown
Rob prepared LDP292 for its long journey and the accident centre ensured the bodywork was in good order. It was imperative that we delivered a vehicle to be proud of.
We are now pleased to announce that Rob has successfully returned to the UK from Zambia along with LDP292. After completing his travels, Rob gives us an overview of his experience and his involvement in this project:
“I'm safe and sound after returning from Zambia and I can honestly say it was a well and truly amazing experience. Things got off to a good start and the first day at the Industrial Training Centre was remarkable; how those guys operate brings to mind the saying: ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I had a big task ahead in getting LDP292 back to its original state as they did a few modifications. Overall it was a great experience and I would do it all over again, if given the opportunity.”
