Usizame -
which means 'don't drown' in Kiswahili - is happy to announce that the first
stage of the innovative free SMS check-in system for ferry passengers in
Tanzania has been built and is ready for testing.
The
Usizame team will
first test the prototype system, built by skilled volunteer coders, add the SMS
interface, and then the system will be rolled out on a trial basis to a limited
number of ferries travelling between Unguja, Pemba
and Dar es Salaam.
Awareness rising
will be through leafleting, as well as other media such as radio and TV, and we
are grateful for any offers of assistance with these.
The
initiative is designed to improve passenger safety after two major marine
disasters in less than a year, which resulted in many deaths. It will deliver
tools to boat passengers that will allow them collectively to ensure that the
vessel they are on is fit for travel.
Usizame has also finished work on its website, which you can browse for more
information about how the system will work. You can also find safety tips for
ferry travel and more on the background of the project.
For now, the
prototype system can receive SMS messages, allow registration via SMS, and
receive passenger check-ins as well as producing auto responses. Once
first-stage testing is complete, the Usizame team will announce details of the public trial.
Copyrighted to Usizame Team
TECH360 Correspondent