Watch out, Lewis Hamilton

Neema has a new ‘speed merchant’

A few weeks ago our blog introduced one of our tailors, Julius. He has been unable to walk from birth and uses a hand propelled tricycle to get to work – a journey that takes 2 hours each way.

A donor who was concerned about the difficulties Julius has to travel agreed to pay about £150 for his tricycle to be upgraded with a small petrol engine, new wheels, tyres and disc brakes.. This will shorten his journey time considerably, and means he should be able to climb the long, steep hill into Iringa without too much effort.

The engine had to be ordered from Dar es Salaam, and was sent with the tricycle to the mechanic for fitting.

The finished machine was admired by staff members.

Julius has never driven a powered vehicle before so was somewhat nervous. However, he was given some advice on what to do.

The first part of the journey home was through the busy town centre – not ideal for your first attempt at driving a powered vehicle. He sensibly asked for a lift to the other side of town so he could make his first journey on quieter rural roads.