Magufuli to table Works ministry budget today

Work minister Dr. John Magufuli is today expected to present his ministry’s budget estimates for the 2013/14 financial year in the National Assembly which resumes its session after two days of rest.

The ministry’s budget is the biggest carrying most important infrastructure issues needed for the economic development in the country.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker Job Ndugai last week cautioned some legislators in the National Assembly for lack of proper explanations as some of them have the tendency of contributing their views in contradiction to a particular issue in discussion without showing evidences to support their argument.

He wanted them to observe rules and regulations and standing orders that guide the parliamentary debating procedures.

Today’s ministry budget will be the 8th in a series of the ministries whose budgets for the 2013/14 financial year have been approved by the National Assembly since the budget session began on April 8 this year.

The ministries whose budgets have already been approved by the National Assembly include the ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development, Water development, Natural resources and Tourism, Ministry of defense, Home Affairs, Health and Social Services and Community development, Gender and Children.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Women traders urged to be confident, innovative

Women entrepreneurs in the country stand a better chance of excelling in business if they are confident and innovative.

This was said by the Dare to Dream Foundation Chief Executive Officer Emelda Mwamanga during the 5th Vodacom Economic Women conference and Business Expo held in Dar es Salaam at the weekend.

She told a one-day seminar that today's business world is competitive and women entrepreneurs can withstand the existing competition if they are confident and innovative on what they are doing.

The seminar was intended to bring the women entrepreneurs together so that they get the chance to learn from each other, networking and share experiences.

This year's conference theme is 'Business Beyond Tomorrow Day'. It inspires women entrepreneurs to build businesses that will last for many years.

According to Mwamanga, the conference targeted all women including emerging female entrepreneurs who are operating their own small and medium sized businesses.

CRDB Bank marketing officer Emmanuel Kiondo said his bank was aware of women’s contribution to the national economy and that was why it did not hesitate to sponsor the conference to build their capacity under its corporate social responsibility scheme.

"CRDB Bank is committed to seeing women entrepreneurs grow to big business people. We have a special account known as Malkia Account to fulfill their different dreams," he said.

Alice Lewis from Vodacom said her company was aware of the importance of empowering women and the decision to sponsor the conference was one of its commitments in supporting women empowerment.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

JK to open 'Social Security Week'

President Jakaya Kikwete will today officiate at the beginning of ‘Social Security Week’ here aimed at ensuring that the right information on quality social security services reach the majority Tanzanians.

Minister for Labour and Employment Gaudensia Kabaka said that poor knowledge on social security schemes deny people of their basic rights.

“The social security sector is bedevilled by poor quality of information as a human right issue as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.” She said.

She said only 3 percent of the country’s labour force (23 per cent of the country’s population) has joined social security schemes.

The Social Security Regulator Authority (SSRA) launched the ‘Social Security Week last year to create public awareness on the sector and promote efficiency.

According to Kabaka, during the week numerous seminars would be held by security funds, registration of new members as well as other events that would bring awareness to the public on the importance of the sector.

Deputy minister for Labour and Employment Dr Makongoro Mahanga said urged social security funds to widen their coverage and reach the majority Tanzanians.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Lukuvi: Use of high tech to boost agriculture in Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands zone residents were yesterday challenged to adopt science and technology methods in agriculture to add value to their crops.

The Minister of State Prime Minister’s Office (Policy Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs), William Lukuvi, said here that application of science and technology in agriculture could bring tangible results to farmers.

He made the call while speaking at a dialogue on Smart Partnership that brought together Mbeya, Njombe and host Iringa regions where he also said that the use of technology in agriculture will increase productivity in the sector.

“It is an undisputable fact that agriculture is the most dependable sector in our zone and it is high time we took serious measures, including application of high tech and science to boost it,” Lukuvi said.

He said zonal smart partnership dialogues have come at the right time since people will have ample time to air their views on the use of science and technology as catalyst towards revolutionising agriculture.

“After receiving opinions from the people, especially in the dialogues, the use of science and technology will be accommodated in the national development strategy so as to give agriculture a new push,” the minister explained.

Speaking at the same occasion, Mbeya Regional Commissioner Abbas Kandoro, said his region is producing more rice and fruits, requesting that it would be appropriate to employ science and technology from the time of preparing seeds.

"It is our optimism that the smart partnership dialogues will unleash various interests from groups in society and the technology should help in agribusiness,” Kandoro said.

He said Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) and Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) should concentrate in producing small equipment that will help stimulate agricultural growth.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), Raymond Mbilinyi, said smart partnership dialogues are meant to get opinions from different groups before they are presented to the national smart partnership dialogue next month.

"Since we are running short of time before the national smart partnership dialogue between June 1 and 2, this year we decided to organise these zonal dialogues,” Mbilinyi said, adding that the International Smart Partnership Dialogue will be held in Tanzania between June 28 and July 1, this year.

TNBC is co-ordinating all zonal and national smart partnership dialogues.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

China reasserts its support to Tazara

Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has attributed the role played by Chinese-Africa People's Friendship to the strengthening and improvement of the railway to assuring its continued contribution to the economies of the two countries.

Speaking last week during the visits of Chinese-Africa People's Friendship Association (CAPFA) delegation to Tazara, the Railway Acting Managing Director, Saidi Sauko pointed out that the friendship has had good impact so far.

Last year, China, Tanzania and Zambia signed the 15th Economic and Technical Co-operation protocol which is to be implemented in June or July later this year.

Sauko also said that the protocol will enable the authority to conduct rehabilitation of the shunting locomotives as well as provide the much needed spare parts and technical support.

“We thank the Chinese for their support, they have graciously allowed a team of experts from their country to be based here to assure continued provision of technical expertise and advice,” he revealed.

“Tazara stands today as the most significant symbol of the friendship between the three countries and continues to provide a platform for political and social economic relationships to blossom amongst the three and their people,” he added.

Tazara has in the last 37 years of its existence, transported over 50 million passengers, 30 million tones of freight and over 100 million parcels between and within the two countries and in the region.

“We have over the years provided stable employment to the citizens of Tanzania and Zambia, with over one million people having passed through the employment system of Tazara since inception,” he detailed on the authorities history.

Apart from the two owner states, other countries reaping the benefits of Tazara are, Democratic republic of Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa through Tazara’s provision of affordable, secure and reliable services.

Chinese involvement in the railway system in not new, in fact it is the Chinese that financed it original construction.

Tazara was constructed between 1970 and 1975. The Project was financed through an interest free loan of RMBY 988 Million (equivalent to US Dollars 500 Million) from the Peoples Republic of China and started commercial operations in July 1976.

Now Tazara is an integral part of the southern Africa Regional Rail Transport Network. It is a rail link of approximately 1,860 km long rising from sea level at the port in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to the heights of New Kapiri Mposhi at 1400m above sea level in the central African country of Zambia.

With growing, population and economies across the region, the services by Tazara are today even more relevant than ever before and as such the new Chinese aide comes at an appropriate time, he went on to explain.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Church blast: One dead, 60 hurt

  Vatican envoy to Tanzania Archbishop Padilla escapes unhurt

Some of the injured lie on the ground as nuns run for cover moments after an explosion at St Joseph Mfanyakazi Roman Catholic Church in Arusha's Burka Parish yesterday. Sources said the blast left at least one person dead and over 60 people injured. (Photo: Correspondent Woinde Shizah)

A Huge blast rocked Arusha yesterday morning after an explosive device was set off at a Roman Catholic Church, killing one person and injuring more than 60.

The deceased, Regina Loning’o Kuresoi, was among the large congregation that had gathered for Sunday mass and to also witness the unveiling of the newly built church.

The inauguration was led by the Vatican Ambassador to Tanzania, Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla accompanied by the Arusha Catholic Diocese Archbishop Josaphat Louis Lebulu.

The house of worship is located in Arusha's Olasiti suburb and all was well until the explosion happened, only minutes after the start of the inaugural mass.
Reports allege, the explosive device was hauled over the church’s fence by an unidentified man.

Arusha Regional Police Commander Liberatus Sabas confirming the incident said a man has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident and is in custody as investigations continue as to the motive and perpetration of the horrific act that has terrorised the northern safari capital.

Explaining that the man was arrested following a tip-off from persons at the scene, RPC Sabas asked for patience and for the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

"We are still interrogating the suspect, we ask the public to stay calm and maintain peace," he said.

Regional Commissioner Magesa Mulongo described the blast as shocking, calling it the first of its kind in Tanzania’s history. He too however assured the public that the force will not rest until the culprits are brought to justice but meanwhile he called for calm and tranquility.

"People should continue with their daily activities as police and other security organs have secured the city and investigation is underway," Mulongo assured the masses.

Eye witness reports place the incident to have occurred between 10 and 11 am. They say the parishioners were gathering for the ‘one of its kind’ Sunday prayer at the inaugural mass of the new church.

"We were trying to organise ourselves for the mass, when we heard the loud blast, people began running out," a witness said. They reported that many were injured by the actual explosion while others were hurt during the panic stampede to exit the church.

Following an emergence consultation meeting held by a panel of clerics, Arusha’s Roman Catholic diocese spokesperson, Rev Festus Mangwangwi told reporters that the church has postponed the mass to mark the inauguration of the of the church until further notice.

Joshua Nassari (Arumeru-East, Chadema) among other political figures, called on the police to utilise power invested in them and to arrest all those behind the blast.
He then turned an accusatory finger at the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) alleging religious bigotry.

The country’s Vice President, Dr Gharib Bilal and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema, among other delegates and officials, are expected to visit the city and explosion site.

Identified persons injured in the blast are Consesa Mbaga, Phillemon Gereza, Restia Matemu, Neema Daudi, Beath Comeli, Debora Joachim, Elizabeth Sale, Editha Ndiwo, Regina Daniel and Yosinta Msafiri.

Others are Joan Thembe (29), Neema Lazusu (18), Regina Fadhili (23), Joram Kisela (38), Novelti John (20), Inocent Charles (46), Lioba Osward (36), Glory Tesha (21), Fatuma Haji (42), Rose Pius (39) and Fikiri Kea (40).

Other more are John James (12), Juma James (12) Anna Kesy (54), Simon Andrea (18) and Anna Edward (54).
Contacted for comments, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Secretary General, Fr Anthony Makunde, said TEC is making a close follow up on information being given by Police and government leaders to establish the source of the incident.

“Although we have been informed that police have started investigation to arrest those involved they should know that the public wants to know the source of the ongoing religious related chaos in the country … what is behind these happenings in the houses of worship and among the religious leaders,” he queried.

He appealed to the government to implement its pledges of fighting against such incidents and show its intention to eliminate the problem by finding and dealing with the source, adding that police should go far with the investigation.

Religious bigotry has of recent engulfed Tanzania as religious leaders are attacked and killed while houses of worship are set to fire.

In December last year a priest with Mpendae Roman Catholic Church in Zanzibar Ambrose Mkenda was shot by unidentified people, at his Tomondo residence on Christmas Day while in February this year another Roman Catholic Priest Evaristus Mushi was shot to death at a Zanzibar’ church.

Prior to the latter incident, a Muslim leader, Chief Sheikh’s secretary, Sheikh Fadhil Suleiman Soraga, in the Isles were smeared with acid in at a Zanzibar beach by unknown people.

On February 11, this year, Assemblies of God pastor Mathayo Kachili was beheaded at Buseresere in Geita Region after a dispute erupted over animal slaughtering between Muslims and Christians. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

NIDA orders modern gear to ease citizen verification

National Identification Authority has placed a procurement order for equipment that is hoped to speed up verification of millions of Tanzanian waiting for their National identity cards.

The revealation was made yesterday by NIDA Director General Dickson Maimu in an exclusive interview with The Guardian.

He revealed that NIDA has so far issued 220,000 IDs to public servants and that the exercise will be completed in the next three weeks.

“We are going to complete issuing IDs to civil servants in the coming three weeks and we are going to embark on the process of verifying ordinary citizen soon after getting the equipment which we have already ordered,” he said.

He also said that the equipment will be imported by IRIS Behard, a Malaysian Company that won the tender to supply the equipment.

The ordered machines will help speed up the verification exercise and reduce congestions as well as chaos at the registration centers where residents will biometric data.

Maimu explained that the issuance of IDs is expected to be but a simple process but it is the verification process that is complicated and time consuming since it involves other institutions such as Registration Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA), ward executive offices, Immigration department and National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The process has five stages, filling the forms, feeding data into the system, verification, finger print and finally the issuing of IDs.

On February this year, President Jakaya Kikwete inaugurated the National IDs project and the first 46 National identity cards went to top government leaders and high profile personalities, marking a milestone in the registration and identification of Tanzanians which had stalled for over 30 years.

Among the current government leaders who received their IDs were President Jakaya Kikwete, Inspector General of Police Said Mwema, Isles First Vice President Seif Shariff Hamad, Home Affairs minister Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Meck Saddick, President’s wife Salma Kikwete and the Dar es Salaam City mayor, Didas Masaburi.

Also, former government leaders, former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa, and ex-president of Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume.

Others were former Prime ministers Salim Ahmed Salim, Joseph Warioba and long time Chama Cha Mapinduzi cadre and Minister Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru.

The agency has secured a plot to construct a data collection centre and also to serve as a disaster recovery site and further plans to build district offices.

He assured Tanzanians that information collected will remain secret and appealed to the public to fully participate and provide enough cooperation to agency officials when the exercise starts in other areas.

The registration of citizens started as a pilot project last year with civil servants in Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland as well as for Kilombero and Dar es Salaam residents being the first to participate.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN