KIswahili Press Summaries: 30 May, 2010

Collected by: British High Commission, Dar es Salaam http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en

Disclaimer: These Summaries are collected and distributed for information only. Any views or opinions expressed in this summaries do not necessarily reflect the FCO's policy.

Governance

Bigwigs haunted by PCCB probe

Some CCM leaders are trying to find out if they are on the black list of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). This is after PCCB chief, Dr Edwards Hosea warned that he has documented the gifts aspiring MPs distribute in constituencies, hoping to get nominated. Hosea said he is soon going to summon and question them. Some incumbents said this might stop them from fulfilling their ‘promises’ of development aid to the constituencies. But Hosea said he knows the difference, adding that PCCB will question why they distribute things like bicycles, khangas, t-shirts and money. PCCB has been entrusted with the task of enforcing the Election Expenses Act 2010. When John Cheyo (Bariadi, UDP) was contacted for comment, he snapped: “I have nothing to say to you. So leave me alone.” Similar reaction came from MP for Peramiho (CCM) Jenifer Mhagama. (Tanzania Daima, Mtanzania)

PCCB probing Mwakyusa, Kilasi

Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) said it is investigating Health Minister, Prof. David Mwakyusa and MP for Mbarali (CCM), Esterina Kilasi who reportedly poured money and bicycles into their constituencies. Mwakyusa, MP for Rungwe West (CCM), is said to have given Sh 500,000 in 19 wards between March and April this year. He claims it was to ‘strengthen’ the party, but people have been complaining. As for Kilasi, he gave Sh 100,000 and bicycle to each of the 11 party branch leaders in March this year. The two MPs told this paper separately that they gave the money because they were ‘asked for help’ and because they were ‘implementing’ CCM election manifesto. (Nipashe)

Unions: TUCTA strike imminent

While 21 days given to the government by the Trade Union Congress (TUCTA) to declare its stand on workers’ demands have expired, nothing has been said so far. And so there is a possibility that TUCTA might go back to its strike action that was suspended early this month to give more time to government. Acting Secretary General of TUCTA, Nicholas Mgaya told this paper that until yesterday there was no government notice published in the official gazette. “The 21 days are over and so next week we are going to meet and consider as to what action to take,” Mgaya said. Minister of State (Public Service Management), Ms Hawa Ghasia could not be contacted as her phone was switched off. (Nipashe)

Elections : Bribery during CUF nomination

A tug-of-war is going within CUF members in Pemba who are seeking party nomination for October elections. In the ensuing fight an incumbent MP for Chake Chake, Ms Fatma Maghimbi, has been defeated in the preferential poll. On the other hand, leader of the opposition, Hamad Rashid has been nominated. The polls have not been without problems. Thus, it is reported that six out of seven contenders in Chake Chake have refused to concede defeat and sign the result sheet. Official result shows Mussa Haji won while Ms Maghimbi was relegated to third place. She told this paper that the poll was marred by irregularities and so she and her colleagues refused to concede defeat. “One contender was going round with a ‘bank’ in his briefcase, dishing out money to voters. We have filed an appeal against the result,” she lamented. When contacted, the winner challenged: “How could I bribe 978 members who voted for me? Why didn’t they trap me? In 2005 Ms Maghimbi defeated me and I conceded. That is what democracy is all about.” Meanwhile, preferential polls for CUF aspirants are going on in Pemba.  (Mwananchi)

Snippets

1      PCCB chief says he will continue probing lawmakers (Mwananchi)

2      Teacher marries student in presence of DC (Tanzania Daima, Habari Leo)

3      Five immigration officers face bribery charges (Tanzania Daima, Majira)

4      Lawyers threaten to sue Tendwa over registration of CCJ (Tanzania Daima, Majira, Habari Leo)

5      50 Ethiopians feared drowned near Tanga (Majira, Nipashe, Mwananchi)

6      CCM members stop rally of MP in Ludewa (Mtanzania, Nipashe)

7      Speaker Sitta says he is to continue fighting graft (Mwananchi)

8      Many UVCCM leaders have cheated over their age (Mwananchi)

9      Police condemn mobs raiding police stations (Mwananchi)

10            Over 820,000 tourists expected to bring in $ 1.5 million (Habari Leo)   

KIswahili Press Summaries: 28 May, 2010

Collected by: British High Commission, Dar es Salaam http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en

Disclaimer: These Summaries are collected and distributed for information only. Any views or opinions expressed in this summaries do not necessarily reflect the FCO's policy.

GOVERNANCE: First Lady on poor medical service

First lady, Mrs Salma Kikwete narrate how she was ignored by nurses when giving birth to her first baby, by being made to sleep on the floor while waiting for medical attention. She said at the time her husband was the Foreign Minister yet she posed as an ordinary citizen and went to a public hospital which she didn’t name. Mrs Kikwete was talking to Lushoto residents yesterday when she advised medical professionals to be humane and polite towards their patients, especially pregnant women. “The pain I suffered will remain in my mind. They let me lie on the floor while, talking to me as if I didn’t matter. That experience I can’t forget. When they discovered I was wife of Minister Kikwete they suddenly changed their attitude towards me,” Salma Kikwete recalled. (Habari Leo)

POLITICAL PARTIES: CCM:Court brokers seize party properties

Properties belonging to Tanzania One Theatre (TOT), owned by CCM, were seized by Majembe Auction Mart court brokers. This was after TOT failed to repay a loan of Sh 30 million they took from the Dar es Salaam Community Bank (DCB). The bank director, Edmund Mkwawa, said they have been asking TOT to settle the debt for a long time. “They kept promising us. Last time they promised to pay within a month, but they defaulted. We even approached the party Secretary General Yusuf Makamba but to no avail,” Mkwawa lamented. Director of TOT, Captain (retired) John Komba confirmed that two trucks were seized at the headquarters in Mwananyamala, adding that he is to approach the party to bail them out. “Let us be clear. The vehicles belong to TOT and not CCM. Of course TOT belongs to CCM, but then what is the big deal? Even government has debts in terms of billions,” Komba replied. This comes at a time when the party is preparing to raise Sh 40 billion for election campaign. The TOT vehicles are normally used in presidential campaign trail and other culture activities. They played an important role in motivating and animating party supporters during presidential campaigns in 2000 and in 2005. (Majira, Tanzania Daima)

CCM: Members protest in Mwanza, Moshi, Dar

Situation seems to be far from calm within the party, with some members indulging in bickering and squabbling. Several incidents have been reported at a time when the party is gearing towards the October elections. In Kilimanjaro a row erupted at a meeting following which all seven members of political committee in Moshi municipality were forced to resign. Problem was over a local businessman who allegedly uses money to induce party leaders into violating laws and regulations. In Mwanza, over 60 members of the youth wing (UVCCM) in Magu District marched with placards protesting against their district secretary accused of abusing his office. Similar incident was reported from Temeke in Dar es Salaam. (Nipashe) 

OPPOSITION: Opposition warns of irregularities

Opposition parties have warned the government over ‘poor arrangements’ being made for the elections 2010. They say in case of any disturbance it would be held responsible. Leaders of Chadema and CUF told this paper that the Parliament has about one month to go before dissolution, yet the government has not tabled regulations for the Election Expenses Act 2010. Furthermore, the Act itself has to be rectified after it was fidgeted by the government. “Meanwhile we hear President Jakaya Kikwete declaring that ‘entertainment’ during campaign can’t be avoided. And then Registrar John Tendwa tells us it was said with a light touch. This is sending wrong signals,” Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe cautioned. (Majira)

Snippets

1      PCCB says three bigwigs to be arraigned soon (Mwananchi, Majira, Tanzania Daima)

2      Over 316 university applications found to be fraudulent (Mwananchi)

3      Artumas pull out of power project in the south (Mwananchi, Mtanzania)

4      POAC tells govt to settle Sh 7.3 billion debt with pension funds (Mwananchi)

5      Tanzania leading EAC in inflation rate (Tanzania Daima)

6      Law Society says prisons are congested (Majira)

7      Police need not depend on FBI (An-Nuur)

8      Swiss envoy - Africa should not depend on donor funding (Nipashe)

9      Now form four education to decline to primary level (An-Nuur)

10   Over 400 students ‘fined’ 200,000/- following riots (Habari Leo)

11   Village officers in Rufiji ‘sell’ bed nets instead of giving freely (Mtanzania)

12   Anti-smoking activists decry delay in passing laws (Nipashe)

Kiswahili Press: 29th May 2010

Collected by:  British High Commission, Dar es Salaam  http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en

PARLIAMENT: MPs slam Mkullo

Parliamentary Committee for Finance and Economy questioned a report presented by Finance Minister Mustafa Mkullo on past and future performance. They told the minister his report was nice sounding but not practical. Some committee members called upon the minister to resign, saying he failed to do his job. Mkullo told lawmakers that he couldn’t reach the targets set last year due to global economic downturn. He promised to put more emphasis on economic and social sectors in future so as to boost the national economy. Mkullo predicted a 7 percent growth in 2010, going up to 7.8 percent in 2013. He apologised for the delay in distributing the report, saying it was approved by the cabinet only a day before presentation. (Nipashe, Mwananchi)

Privatised factories shut down

Members of the standing Committee for Finance and Economy called upon the government to repossess privatised factories that failed to perform well. During a discussion on investment in the country, some members of the committee were dismayed that some investors who took state factories failed to run them and have instead changed them. MP for Iringa Urban (CCM), Monica Mbega said many privatised factories are not functioning, which is a loss to the country. “Why can’t the government look into ways and means of repossessing them?” she questioned. Dr Omar Mzeru (Morogoro Urban, CCM) cited an example of an edible oil factory, MOPROCO, which stopped production since 2004, yet in the report it is said to be doing well. He said some dishonest state officials are contributing to the failures by doctoring reports. Committee chairman, Hamza Mwinyigoha (CCM) told members that there are over 16 edible oil factories which have shut down. Owner of MOPROCO, Aziz Aboud said duty free importation of oil has contributed to the state of affairs. (Tanzania Daima)

ELECTIONS: PCCB to probe bribing candidates

Managing Director of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Dr Edward Hosea said they have documented activities of hopeful candidates who have started distributing gifts in constituencies. Talking to ‘Radio Clouds’ on the Power Breakfast talk show yesterday, the PCCB chief warned that very soon the ‘culprits’ would be summoned and questioned. He noted that distributing gifts such as bicycles and motorbikes by people who aspire to stand in parliamentary or local elections is violation of Election Expenses Act 2010, adding that PCCB started investigating after receiving complaints from the public. Hosea was asked by a listener if President Jakaya Kikwete did not sanction bribing by saying that in Kilimanjaro one can’t avoid distributing local beer when calling a meeting. Hosea said Kikwete was referring to a traditional practice which has nothing to do with elections or politics, so he was not endorsing corruption. (Habari Leo, Nipashe)

BRITAIN: UK firm donates water pump to ‘London’ village

British firm of Grundfos dealing with solar powered water pumps, donated over Sh 50 million to a water project in London village in Manyoni district. Handing over the donation at a brief ceremony in the village, the firm representative, Niels Vinther, said they built infrastructure for a well and gave a solar pump. He said they decided to give the donation after finding the village suffering from acute water shortage, forcing women to walk 11 kilometres to fetch water. He advised the villagers to look after the equipments so that they last longer. Singida RC, Dr Parseko Kone said regional government will continue working with religious organisations and other stake holders who help in solving people’s problems. “I would like, on behalf of the government, to extend my sincere thanks to Grundfos for efforts they have been making in helping the London villagers,” Dr Kone said, thanking also the Anglican Church diocese for contacting the donor. (Mwananchi)

Snippets

1      Free distribution of bed nets marred by chaos (Majira, Habari Leo, Nipashe, Tanzania Daima)

2      Kikwete – Five new cement factories in the pipe line (Majira, Nipashe, Nipashe)

3      Minister Chiligati pledge speedy issuance of land titles (Majira, Nipashe)

4      Tobacco production on the rise in Manyoni (Majira)

5      Health Minister says anti-tobacco law is coming (Tanzania Daima)

6      ‘Govt can’t afford to provide food for HIV carriers (Majira, Mtanzania)

7      NEC – Voting to continue taking place on Sundays (Habari Leo, Tanzania Daima, Mtanzania, Mwananchi)

8      Police nab policeman over theft of car (Habari Leo)

9      Dar city magistrate hands three months to street vendor (Habari Leo)

10   Mob raids police station, killing three in Misungwi (Nipashe, Tanzania Daima, Mtanzania, Mwananchi)

11   CCM sales officer in court over theft of 85 party cards (Nipashe)

12   Govt urged to give more autonomy to CAG (Tanzania Daima)

13   Minister Kombani admits some local officers are incompetent (Tanzania Daima, Mtanzania)

14   Minister Mwanri tells contractors to stop bribing for tender (Mtanzania)