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)