The government faulted for skipping major issues

The government has been criticised for leaving out issues which occurred over the last five decades during special events organised ahead of the 50th independence anniversary, slated for December 9. Lindi-Urban legislator Salum Bar’wan sounded the criticism on Monday when addressing hundreds of Dar es Salaam residents who participated in special prayers for the victims of MV 'Spice Islander', which sank near Nungwi few weeks ago organised by CUF-Kariakoo branch. He said issues the recent marine accident in the Isles should be mentioned in pre-independence anniversary events organised by the government and its institutions with a view to finding lasting solutions. “We have been facing serious accidents that need the government to address their cause, instead of all the time telling the people about successes only,” he stressed. Bar’wan said as the government commemorates the 50th independence anniversary, it should evaluate its performance by mentioning both achievements as well as shortfalls it encountered. Wawi Member of Parliament Hamad Rashid, whose constituency is located in Zanzibar, said in his remarks at the same event that government authorities should seek assistance and other alternatives to recover the sank ferry-boat. “It’s better for the government to continue looking for the deceased and stop giving out incorrect statistics of to the public. We have been told that many families lost their beloved ones in accident and they remain unaccounted for,” he detailed. Hamad added, “Concerned authorities found guilty of causing the accident due to their negligence, should be penalized with immediate effect”. For his part, CUF-Kariakoo branch secretary Msafiri Ridhiwani expressed sympathy and condolence to the families of the victims following the loss of their relatives and friends in the accident. Earlier, Shura of Imams chief sheikh, Musa Kundecha, said the mourning time was over, urging Tanzanians to continue with other activities.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN