KNOWLEDGE MATTERS

Charity begins at home.

2012-01-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

Among the Tanzanian leaders mostly loved by the father of the nation was the current Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who took this photograph with the father of the nation before his death in 1999. The photo was taken in 1993 when Mr. Kikwete (seated left) was the deputy minister for Energy and Minerals in the country.

What a hale is this? Who is to blame?

2012-01-14T00:03:00.001-08:00

Among the promises given by our national legislators and our leaders in general during the campaigns for the general election is that, they would build infrastructures for their voters, seemingly most of them take the action as mere plays to lure the minds of their people into voting for them. Just look as Tanzania has just celebrated fifty years of the national independence, it seems that there are so many parts of the country which are not yet given special attention as it deserves. The above photo is very humiliating and most alarming to see as an example of repudiation to such important social development. It seems as if there are so many areas which are not yet linked with modern roads. It’s actually very shameful to see the situation like this in Tanzania which proud itself for having celebrated fifty years of national independence and yet its people suffers like this.

A friend in need is a friend indeed

2012-01-13T23:56:00.000-08:00

It is a wonderful phenomenon as this photo above shows how cheetah, a fierce common predator and most vigorous carnivorous animal consoles down an antelope one of its loved preys.

Chaos at a commuter bus stand

2012-01-13T23:54:00.000-08:00

Imagine that, this is Temeke Bus stand which has no plan at all, someone cannot believe to tolerate such a situation intentionally caused by the city’s authorities. The area is located within the residential areas an aspect that it becomes very difficult for commuters to board buses as motorists are not properly organized in the area.

Poor drainage systems in the city of Dar es Salaam

2012-01-13T23:52:00.001-08:00

This situation is not caused by rains as recently experienced in the city of Dar es Salaam, except this is another phenomenon which is caused due to poor drainage system, a normal phenomenon in the city of Dar es Salaam mostly at Kariakoo area as captured recently. But the city engineers seems to have turned a blind eye to the long standing problem.

Housing investments an option to ease congestion in the city centre.

2012-01-13T23:50:00.001-08:00

Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority new headquarter building which is located at Ukonga on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city. Due to lack of office spaces at the city centre, most parastatal organizations have built their own investment houses outside the city as shown with the case of TCAA building.

Tanzania Railways Corporation, now TRC Limited is out of order

2012-01-13T23:48:00.000-08:00

A man standing by the railway watching a passenger train as it moves to upcountry at the junction of Kawawa road near Ilala TRC depot.

The shining of Dar es Salaam city

2012-01-13T23:45:00.000-08:00

Dar es Salaam main city centre is now built with the most finest structures that provides attractive outlook.

Acrobats in a concert

2012-01-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

A young boy who calls himself a snake boy playing acrobatic games during a get together party between members of the press and the management of the Standard Chartered Bank. The occasion took place at JB Belmont Hotel located at Benjamin Mkapa’s Towers in Dar es Salaam. A young boy who calls himself a snake boy playing acrobatic games during a get together party between members of the press and the management of the Standard Chartered Bank. The occasion took place at JB Hotel located at Benjamin Mkapa’s Towers in Dar es Salaam.

Petty traders causing inconveniences at Ubungo Commuter Bus

2012-01-13T23:35:00.000-08:00

It has now become a difficulty task indeed to remove the petty traders at Ubungo bound commuter bus stop. Petty traders do flock at the area during evening time mostly from 17:00 hours onwards till mid-night. The Kinondoni municipal council seems to have failed to remove them and for unknown reason. Their removal is to ensure the city’s development programs. The three pictures depicts the current situation which causes disturbances to commuters and sometimes speeds up the rate of theft due to congestion of the people around

Government bodies banned against buying Precision Air shares

2012-01-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

THE Government has instructed its financial institutions such as pension funds and its related agencies not to buy the Precision Air shares currently being traded by the locally registered stock exchange brokers in the country. Impeccable sources says that, the government has circulated letters to respective registered brokers of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange {DSE} not to allow any purchase of the said shares of a privately owned airline and instead should direct their purchase to the ill fated Air Tanzania corporation which is about to be listed in DSE market. According to the sources, the move aims to save the national airline which is in danger of collapsing and probably loose the local market share which it had been dominating since the collapse of the East African Community in 1977. An economist who preferred anonymity said that, the banning is like the interaction of the free market economy under which the government is currently operating. Despite the government' decision, sources from within the company says that, the IPO earlier announced by the company in early October to the general public, has increased to over 6,000 from the minimum estimates of 1,000 of the first quarter of a trading period. Days after the Precision Air services limited floated its shares on the DSE in an initial public offer, the pace has finally quickened with more and more local investors getting in on the action. The Precision air company which began opPrecision Air at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es SAlaam.
eration in the country in early 2000 has of late become the leading and a sole airline service provider in the country. It is the first local private airline to be listed with DSE and it targets to net proceeds of Tsh. 26 million via the IPO route which will be used for further expansion, strengthening and diversifying of its equity base.

Precision Air at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

According to the company's Board Chairman Michael Shirima, a minimum of 51 percent of the shares offered to the public at Tsh 475 a piece is offered to Tanzanians. The remaining 49 percent has been allotted to both Tanzanians and non Tanzanians. He further stresses that, three percent of the shares on offer numbering 1,765,253 shares in all have been reserved for the company. Economic sources in the country maintains that, the listing of Precision Air services shares helps the firm to access a wider range of financing options for future growth such as issue of additional equity, enhanced credit rating with banks and other lending institutions, as well as the opportunity to issue corporate bonds through DSE and other capital market instruments. The airline is focused on developing a portfolio of routes which have the potential to deliver consistently high passenger load factors at attractive yields. The airline also wants to improve its competitive edge by being majority bowed Tanzanians nationals whom would enhance customer loyalty within the country and the East African region as a whole. With a focus on route profitability and commitment to a disciplined private business model, Precision Air Company aims to establish an airline in markets where it believes its expansion and majority ownership business model has exceptional potential for sustainable profitability. Based on other successful privately owned airlines operating in other countries, the Precision Air business models involves scrutinizing every single aspect of the business tPrecision Air at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es SAlaam.
o remove non essential costs.

Tanzania government to earn more revenues on uranium minerals deposits

2012-01-01T23:14:00.000-08:00

AN estimated amount of 119 millions of British pounds which is equivalent to Ts. 297.5 billions worth of uranium mineral is expected to be extracted within 100 square km of the uranium mineral deposits which has so far been explored at Mkunju River project at Namtumbo district in Ruvuma region. Business Times has been informed. This is part of the total 3250 square km area already explored in the district within 10 years’ time by the Mantra Tanzania Ltd Company which has been given the exploration license by the government since 2005. Namtumbo District Commissioner Saveli Maketa said in an exclusive interview with Business Times during the workshop on development of uranium industry in Tanzania last week in Dar es Salaam that the exploration activities is still going on in his district. A feasibility study which was completed early this year shows that the Mkunju River project alone could produce 1900 tonnes of uranium per annum, thus placing Tanzania in the third position as the biggest producer in Africa after Namibia and Niger. “Just imagine how this small portion under the estimation if well mined, would give the government such a big sum of money as revenue” he said in a horrific wonder while insisting that he has assured safety of the people once mining activities starts. He said with the exploration work which is currently going on in his district, he is well prepared to create jobs both directly and indirectly to most youths within the district. He has however agreed with the Mantra company that unskilled labourers should be sourced within Ruvuma region.

Former Attorney General of the United Republic of Tanzania, retired Judge Mark Bomani is being interviewed by members of press during a one day workshop on the development of Uranium exploration in Tanzania which was organized by Institute of Engineers of Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Kempiski. On his views, Judge Bomani who was the guest of honour has advised the government not to rush quickly with the mining of Uranium in the country until it puts in place safety measures which would enable to control any hazards that might occur on the course of mining.
.
The implementation of the project will place Tanzania in the top 10 uranium producing countries in the world. It will be the first major, mining development within south eastern Tanzania bringing jobs and prosperity to the currently underdeveloped region. Currently there are many uranium exploration activities in Tanzania which include those in Namtumbo, Manyoni, Bahi and Selous game reserve. Despite of the revenues expected to be collected in abundance, critics from the mining industry have cautioned the government not to rush with the project unless it put in place the necessary basic requirements on safety measures in order to protect its people. Judge Mark Bomani said in an interview that, precautionary measures are necessary rather than rushing to think of carrying out mining before weighing the benefits and dangers that the country might encounter in future. However, he has warned that the government leaders should look at the way especially on its sensitivity and the huge capital investment involved in its extraction, adding that, the government should not only think of the benefits accruing but also the dangers resulting from it before putting it into full running operation. An academician at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Dr. Yahya Kishashu put across his views during the workshop and noted that, Tanzania does not hive enough resources to control any hazards that might occur out of uranium mining.

An official from the Institute of Engineers of Tanzania, whose name was not yet immediately established, prepares himself for an interview with the ITV television during the workshop.

He says the Ministry of Health must have enough capacity to monitor uncontrolled mining activities that normally cause health hazards and in view of this, the government must pull up its socks on capacity development and monitoring of environmental health standards. He noted that, if Europeans now have been opposing them due to rising health risks citing the examples of India, Japan and Russia where uranium development at some point caused huge disasters. Can Tanzania manage? He queried. However, the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) is still faced with a lot of challenges of low capacity in implementing its objectives. According to an official of the organization, Aziz Abu, the weak capacity of NEMC has stemmed from limited skilled human resources, lack of infrastructure as well as resource constraints.

Namtumbo District Commissioners Mr. Saveli Maketa seated right in white shirt, responds questions from journalists in a press conference during the seminar to deliberate the development of Uranium exploration in the country. The DC was invited as his district has a rich uranium mineral deposits.

The government had decided to allow uranium exploration in the country after it was satisfied that there are more benefits and the extraction could be done without harming people and the environment. But according to experts, raw uranium is not harmful to people’s health until it is enriched, a process that cannot be done here in Tanzania. In view of this, people should be educated to erase fear which has been propagated by some individuals with little knowledge of uranium. The last week’s workshop on uranium industry development was organized by Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET) mining ad metallurgy division and which brought together uranium experts from Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa, Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, National Environmental Council, Mantra (T) Ltd and URANEX.

The importance of Mobile phones for global business transactions

2012-01-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

INTERNATIONAL and Regional experts in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) including computer companies across Africa and abroad gathered in Dar es Salaam last week to deliberate the possibility on how to promote mobile money transfer technology. A two day summit which is the first ever to be held in Tanzania aimed to explore the possibility of using mobile money transfer technologies in settlement of Insurance, Banking, Health, Education and loans for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Various presentations were made about basic issues related with the mobile money inclusion. This is a concept which involves the usage of technological ICT products such as mobile phones used to provide financial services by way of transferring money. Mobile money transfer involves the use of mobile phone to transfer money between banks or accounts, deposit or withdraw funds or pay bills. The term is also used for the broader realm of electronic commerce. It can refer to the use of a mobile device to purchase items whether physical or electronic. “The integration of banking services through mobile phone platform is an appropriate way to get more unbanked people to access financial services in most rural areas and see how much more easier to expand banking services”, says Sam Omukoko of Metropol East Africa Ltd. Basing on East Africa context, Omukoko who presented his views through his paper entitled “The potential of mobile money in financial inclusion”, noted that there is a need to expand East African common market if mobile money transfer knowledge is made accessible to the most disadvantaged and low income people living in rural areas within the region.

The Managing Director Mr. Sam Omukoko of Metropol East Africa Ltd in an interview with a local Television media during the workshop which was held at Dar es Salaam based Royal Palm Hotel

According to him, an effective communication through mobile phones is the essential factor to cater for the need of mobile money inclusion. He says, the platform is enough for many things but the most important is that it lessens congestion and hence there is no need for bank queues at customers’ service counters. Apart from this it makes business transactions to move much faster and more easily accessible. The Bank of Tanzania which was represented at the summit by its Director of Payment Systems Mrs. Lucy Kinunda said that, mobile money platform is easier to communicate with small scale business people in the country and already according to the statistics made available about 17.7 million people are using mobile phones to access money transfer to their relatives, friends through M-Pesa services technology. Most of mobile money services require usage of agents who acts as cash in and cash outlets. These include small merchants who are maintaining retail shops at various places. Mobile financial services and financial inclusion are further complemented by the proliferation of payment cards (debit, credit, prepaid systems) particularly electronic money which enables banking and payment services to be conducted without a bank account or visits to traditional bank branches. Mobile money transfer is growing higher than mobile banking, this is because of the fact that money users are always demanding for the regular consumable products, but in remote areas it’s very difficult to get someone with money to deposit due to poverty therefore it’s very rare to get people with money to deposit. In Tanzania, studies by African Development Bank (AFDB) has indicated that the formal banking services have not penetrated to the wider segment in the society since financial mobile services started in 2008, particularly in rural areas. Statistics shows that only 15 percent have accessed financial services in most rural areas. According to the organizers of the summit, Nuebrand Ltd based in Dar es Salaam, the decision to host this event in Tanzania reflects the level of recognition for the active development of the cell phone companies operating in the country which engage in mobile money platform, says Omar Aziz the company’s Managing Director According to him the summit was attended by delegates from Africa and abroad in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Egypt, .France, United States of America, and Tanzania who hosted the summit.

Wonderful, as the price of kerosene continues to bite in the country

2012-01-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

KEROSENE oil users in the country continues to feel the pinch of the high price selling commodity which has gone up by 65 percent for the last 12 months consecutively from Tsh. 1,070 for a litre to currently Tsh. 1,970. The survey by Business Times can establish. Kerosene oil which currently is sold at a higher price than petrol by 0.5 percent, is a commodity which is used by most rural Tanzanians who hardly have access to the supply of electricity in their domicile. Statistics by National Power Utility firm (TANESCO) shows that electricity supply in rural Tanzanian communities covers only 2 percent. The rest of 98 percent of rural dwellers in the country remains without electricity supply and instead resort to the use of kerosene oil. Kereosene oil is currently fetched at Tsh. 1,958 a littre as per the previous bi-weekly indicative price tags issued by Energy ad Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA). The commodity was reduced from Tsh. 2,035 a littre as it was being sold a fortnight ago. Despite of this decrease in price, still kerosene oil is sold slightly higher than petrol a driving oil for motor vehicles which currently is fetched at Ts. 1,880. According to EWURA's indicative oil price tags, Kerosene oil has been sold slightly higher than petrol since early November this year. In 1970, over four decades ago, the price of a twenty littre full of a tin of kerosene was sold at Tsh. 21 only, recalls mzee Zablon Megwe (76), now a retired prisons officer. He says by then kerosene was being sold in special packed tins carrying 20 litres which nowadays these are not seen in petrol stations. Added that, the retail prices for the commodity could be sold by shopkeepers running a retail shop in special locally made measurements known as 'Kibaba'. He told the writer of this blog in an exclusive interview early this week in Dar es Salaam that, he could manage to survive with the little salary he earned of Tsh. 620 per month as a prison officer, that could cater for other household needs for the whole month. Now as a retired civil servant conducting his life in rural village where the majority of Tanzanians lives, hardly he can make his budget through if he dares to buy a 20 littre of kerosene for his home consumption and pays Tsh. 40,000. He says, the money is almost equivalent in total to the amount paid for his monthly pension as a government retiree, and which are due paid in total for six months amounting to Tsh. 240,000, the money being paid to him as a lumpsum.

An oil price tag at one of the petrol stations in Dar es Salaam indicating how Kerosene price is higher than petrol (supper). Oil prices in up-country regions are more worse that the currently selling price in Dar es Salaam city. To the great surprise, many rural Tanzanians wonders as to why the price of kerosene oil is up than that of a petrol? It has never occurred for the price of kerosene to go up in global market or sold much higher than petrol ever since Tanzania attained its independence 50 years ago.

He wonders how inflation has affected Tanzania's economy. Statistics by the Central Bank of Tanzania (BOT) shows that, in between 1970 and the last quarter of the country' financial trading period of 1972, one US Dollar was equivalent to Tsh. 16.7. Whereas one British Pound was equivalent to Tsh. 20. Economists says that, the gradual dropping of a shilling against dollar in the market has been hastened by the habit of transacting US Dollar in purchasing the commodity while abandoning the use of shilling from circulation, an aspect that causes gradual depreciation of a shilling. It is now very common in newspaper headlines about the impact of rise in oil price and the depreciation of Tanzanian shilling. As a result now pockets gets the pinch as the rise of oil prices has made many Tanzanians come across another word 'inflation' decreasing the buying power of money. World statistics shows that, it would be interesting to note that in the year 1999, the price per crude oil barrel was US Dollar 16 which rose to more than US Dollar 100 in the year 2008.

Other previous prices as indicated in their price tags at a petrol station.

This is an increase of more than 600 percent Reasons for oil rise is cited due to weak US Dollar which has an indirect impact, but since oil is priced in dollars, and as the value of dollars falls, the price of oil in dollars goes up. Over the last five years, the dollar has fallen by 33 percent against Euro. If that keeps up, the upward pressure on oil prices will remain. As the issue of oil in the country is tracking unavoidable circumstances, some members of Parliament could not hesitate to make a comment when cornered by the writer of this news. An MP for Ubungo constituency Hon. John Mnyika under CHADEMA ticket suggested that, in order to reduce the high rise price on oil products, the government should reduce tax on imported crude oil. John Nyika is on the view of the fact that, the move will be a relief to oil traders in the country who would willfully reduce the prices so that small users of this commodity especially rural people would get a relief on the purchase of the product. An MP for South Muleba constituency under CCM, ticket Charles Mwijage who is also a member of parliamentary committee on Energy and Water, has requested EWURA not to arrange the price tag for oil dealers in the country and instead he wanted EWURA to introduce a starting price for oil and not to direct indicative prices as it does now.

Christmas occasion triggered high food prices in Dar markets

2012-01-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

SOME food commodities and other products were sold at high prices at most of the Dar es Salaam markets due to a high demand by customers who flocked in various markets during Christmas celebrations which ended last Monday, the survey by this writer has established. Food commodities mostly affected were those normally preferred during special religious occasions and big festivities such as rice, meat, beans and other consumables. The high prices of such foodstuffs are normally characterized by a high demand by potential customers. The survey can reveal that, there was a sudden increase of the retail price of rice, the most delicious and preferred cereal food by people which was fetched at between Tsh. 1,900 and Tsh. 2,600 a kilogram depending on the best quality type compared to the previous price of Tsh. 1,200 and Tsh. 1,600. Most traders at some the markets like Gongo la Mboto, Buguruni, Ilala and Tandika complained of the sudden rise as was due to the finished stock of the commodity from most of these markets which is sold in a wholesale price. However, the cause of this scarcity which comes from Mbeya was not yet immediately established. Other sources from the market said that, some unscrupulous traders bought rice in bulk one months ago and preserved it for hiking as they knew for sure the high demand of the commodity could come during Christmas occasion.

It is now upon the buyers to decide whether to buy these commodities or not. The habit of spreading down food commodities mostly condiments in pavements for sale at Kariakoo market has become the order of the day, despite of the authorities concerned to suppress the move, seemingly most petty traders have turned a blind eye and remain defiant to such orders, like these traders who were caught outside the market with their merchandise spread on the ground close to a sewer water trench which gives horrible smell in a situation that pose a health risk to consumers of their goods.

The survey last Saturday and Sunday has shown that, the price of beef at most butcheries in those city markets was so exorbitant and unaffordable to ordinary people of low income earners. A kilogram of ordinary meat was fetched at Tsh. 6,000 instead of Tsh. 4,500. Steak meet was fetched at Tsh. 7,000 instead of Tsh. 6,000. This is wonderful, “one buyer grimaced in disgust ” At Kariakoo meat butcheries, the prices of a kilogram of goat meat remained the same as that one of a steak meat at Tsh. Between Tsh. 6,500 and Tsh. 7,000 respectively. Meat sellers said during the interviews that, prices had risen because the supply of cows at Pugu auction mart had risen suddenly for the last five days prior to Christmas occasion, citing lack of reliable transportation from inland regions. Interviewed customers expressed their disappointment on the issue of high meat prices saying that, there has been a growing habit by few butchery owners who are fond of rising meat prices during religious festivities taking an advantage of the fact that, most people do like to eat meat during such occasions. 'This is a normal thing as they take the occasion as a lope hole to let their businesses move” said one lady who identified herself as mama Iddi. He told this paper at Gongo La Mboto market. However, she asked for the government's intervention to stop such a menace. Cornered by the writer of this news was the secretary of a market organization of Buguruni market, Said Habibu said in an interview that, the business trend at his market during the Christmas occasion had been influenced by supply and demand both of which have been increased simultaneously causing the prices to increase too high. He said the change in the market business trend had been basically affected due to Christmas occasion, but when the occasion is over, prices will go down in a normal trend. Some traders at Buguruni market cited the increased transportation costs from upcountry regions was another cause for price increase Fatuma Selemani, a customer who was at the market shopping for Christmas goods condemned the price hike saying the move would worsen the economic hardship now facing the people. Some businessmen at Ilala market said the slight change of the prices in this Christmas occasion was posing a danger to their undertakings. “If prices will continue to go up, I don't think people will afford to buy food” he said added that, this time around money is scarce, lamented one trader who identified himself by one name choma. Apart from food commodities, survey shows that, major shopping centres in the city found extensive displays of goods but with virtually isolated purchases done. In an exclusive interview with the Business Times most traders expressed their disappointment of their static stocks this year's Christmas occasion with others blaming the low purchases that are mainly due to financial squeeze. It is always a normal thing to hear traders complain that business is low and that they could hardly make a profit per day. This is a secret of every business persons as no one wants his/her revenues known by others. One shopkeeper maintained that, many customers were going for shopping in cheap selling items and to other shops which sells second hand materials that provides an alternative shopping mall. Another shop attendant who identified herself by only one name as Lukia, said that the business had resolved to lower prices and giving special discounts to bulk purchases in order to attract buyers but to no avail. A petty trader, Augustine Swai (20) who was selling Christmas cards and other decorations in a makeshift kiosk situated at Jangwani area in Kariakoo suburb, equally lamented saying he had lowered the price to sell off his cards to an affordable and give away price. He said he had to reduce the price of a bunch of cards of 4x6 inches from the original Tsh. 8,000 to Tsh. 5,000 and others with a relatively reasonable discount. However, a bunch of hawkers cornered by the writer refurbishing their stocks from the wholesalers and retailers at Kariakoo market said most buyers were shunning high prices in these shops and prefers to buy their items more cheaply from street vendors.

TANESCO’s application on power hike to be released by mid of January 2012

2012-01-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

ELECTRICITY users from the National grid in the country should expect new tariff charges of electricity which is scheduled to be announced countrywide by mid of January 2012. The new tariff charges which are yet to be identified, is in response to the recent application by the National power utility firm (TANESCO) which it had filed to Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) seeking a 155 percent increase in electricity price. EWURA’s Corporate Communications Manager, Titus Kaguo said in an exclusive interview last week in Dar es Salaam that, “Despite of the proposed increase, a special committee consisting of economic experts has been selected by his organization to work on various opinions raised by stakeholders in a meeting it convened early this month. Kaguo is on the view of the fact that, EWURA would look at the magnitude of the problem and weigh stakeholders’ views over the matter prior to the official announcement of the new hike which is scheduled to start in January. However, he noted that, there are several issues that TANESCO raised in its application which he says are also going to be looked upon, added that, EWURA is going to evaluate their authenticity before giving out its final decision. He added that, as for now the time frame is shorter to make a quick decision. EWURA received the application from the State owned power supply company under the certification of urgency from the Minister for Energy and Minerals Hon. William Ngeleja. Sources maintain that, the application was precipitated by emergency power generating projects TANESCO had entered into contract namely Agrecco, Symbion and IPTL’s heavy fuel for power generation which has raised energy cost.

EWURA's Communications Officer Mr. Titus Kaguo elaborating a point to journalists (not in the picture) during a press conference in Dar es Salaam recently.

During the meeting, stakeholders came up in arms to contradict such a request and instead some requested TANESCO to issue a comprehensive report that shows the actual costs of hiring the three power plants contracted to generate electricity to national grid. The percentage rise requested by TANESCO will raise an average current selling price of Tsh. 141/- per unit to Tsh. 359/- per unit. This is equivalent to 155 percent increase. “This is so exorbitant says one Yusuf Mbwana, an entrepreneur managing a kiosk and a small restaurant at Sinza madukani in Dar es Salaam. The views presented by the TANESCO’s Managing Director William Mbando that necessitated reasons for power increase is to enable his organization to curb with the drastic increase on the operational costs, and its efforts to reduce power shedding a common phenomenon in the country. Other reasons he maintained is that, if there would be no power increase by March next year, TANESCO will fail to execute other its important schedules such as its power producing plants which depends largely on oil energy source an aspect if left without attention, the country will be plunged into a total darkness. Others he stated are failure of the TANESCO to implement its legal contracts it had signed with some financial institutions (eg Banks) for its failure to reimburse its long standing loans it had taken due to lack of money, an aspect that is likely to cause a mutual of misunderstanding. Lastly, he outlined failure of the company to get money to conduct regular repair works and maintenance electricity systems on its daily operational activities. In a series of three years ago, TANESCO has been hiking its electricity power tariff concurrently. In January 2011, the power supply company lodged an application for 38 percent hike but was only granted 18 percent, while in 2008 it sought for 40 percent increase and was allowed 21 percent. Now for how much percent rate is likely to be allowed this year?

Tanzania citizens in the diaspora to benefit from Vodacom mobile money transfer

2012-01-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

TANZANIANS living in diaspora will now be able to send money to their friends or relatives with Vodacom M-PESA account in the country, following the launch of cross-border money transfer service program by Vodacom Tanzania in collaboration with Western Union. The launching ceremony took place last week in Dar es Salaam and was attended by officials of both organizations who have joined forces together in order to make the program successful in Tanzania. Elaborating on how the money transaction would be effected, the Regional Director of Western Union representing East and Southern Africa region Karen Jordaan noted that senders of money must be living or staying in one of the 65 (unnamed) countries out of the total 178 countries in the world. The interested citizens who wish to use this service program can visit one of the more than 108,000 participating registered Western Union agent locations in 65 selected countries worldwide and send money directly into the mobile wallets of any registered Vodacom M-PESA subscriber in the country. Once the money is sent, the prospective receivers will be sent for a short message by Vodacom company instructing them that they could withdraw their money from one of the 15,000 Vodacom registered M-PESA agents who are scattered all over the country. “The newly launched service will be easier and cost effective” says Vodacom Financial Service Manager Innocent Ephraim. Currently, Tanzanians studying or
The Regional Director of Western Union representing East and Southern Africa region Karen Jordaan talks to journalists (not in the picture) during the launching of the Cross Border Money Transfer Service Program which her organization in collaboration with Vodacom Tanzania has joined forces in order to make it successful in Tanzaniastaying outside the country are experiencing delays after sending money to their relatives back home especially those residing in rural areas.

The Regional Director of Western Union representing East and Southern Africa region Karen Jordaan talks to journalists (not in the picture) during the launching of the Cross Border Money Transfer Service Program which her organization in collaboration with Vodacom Tanzania has joined forces in order to make it successful in Tanzania

However, he said “Vodacom always seeks for new innovative solutions to help their customers’ needs through innovative services like this one which he described to be more cost effective and which will be potential for Diaspora”. According to him, the newly launched service has been guaranteed by the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) the regulator in the country, which he said did not permit them (Vodacom) to send money outside the country from the economic point of view. Commenting on the newly introduced move, an official from the Postal Bank services who spoke on condition of anonymity said that, the move will help ease unnecessary delays that had overwhelmed rural customers. He said that, “customers residing in rural areas experiences hardship when clearing their money sent to them most primarily due to poor road infrastructure and ineffective communication facilities an aspect that forces many to come to urban centre and spent days to get their money”. According to the Managing Director of Vodacom (Tanzania) Rene Meza, his company first launched M-PESA services in the country in 2008 and up to now, it has more than 9 million customers and handles a million transactions per day. Vodacom M-PESA provides its customers an affordable fast, convenient and safe way to pay for numerous services such as utility bills, airtime recharge for prepaid, tax payment, long distance bus fare payments and much more. Western Union has been present in Africa since 1995 and the organization continues to engage with its consumers in the various markets it serves to encourage closer ties between citizen in the diaspora and their home countries.

Open University of Tanzania confers Mwinyi with Doctorate Degree

2012-01-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) has conferred a Tanzanian retired President Ally Hassan Mwinyi with Honorary Degree of Letters during its 23rd Graduation ceremony which was held on 26th November 2011 at Bungo-Kibaha, 40 kilometers away west of Dar es Salaam city. The graduation was preceded by the convocation meeting which was took place on the previous day. The graduation day also witnessed over 2,500 grandaunts of Certificate, Diplomas, undergraduate, Post-graduate and Doctorate candidates who received their certificated and different awards including best performing students. Please follow the event in this pictorial scene.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania Professor Tolly Mbwette is welcoming the prospective graduate for honorary doctorate degree on letters, retired President Ally Hassan Mwinyi at newly constructed OUT Headquarter at Bungo-Kibaha in Coast region. Ex-President was conferred with a honorary degree of Doctorate.

Professor Tolly Mbwette addresses a convocation meeting

2012-01-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

The Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania, Professor Tolly Mbwette is addressing a convocation meeting at Bungo-Kibaha at the newly constructed headquarter of the OUT University.

A cross section of the Open University students who attended a convocation meeting which was held at Bungo-Kibaha. The meeting had preceded the 23rd graduation ceremony.

Tshs. 400 billion needed to complete the construction of the new headquarter of the Open University of Tanzania

2012-01-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

ABOUT Tshs. 400 billion is needed to complete the construction of the new headquarter campus of the Open University of Tanzania. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Tolly Mbwette said during the convocation meeting at Bungo-Kibaha in Coast region that, already the designs of the architectural plan of the main campus is complete for the construction to take place in an area that covers about 40,000 acres of land.

This is the only administrative building which has been constructed within the new compound of the selected headquarter campus for the Open University. Other building is the store.

After the convocation meeting, refreshments followed. Students had to make a long chain of line in order to be served systematically.

Open University of Tanzania graduation ceremony

2012-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

The above three candidates graduated with BA in Journalism. Standing from left to right are Mr. Andulile Mwailunga, Ikunda Erick and Emmanuel Onyango, the writer and owner of this blog. As the procedure for the graduation ceremony, candidates have to stand up and line in an extended line then orders follows that requires them to uncap their academic huts before conferred and after having been conferred have to put them in a normal way as directed during the rehearsal.

In joyful heart are candidates for BA General who returns back to their seats after being conferred with their degrees.

Some grandaunts and their few relatives outside the main campus at the entrance waiting for transport to take them back to their respective homes after the ceremony.

Somalia, the state of blood.

2011-12-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

It is very hard to believe if these people were dead or not. But the truth about the matter is that, they were dead and paraded in public view for people to identify them. This is how Somaliland is, frequent deaths are the order of the day.

The animal species with the nature of human beings

2011-12-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

You don’t need to be told of the species of these animals who were found resting probably pondering over on their next move.

Unusual to carry a goat on ones back. This is oddity

2011-12-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Very funny indeed. An unidentified man carrying a goat on his back while riding a bicycle along the road from the market where he had bought it.

When will tribal clashes end in Africa?

2011-12-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Africa is leading for having refugees in neighboring countries. This is due to the civil strifes which never ends an aspect that would put this sub continent into endless troubles. An example is with this photo as depicted in 1996 when there was tribal clashes among the Hutu and Tutsi tribes in Rwanda. Refugees marching in single file as they cross the border to Tanzania. Women and children are always the most sufferers.

Troublesome machingas on pedistrian walkways in the evening

2011-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

During evening time, petty traders known as Machingas at Ilala Mchikichini market in Dar es Salaam are fond of spreading their merchandise along Kawawa Road, thus causing traffic jam to the motorists passing along as captured here. Scores of them selling old shoes plus clothes known in Kiswahili as Mitumba.

Why machinga are trading anywhere they like?

2011-12-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

The bridge which connects Ubungo and Mwenge suburb in Dar es Salaam city is among the newly constructed bridge. It is surprising to note that it has been invaded by petty traders who use its iron frames to display their wares for sale. The city authority must be careful as this is prone to vandalism of some iron parts used to build the bridge by few untrustworthy petty traders around.

Dar es Salaam floods, pictorial scene

2011-12-22T00:50:00.001-08:00

Following heavy rains which continues to pour in downtown Dar es Salaam city, people who are residing in valleys have experienced a hard phenomenon which they will never forget in their life. According to one person at the scene of incident, valley dwellers have defied the government order which requires them to vacate from these areas. Large numbers of valley dwellers in these areas seems to have turned a blind eye and refused blantantly to respond to the government call a result of which many of them have found themselves homeless after their houses are submerged in water which runs with high force to enter the confluence of Indian Ocean to the east direction of the city of Dar es Salaam.

This is how the situation was yesterday at Jangwani in Dar es Salaam, the area almost turned into a pond of water

Military taskforce arrives at Jangwani area to rescue people from their houses

2011-12-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

A task force consisting of members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) arrived at Jangwani with their special boat to rescue people from their houses which had been surrounded by water.

Electric poles in danger

2011-12-22T00:38:00.000-08:00

Electric poles standing precariously in a dangerous position after having been waterlogged at Jangwani area after it had rained heavily in the area for the last two days.

Flooding at Jangwani area in Dar es Slaam city

2011-12-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

A cross section of some of the houses seen submerged in water from far a distance at Jangwani area in the city of Dar es Salaam. The area has become so notorious during rainy seasons of the year.

Floods in the city of Dar es Salaam

2011-12-22T00:25:00.001-08:00

Scores of people walking on foot to Kariakoo area after the Morogoro road that links with Magomeni suburb was temporarily closed after the Jangwani Bridge in between which links the two suburbs was overshadowed by rain water an aspect that even vehicles could not manage to pass through. This was how it was yesterday 21/12/2011

Floods in Dar es Salaam city, a pictorial scene

2011-12-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Policemen patrolling after being deployed along Morogoro Road near Jangwani bridge which has become the most notorious area for flooding following a two day torrential heavy rains that poured in downtown Dar es Salaam city exclusively. The rains have caused damages to the most important infrastructure such as telephone wires, electricity poles and city roads.

The Open University of Tanzania to establish electronic media stations

2011-12-09T01:40:00.000-08:00

STUDENTS pursuing Journalism and Mass Communication degree programs at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), will now have time to do their electronic field practice with ease following plans which are underway by the OUT to establish a radio and television stations of their own. It was disclosed last week at Bungo- Kibaha. The move is in line with the university’s strategic future plans discussed for 2011/2012 academic year which together with other university’s projects, the establishment of these two electronic media stations have been considered. OUT’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Tolly Mbwette said last week when addressing the prospective graduants during annual convocation meeting of the Open University of Tanzania which was held at a permanent OUT headquarter at Bungo-Kibaha located 40 miles away west from the city of Dar es Salaam. According to him, his university will establish a radio station in a place to be identified later within three to four months’ time, and later would be followed by a television which will be established in two years to come. However, he said in an exclusive interview after his meeting that, television is more expensive and would require long term planning. Apart from their normal roles of disseminating news as well as other programs to a mass audience in the country, the stations will also serve as a training centre by inviting students from other institutions pursuing journalism and mass communication studies in the country.

Seated in a jovial mood front row are four grandaunts of Journalism and Mass Communication degrees. This was during the 23rd graduation ceremony of the Open University of Tanzania. I was one of them waiting to be conferred with our degrees. From left to right are Mwanzo Milinga (MC), Evelen Eugene (MC) Emmanuel Onyango (Journalism) and Ikunda Erick (Journalism). Two of our fellows graduated in absentia.

The annual convocation meeting which is normally held ahead of the graduation day by the university aims at discussing some of the problems and challenges faced by the university. The meeting also highlights future development plans laid down by the university for the coming academic year. A day after the convocation meeting, the Open University of Tanzania held its 23rd graduation which was graced by the Vice-President Mohammed Bilal as the guest of honour. According to Professor Mbwette, it was the first time for the graduation of the Open University of Tanzania to have been graced by the top government official in the country since its establishment 19 years ago. A total of 2,531 graduants were conferred with certificates, diplomas, and degrees. The degrees were given to graduates who pursued undergraduate, masters and PhD degree program levels. A total of 11,381 people have been conferred by the OUT University since its establishment way back in 1994.

I was among the top 17 best students who excelled in their final examinations of the 2010/2011 academic year and awarded with the Vice-Chancellor’s prize. I have scored 4.5 GPA (First Class) in BA in Journalism. Above I am being given a certificate by the Chairman of the Open University of Tanzania Board of Senate, Professor Samwel Wangwe.. Standing at the centre facing camera is the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tolly Mbwette. Extreme left partly seen is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Elifas Bisanda. This occasion took place during the convocation meeting, a day before the graduation day at the prospective permanent headquarter of the Open University of Tanzania which is currently under construction at Bungo-Kibaha in Coast region 40 kilometers away west of Dar es Salaam city.

When outlining the development of a permanently expected headquarters of the Open University, Professor Mbwette said, a total of Tsh. 400 billion is needed to complete the construction of all the designed buildings at the maim campus whose architectural drawings are in place. Either he noted that, there were so many challenges Open University is facing from the national leaders whom he described to have not taken an active part to advertise the presence of the university in their regions despite of the fact that, open University has opened its regional centres in all regions in the country. Analyzing a detailed report of the development of the expected Open University headquarters, the Chairman of the Board of the University senate, Professor Samwel Wangwe said that, only two buildings which have been constructed so far, these are an office block at the entrance and a book store within the yard which covers approximately 40,000 acres of land.

This is how I looked like during the 23rd graduation ceremony of the Open University of Tanzania. A day has come and I have a reason to smile for what I had been waiting for in my life is now around the corner. How proud is it if someone recognizes you as a degree holder? How do you feel by having this academic achievement? It is really fascinating as it paves the way for one to proceed with another.

He has challenged the main stakeholders of the higher learning institutions from the Ministry of Education in the country to dish out money to help develop some regional centres which are now all over the country. Other challenges he noted are that, the Open University has been assigning outside tutors to run with the teaching exercises and provides teaching materials for students, but lack of money has been an exacerbating issue. He has therefore asked the government to set aside money in its next financial budget in order to subsidize for the payment of part time teachers who are hired from other universities to do the job. Despite of running with these disparities, the Vice-President assured the management of the Open University that, he would take to task all the problems mentioned before him, and promised to give a full support wherever appropriate and necessary. Going on its 20th year of its existence next year, another challenge the University is faced with is the shortage of lecturers as this is an issue affecting most government higher learning institutions in the country. In return, the Vice-President has asked the management of the University to liase with the Ministry’s officials in the country in order to ward off the existing phenomenon

The Precision Air company to open more regional routes

2011-12-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

TANZANIA' s leading airline service company, the Precision Air is set to expand its operational services by opening other five regional air flight routes within central and southern Africa region. Business Times has been informed. The company's Managing Director Alphonso Kioko said in an exclusive interview last week in Dar es Salaam that, his company is expecting to inaugurate a maiden journey of these routes in January and February and later in October next year. “The first route will be inaugurated to Lubumbashi in DRC followed by Luanda in Angola, these two air flight routes will be effected between January and February next year” he said adding that, other three routes will be inaugurated in October. The inauguration of these five routes will make the total number of seven routes plus the two ones under which the airline operates. These routes are Johannesburg in South Africa and in Comoro Islands which were inaugurated early this year. He mentioned the other three routes with their respective countries in brackets as follows, Lilongwe (Malawi), Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe). However, he said all these routes will be succeeded following plans by the company which are underway to buy the third aircraft, boeng 737 whose aim is to boost the regional internal flight services. He says after the purchase of the boeng aircraft which will be acquired on hiring basis from a US based company at a cost of between US$ 100,000 and 150,000 per month, his company is planning to bring in two brandy new ATR 42 aircrafts next year.

According to him, one boeng plus two aircrafts, these would bring flexibility to clients and will make the total number of the aircrafts owned by the company to be 14, which by no any doubt, he is optimistic the operations will be smoother to cater the need of the customers within East, Central and Southern Africa region. On the issue of the maintenance of its aircrafts, the company is currently busy to finalize the construction of its long awaited hangar at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) which is expected to be ready within one and a half months' time in order to accommodate these aircrafts. However, he cited weather conditions for being the main challenging factor that constraints their flight programs. These are to be issued by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) on alert that impends any danger ahead, and is uncontrollable. He said for the last two months, his company has had experienced a problem of weather in Bukoba, Shinyanga and in Mara regions mostly due to the prevailing rains. He said the aircraft operating in these regions experienced strong weather conditions an aspect which forced them to suspect or cancel their flight schedules for a while. In addition to the weather challenges one of their aircrafts, ATR 42 was grounded and after its maintenance its operation is back in full swing and has now improved. Meanwhile in another development, the Precision Airline sought to raise close to TZS28 billion Tanzanian shillings (USD$16.5 million) from its IPO for modernization and expansion of its fleet, but managed to collect just TZS11.84 billion shillings. The company is co-owned by Kenya Airways offered 58,841,750 shares for sale during the IPO that ended last week. "The response of the public has been very impressive and we expect increased demand from large institutional investors these last days," Lauren Malauri, CEO of Orbit Securities was quoted as saying early this week in Dar es Salaam. The price for each share in the IPO had been pegged at Tsh. 475 and buyers were expected to purchase a minimum of 200 shares. The listing of the Airline at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange would be on December 8.

A Kenyan company unveils TV decorder in Dar es Salaam

2011-12-09T01:27:00.000-08:00

TELEVISION viewers in the country will now have the opportunity to make a wider choice on the variety of the TV channels they wish to visit following the launching of the most powerful and the cheapest TV decorder popularly known as ZUKU in Tanzania. The product which was unveiled early this week by Wananchi Group from the Republic of Kenya, is a pay TV satellite service that offers over 60 TV channels found worldwide at an affordable price. It has already started operarting through agents stationed in the country. The initial installation charges plus fees and the costs for paying technicians will be totaled at Tsh. 92,000, then afterwards, a customer will continue paying a normal monthly fee for the broadband charges of Tsh. 20,000. Zuku TV offers a wide selection of entertainment channels covering news, sports, movies, documentaries and musics. These includes various third party channels such as BBC, MTV Base, Setanta sports, MGM Movies just to name but a few. According to the Chairman of Mwananchi Group, Ali Mufuruki, the provider also offers many of its own tailor made channels such as Zuku Africa airing African content, Zuku life airing documentaries, modern consumer fresh, innovative and affordable options for entertainment and communmication.

Mwananchi Group CEO, Richard Bernalist elaborating a point to journalists {not in picture}on how the Zuku TV brand he had just inaugurated for his company will be beneficial to TV users in the country. On his right he is flanked by the company's Chairman Ali Mufuruki.

He says, there are currently three commercial products under Zuku namely, Zuku TV {DTH satellite TV covering 12 countries within East and Central Africa}, Zuku triple play which is a bundle cable offering of TV high speed broadcast and VoIP, and Zuku Biz the company's own cable. Echoing his sentiments, Wananchi Group CEO, Richard Bernalist explained that Zuku was uniquely positioned in this market as a truly dedicated East African service made by Africans for Africa. “In the ten countries we are targeting, Zuku pay TV penetration is presently at less than 1 percent and there is a need for affordable quality content which is suitable for the entire family” he said early this week. In early this year, Wananchi Group raised $57.5 million in growth from a group of international investors which is going towards supporting the roll out of Satellite services in 10 countries. Zuku TV is expected to provide numerous employment and business opportunities to Tanzanians through its distribution network.
The Wananchi Group company is the leading provider of cable and internet services in Eastern Africa region which was established in 2007. As the African leading provider of “triple play” with a cable network passing 40,000 kenyan homes, the company is positioned to become the premier media operator in the region. Zuku TV meets the obligation of the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) that requires all Television broadcast services to migrate from analogue to digital by 2012.

Sardine prices spiral at Kariakoo market by 100 percent.

2011-12-09T01:23:00.000-08:00

DELIVERIES of sardine from the great lakes regions to the main Kariakoo market, the biggest in the city of Dar es Salaam have gone down, thus forcing the prices of this commodity to rise up. With this supply crunch, the survey conducted early this week at the market shows that, a retail price of a kilogram of this commodity is currently pegged at Tsh. 5,000 from Tsh. 2,500 which it had been before in the last two months. This is an increase of 100 percent. Statistics kept by the market administration shows that, beginning early October this year, daily deliveries to the market have fallen by approximately 50 percent from 506 bags to 244 bags per day each weighing between 45 and 55 kilograms. Nicolus Omolo, an economist and market statician attributes the dwindling supply that has resulted high sale of this protein nutritious food as due to scarcity of sardines currently being fished out from the lake. However, he added that, this is being caused by the prevailing long rains from the main supplying regions which started in October. Other reasons he attributed as the most important ones are due to the high freight charges induced by road transporters which is currently characterized by the constant depreciation of Tanzanian shilling coupled by the rise of oil. Traders at the market say that, the trend of the business is normally affected by weather conditions of the year that interacts with the trading periods from the source areas which normally starts from October and ends up in early January. An unfavorable condition reduces supplies to markets from the production areas.
Johnson Ouma, a wholesale trader from Mwanza region told this paper in an exclusive interview that, during rainy seasons, sardines are not easily found as they go down to the basement of the lake because they need warmth an aspect that it is very difficulty for fishermen to catch them.
However, he said that it's not easy to predict when how long is this situation going tio persist, but critics from the areas of the main supplies that fishermen are not to blame as they are not concerned wit the price rise for they are also labourers. Good sardines never fail to find a good market in Dar es Salaam city markets says Mary Adoyo, a famous sardine wholesale trader located at Kariakoo's sub terranean part of the market {shimoni}. However, she noted that, despite of the price hike, still people would prefer to buy the commodity as the sardines from the great lakes regions have a delicious taste and have no difficulty in attracting customers.

This photo was taken in early July this year, when a kilogram of sardine was sold at Ts,. 2,800 at Kariakoo. Now the prices have doubled.

The survey has also discovered that, there is a slight increase in price of sardines from Kigoma in lake Tanganyika. These are sold at between Tsh. 12,000 and 17,000 from between Tsh. 9,200 and Tsh. 12,500 per kilogram depending on the variety and in terms of quality at the same marjet. “It is surprising as more customers would now prefer to afford a kilogram of oprdinary meat which can be fetched at the same market at between Ts. 4,500 and Tsh. 5,000” remarked one customer who prefered anonymity when approached for comment. Meanwhile, with just three weeks remaining ahead of christmas festivities, prices for cereal foods and other leguminants foods are likely to raise up primarily due to their low supplies at the Kariakoo market. Nicolus Omolo attributes the scarcity of the commodities such as beans, cowpeas, pegion peas, green grames, lentil, monkeynut, peanut, sorgum, finger millet, wheat, rice, maize etc from their areas of main supplies as the impending danger of crop production.

TPCC rises up the price of its Twiga cement product by 4 percent

2011-12-09T01:13:00.000-08:00

TANZANIA Portland cement Company (TPCC) has increased the price of its Twiga cement brand product by 4 percent, thus forcing cement buyers in the country to deep further into their pockets in order to acquire the product. A reliable source from within the factory based at Wazo Hill on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam says that, a wholesale price of a 50 kg sachet of cement at factory price is now sold to cement agents at Tsh. 12,439 from Tsh. 11,960. This is approximately an increase of 4 percent. TPCC’s Director of Sales and Marketing Ekwabi Magigo attributed early this week in Dar es Salaam that, the price increase is alongside with the increase in the factory’s operational costs which has been exacerbated by a constant depreciation of a shilling against dollar. He added that the continued situation has disturbed the stability of cement production. He further said that, higher production costs and usage of the US Dollar in procurement of natural gas are some of the factors that have increased cement prices. The company buys gas from SONGAS Ltd and for importing raw materials by using US Dollar whose value is increasing now and then against Tanzania shilling.

Twiga Cement plant at WAzo Hill on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city.

Following the increase of this precious commodity used for construction purposes, I carried a survey in some parts of the city’s suburb and found out that, there is a slight increase for the purchase of one bag weighing 50 kilogram. The survey shows that, the retail price of a bag of 50 kg sachet of Twiga Cement brand is now fetched at between Ts. 14,000 and Tsh. 14,500 from between Tsh. 13,200 and Ts. 13,500 as it was before two weeks ago. Tanzania’s local cement industries are capable of producing three million tones of cement per years against the country’s yearly demand of 2.1 million tones, but lack of electricity power supply is an exacerbating factor which hinders the production of this commodity in the country, says an official from Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI). In 2009, Heiderlberg Cement Company owners of Twiga Cement Company invested more than US$ 100 million to expand the TPCC production facilities in order to meet the increasing cement demand in the country. Despite of such an investment, still Tanzania was experiencing an acute shortage of this product an aspect that the government allowed foreign imports of the same commodity from Pakistan and India to be sold in the local market. Following this decision by the government, there was an outcry from the three giant local cement manufacturers in the country who complained that their competitors were being subsidized by their government to produce export cement, and it is very unfortunate that Tanzania does not have such a privilege. Three years ago, the import duties on cement were abolished by the government and President Jakaya Kikwete reiterated that these were temporary measures initiated to whether the storm of price hikes, but seemingly this is not implemented. The decision back in 2008 was fuelled by a rise in demand for cement that local producers could not meet. However, local cement manufacturers have been complaining that the decision enabled colossal cement imports mostly from Pakistan and India undercutting the local manufacturers.

Nyerere’s film blamed to have insufficient contents

2011-12-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

SOME Dar es Salaam residents have criticized the production of a film documentary which has been designed to honour the father of the nation and his importance in modern Tanzania history in commemoration of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the country’s independence. The film titled, “NYAYO ZA MWALIMU” which literally means ‘footsteps of the teacher’ a popular title used to refer the first President Julius .K. Nyerere is currently sold in some parts of Dar es Salaam city centre at a negotiable price of between Tsh. 3,000 and Tsh. 5,000 respectively. Some interviewed residents who bought the film at Kariakoo market said that, “the film shows only few and not important areas that could enlighten the future generations on the basic important social and economic activities which were spearheaded by the father of the nation who died in October 1999”. According to one, Rhoda Simbale a resident of Vingunguti claimed that she thought the documentary would show the struggles of the farther of the nation towards the attainment of independence and any other activity as related to his charity idea of maintaining peace, unity and brotherhood. Another one, Joseph Mwambi who resides at Kinondoni was very happy to buy one film and thought it would show anything crucial to honour his credibility for being a long serving President and the founder of our nation. But to his great dismay, he was surprises to view the long speech which Mwalimu gave in a conference meeting with journalists he organized at the then Kilimanjaro hotel in Dar es Salaam. This was when Tanzania was getting prepared for the first multy-party elections in August 1995. Contrary to the expectations of many, the film shows only part of the Mwalimu’s visit of the battle field during the Kagera war in 1978/79 as well as when his body was being brought into the country aboard Air Tanzania plane (Ngorongoro). Other sections of it shows the procession amounted by a cross section of youths running after Mwalimu’s body while chanting slogans to praise his efforts, this was during when Mwalimu’s body was being driven to his Msasani residence in Dar es Salaam. Ally Abdallah, a resident of Ilala commented that, the film could have shown Nyerere’s efforts towards the liberation of southern African countries for which he was the Chairman of the front line states is such one aspect to be put in memory for the future generations not only in Tanzania but also for the benefits of the rest of the world.

This is the film cover of a documentary that bears the portrait of Tanzania’s father of the nation. The film is not sufficient with the contents it deserves to honour the father of the nation in culmination of the 50th anniversary in commemoration of the country’s independence celebrations.

As a general comment and expectations of many said that the film does not portray sufficient contents if it was meant to honour Mwalimu’s efforts as the nation is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence bearing the fact that, he had a reputable role to play for the attainment of the independence in 1961. When contacted for comment over the issue, the Director of the film Renatus Theophil said in a telephone interview that, when he asked for the permission to prepare this film he was restricted not to use some other parts of Mwalimu’s activities as they have been preserved as secret matters.
However, he could not even disclose who permitted him and for whom the work was intended, and instead he declined to say anything further. Social and political critics says that, the history of Mwalimu and the perils of nation building in Tanzania and Africa as a whole from before independence in 1961 to his retirement in 1985 is the idea of importance for the future generation of Tanzanians. Mwalimu led Tanzania into peaceful independence overcoming colonialism, internal divisions and cold war intrigue to build a unified nation that led the drive to liberate Southern Africa from white minority rule. While he never succumbs to corruption like many of his peers, Mwalimu dominated Tanzania politics for nearly 25 years. Without uncompromising idealism and piercing analysis, he inspired a generation with his vision for Africa as the “continent of hope for the human race”. He pursued his course out of his genuine desire to build a peaceful and prosperous society, and thus his failure cannot be attributed to greedy or other personal shortcomings but are rooted in deeper structural issues which continue to vex African leaders.

Local oil price fluctuations to continue unabated-EWURA

2011-12-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

THE National Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has assured oil consumers in the country to continue receiving price fluctuations on oil petroleum products as the situation is determined by the change of prices at global market. In view of this, EWURA has reiterated its stance to continue issuing indicative prices in order to curb with any possible economic downfall which is likely to be caused by unscrupulous oil dealers in the country. According to the authority’s head of Communications and Public Relations Titus Kaguo, there is no way to avoid the recurrent oil price increase, and if left without control, unscrupulous traders might take the advantage of rising the prices according to their wish. EWURA is working hard to regulate petroleum products, and the firm has appealed to petroleum product consumers to ask for receipts from buyers in order to ensure that important details such as the name of the petrol station, the indicative price and date are endorsed. The control of oil price by EWURA will continue to be reviewed at fortnightly intervals as earlier announced due to the sudden increase in price at global market. This is in a bid to stabilize oil prices in the country an aspect that helps to curb with the emerging unscrupulous oil dealers in the local market.

Director General of Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority {EWURA} Mr. Haruna Masebu elaborating a point to journalists not in the picture in early this year when the authority increased power tariff to current levels.

EWURA which is a sole regulator of oil products in the country has of recent instituted indicative prices and the essence of doing this is after it had discovered that there was no fixed price for oil products which keeps on rising and falling according to the oil shortages. Apart from that, oil dealers had to make own prices that seemed to be extravagant higher than normal an aspect that caused public outcry. “The intervention by EWURA has helped to stabilize the price at local market” says Mary Sichalwe an economist based in Dar es Salaam According to her, oil is a driving engine of all economic resources of all sectors of the economy and if the government would let private stakeholders to control oil businesses in the country, they would arrange their own prices as they are after the profit and not the welfare of the citizens in the country. Before the introduction of indicative prices on oil products by EWURA, oil dealers took an advantage when shortages of this precious product occurred in August this year when scores of filling stations across the country refused to sell fuel for some days in protest over unrealistic reduction in prices instituted by EWURA. However, both EWURA and the Tanzania Oil Marketers Association (TAOMAC) confirmed that the periodic shortages are artificially created by some unscrupulous dealers who speculate on the movements of indicative prices. Two weeks ago, fuel shortages arose after EWURA had announced indicative prices which were lower forcing the TAOMAC to issue a statement condemning the malpractice. According to the statement, the association was disgusted after it claimed to have witnessed long queues and the rush to many filling stations in Dar es Salaam city following rumours that there were no fuel supplies something that EWURA dismissed as untrue statement. According to EWURA, the country has enough oil stock and that mere speculation intends to set a petroleum issue as a political agenda that the government would decide to increase the prices following the fall of a shilling against US dollar. In order to be on the safe side, EWURA introduced new indicative oil prices and issued a directive to various filling stations in the country to introduce fuel price caps indicating the maximum above which fuel must not be sold. Apparently, the price hikes this time round were attributed to the increase of oil prices at the world market. Other contributing factors usually include the relentlessly depreciating Tanzania shilling against US dollar which is traditionally taken as a standard in the world of commerce. It is steadily but surely becoming normal that the fortnightly price changes either way up or down come at a time when dealers still have considerable quantities of fuel in stock. The move is in a bid that oil dealers should not exceed the authority’s wholesale price caps and retailers should not overcharge the consumers.

Dar residents astonished as EID celebrations triggered high food prices

2011-12-09T00:51:00.000-08:00

SOME food commodities were sold at high prices at most of the Dar es Salaam markets due to high demand by consumers during the just ended Eid-el-Haji celebrations, Food commodities mostly affected were those normally preferred during special religious occasions and big festivities. The high prices of such foodstuffs are normally characterized by a high demand by potential consumers. Shabani Abdallah, a wholesale trader at the Ilala market in the city said he bought 200 bags of rice from Mbeya and took only one week to dispose of the whole consignment. At other times, it would normally take him about a month to finish the lot. He said during such periods they reap big profits. A random survey at the city markets reveals that, a whole sale price of rice at Ilala market was sold at between Tshs. 140,000 and Tshs. 150,000 for a 100 kilogram bag and sometimes higher depending on its quality. A retail price of the same commodity was fetched at between Tshs. 1,600 and Tshs. 1,750 per kilo, and this is the price of the best quality rice compared to the previous price of Tshs. 1,400 and Tshs. 1,550 a kilogram respectively. At Buguruni market which is famous for selling bananas, prices were not normal as almost every essential food commodity was raised by 25 percent. Cooking bananas were sold at Tshs. 1,000 for a bundle of four pieces instead of the six pieces as it was used before. Ripe bananas were sold at between Shs. 200 and Sh. 250 each piece respectively instead of Shs. 100 and shs. 150 as it was before. According to one trader, Omar Salehe, there is no constant price for consumable products for most traders take the advantage of the festivities.

A congested part of the Kariakoo market at the heart of Dar es Salaam city.

The prices of mixed meat at Gongo la Mboto butcheries rose from the normal Tshs. 4,000 for a kilogram to Tshs. 5,000 a kilogram. This is an increase of 25 percent. Attributing for such a tremendous rise, Mvunda Kipelego a famous meat trader said that, the prices of cows at the nearby Pugu Cattle market were skyrocketed. The survey shows that, a steak meat and goat meat was sold at Tshs. 6,000 instead of the previous prices of Tshs. 5,000 per kilo. Exotic and local breed chicken were far from their normal price as these were rarely seen and apart from that, their prices were unaffordable to ordinary people. The survey can reveal that, a local breed hen was fetched at a lower price of Tshs. 10,000, and a cock at Tshs. 15,000. Exotic chicken were sold at between Tshs. 7,000 and Tshs. 9,000 respectively. However, they could be made affordable only during such festivities. Irish potatoes commodity from which a favourite fried chips is made as a popular food for most young residents including adults in the city of Dar es Salaam remained unchanged at Tshs. 1,000 a kilogram. This price has been virtually remained at a constant level for about two years now in almost all Dar es Salaam markets and their suburbs. The survey shows that, rice, meat cooking oil and Irish potatoes are the most preferred foods during festivities. Other food commodities and condiments such as tomatoes and onions had been sold at a minimum prices as their supplies is constant. A kilogram of onion has been sold at Tshs. 1,400 whereas tomatoes has been fetched at Tshs. 1,200 a kilo. However, market statistics from the main Kariakoo market from where all these commodities are purchased in bulk shows constant supplies of most of these commodities. But prices of such commodities rises up whenever there is a high demand says a market statician Mr. Nicolus Omolo. According to him, unscrupulous traders sometimes are to blame as they tend to rise up some food commodities during religious festivities as they take advantage of the celebrity for unknown reasons as they presume many people would emerge to buy their products. He further said that, the situation is unavoidable as the demand for such commodities surge up within a short time and then the prices falls down to a normal business trend when such festivities comers to an end.

The Ministry of agriculture attracted as many show goers than expected

2011-11-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of agriculture and cooperatives was the most fascinating stall, which attracted most show goers. You can see the artificial exotic chicken breeds which were brought at the show ground. One would think these are real chicken by looking at them from far a distance.

Prime Minister’s office shines at Mnazi Mmoja show ground

2011-11-14T05:04:00.001-08:00

A man looks at the photos of the preceding Prime Ministers of Tanzania who were displayed at the entrance to the exhibition ground organized by the Prime Ministers’ office in commemoration of the 50th anniversary cerebrations of the Tanzania’s independence at Mnazi Mmoja show ground a fortnight ago. The climax of this national cerebration would be marked on 9th December 2011 at Mwalimu Nyerere ground or Sabasaba ground.

Lack of spaces, who is to blame?

2011-11-14T05:02:00.001-08:00

This scene is at the junction road of Kitunda and that one of Banana-Ukonga. It’s very absurd to note that, an open space reserved for pedestrians has been turned to be a parking site for motor-cycles popularly known as Bodaboda who do not pay even a road license. Despite of their presence, no one bothers their presence even the traffic police never take any action to control them.

Police verses daladala drivers in Dar es Salaam is always a shame

2011-11-14T04:59:00.001-08:00

A traffic policeman who seemed to be desperate with the daladala driver at Gongo la Mboto bus stop, instructing a driver of this daladala who seemed to have violated traffic rule while speeding on the road. It’s very hectic in the morning during pick hours as most daladala drivers rush here and there without caring for the pedestrians. The above daladala driver who was forced to disembark had to face the law in court later in the evening when he was found to have committed several mistakes on the road.

How Mwanza is becoming a nice city

2011-11-14T04:57:00.001-08:00

This is how the city of Mwanza is decorated near the NMB Bank at a round about. The place has become one of the most attracting spot for having been placed with a Nile perch statue, a common marine creature in lake Victoria.

This is how government officials forces bribes, aren’t they ashamed?

2011-11-14T04:54:00.001-08:00

It was high time when officials from Singida Town Council who with the car which they had packed in front of the Mwanza bound Zuberi Bus with intention to block it from proceeding on with the journey when passengers on board disembarked and started exchanging abusive words. The officials claimed that the driver of the bus had refused to stop at Singida bus stop and as a council rule, he had to pay a fine of Tshs. 300,000/- cash for his disobedience or else go to police. When passengers heard of this they became furious and were about to exchange blows with the officials who after much discussions they decided to leave the bus and continued with its safari. I was among the passengers on board and the incident occurred in May this year.

Hotels constructed along the main roads offers high price foods

2011-11-14T04:52:00.001-08:00

This is one of the finest hotels and a rest house which has been constructed near Gairo along Morogoro-Dodoma main road. Such hotels offers food and accommodation to would be passengers traveling along the road. But according to one traveler their costs are higher than normal. In January this year, the Assistant Minister for Transport Mr. Athuman Mfutakamba promised up-country travelers all over the country that, his ministry would try with everything possible to make sure that, they build rest houses for travelers along the main roads to relieve them of the great burden of the problem of helping themselves while on safari instead of going into the bushes, a thing commonly known as “Kuchimba Dawa” in Swahili language.

When Daladala messes up

2011-11-14T04:50:00.001-08:00

A daladala which plies between Gongo La Mboto and Pasta recently got stuck at Gongo la Mboto and without help, the owner had to hire a break down for help. This mini bus went into the interior of the uswahilini area to pick people who had hired it for a wedding ceremony.

Dar becomes a notorious city in haphazard construction

2011-11-14T04:46:00.000-08:00

Haphazard construction of residential buildings is increasing in the city of Dar es Salaam and on the outskirts of it as you can see the situation in this photo taken from Tandika Yombo recently. Despite of these developments and efforts shown by Temeke municipal council to control such unplanned settlements from developing, critics says that such areas will slowly develop into a slum settlements whereby the provision of social services and important infrastructures would becomes rather difficult in future.

Empowering local citizens through ICT knowledge

2011-11-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

EFFORTS to bridge the digital divide by promoting the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) tools to the people particularly in peri-urban and rural communities in Tanzania has led to the emergence of knowledge sharing among the local citizens. Following the liberalization of ICT sector in the country, issues of internet access as a tool for knowledge building has been adapted to a greater extent by various ICT stakeholders in order to meet the need of the so-called the information poor. In view of this, ICT investment is progressively taking place in Tanzania and this is indeed a paradigm shift in knowledge transfer. It means Tanzania is booming as an active partner in ICT use and internet has played a most crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap between societies at a considerable rate. his shows that, the potential of ICT application and its investment if well utilized is going to transform education and reduce ignorance, poverty and diseases in the country. In order to fight against these three development impediments, the process actually needs a joint concerted efforts of all stakeholders. The establishments of Tele-Centres which are the alternative source for rural e-learning is essential for ICT investments as these provides related services such as ICT training, consultancy services, distance learning, and business trainings. This is quite distinct from such an ICT centre like an internet café which is purely a commercial entity providing access to long distant communication and information services using a variety of technologies including phones, fax, computers and surfing. In rural communities, mobile internet is the most appropriate to a larger audience that helps such communities to benefit from the ICT revolution by accessing information that is of specific relevance to the daily lives of the people for their overall development process. The philosophy behind the Tele-centres concept initiatives is to provide affordability to rural communities and ICT projects for good governance and inspires collaborative participatory private public community partnerships.

CMSA seeks for nominated advisors to stand for its equity market

2011-11-14T04:42:00.000-08:00

CAPITAL Markets and Securities Authorities (CMSA) is looking for strategic advisors and their representatives in order to operationalize its Enterprise Growth Market (EGM) segment of the stock exchange. EGM is a recently established equity market by CMSA which is intended specifically for the development of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. A statement issued by CMSA says that, prospective advisors would be companies licensed by CMSA to undertake responsibility of nurturing and assisting an issuer for a public offer of securities and advising issuer listed on the EGM segment of stock exchange EGM which will later be launched by Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) once advisors are obtained will help small and medium enterprises that cannot access capital markets and also would help them obtain the needed capital for their expansions. The establishment of EGM comes about as a result of the recent study carried out by CMSA on the market structure most appropriate for the country. The study identified the need to change the existing structure to cope with the requirements of the economy as well as to facilitate the implementation of national policies aimed at economically empowering Tanzanians. Such policies includes policy on encouraging SME to grow, the National Strategy for Growth and Poverty Reduction (MKUKUTA), the Properties Business Formalization Program (PBFP-MKURABITA) and the Zanzibar Economic Growth Program (ZEGP-MKUZA).The implementation of the above mentioned policies, require a market segment which will cater for the needs of a section of the economy that up to now has not been able to tap into capital market, says CMSA spokesperson Mr. Charles Shirima. EGM will support the implementation of the above policies by creating entry to capital markets for entities which up to now have not had access to this opportunity. It is an envisaged as a new equity market segment that will exist in conjunction to, and complement the existing Main Investments Market Segment (MIMS) at DSE. With the liberalization of the Tanzanian economy, entrepreneurship is growing more and more and as a result the number of SMEs has been increasing and is expected to increase further. Coupled by this gradual growth, SMEs needs support. However, both the government‘s policy and strategic studies and capital markets studies have unequivocally shown that access to capital has been a key hindrance to the development of entrepreneurship and growth of SMEs. Creating an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of entrepreneurship and SMEs, is a key objective and an integral part of the government’s MKUKUTA program initiatives.

Iran donates 100 power tillers

2011-10-14T03:39:00.000-07:00

IRAN will donate 100 power tillers in support of government's resolve to embark on the green revolution, popularly referred to as Kilimo Kwanza. The pledge was made in Dar es Salaam on Thursday by the Iranian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Mohsen Movahhedi Ghumi, when he paid a courtesy call on President Jakaya Kikwete at State House. Mr Ghumi said the power tillers worth 600,000 US Dollars were purchased with part of Iranian Development Grant to Tanzania. Last year, Tanzania signed an agreement with Iran in which the latter agreed to provide the country with 1.2 million US dollars in development grant. Part of the money has been used to purchase the farm implements and the remainder will be spent on construction of a modern health facility in Dar es Salaam. Under the agreement, Iran also agreed to provide the Zanzibar government with 1 million US dollars for procuring 50 powers tillers and use the remaining amount on purchasing fishing boats. The donation will be handed over by a senior Iranian leader scheduled to visit Tanzania, according to a statement issued by the State House Communication directorate. President Kikwete thanked the ambassador for the donation which he said was a big contribution towards realizing Kilimo Kwanza goals.

SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Minister Mwandosya upbeat as health improves

2011-10-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

THE Minister for Water, Prof Mark Mwandosya who is admitted at Apollo Hospital here is upbeat about his current health condition and is looking to fly back home soon. The minister, recuperating after a surgery a couple of weeks ago, said here yesterday that he sees the time before he checks out from the hospital shorter than the period he has covered so far since he was flown to the hospital in June. ''I am better now and I can walk without crutches or any other support. Currently, I do some exercises and also go to the park outside,'' he said. He was talking to journalists covering the two-day India-Africa Business Partnership Summit who visited him at the hospital. He thanked Tanzanians for the prayers and best wish messages. 'I have sincerely been energized by the prayers and get-well-soon messages from my fellow countrymen and women,'' he said, as his daughter, Sekela, studying in Birmingham in the UK who flew here last weekend to see his father, was busy taking photos. The minister, wearing a broad smile, also said that he lost no hope battling for his life when a section of the Tanzanian press reported mid last month that he was dead. ''When people say that you are dead and in actual fact you are alive and kicking, then that is a good sign you will get well soon,'' he joked, when responding to a question querying how he felt about the death rumours. Explaining further about his illness, the soft-spoken and a bit-shy minister, further said that his neighbours in Tegeta area on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam were shocked when they heard the news that he was flown out of the country for further treatment.

SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Bilal to flag off Uhuru Torch race

2011-10-14T03:34:00.000-07:00

VICE-President Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal is on Friday expected to flag off the Uhuru Torch race here as the nation commemorates the 12th anniversary of the death of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. Mwalimu succumbed to leukemia on October 14, 1999 at St Thomas Hospital in London. Many will remember him for his liberation struggle not only for Tanganyika but the whole of southern Africa. He led Tanganyika to independence from Britain on the eve of December 9, 1961 through the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). A statement issued by Mara regional authorities on Thursday indicated that there would be a special Mass in commemoration of the fallen hero at his Butiama birthplace. Dr Bilal will also lay a wreath on Mwalimu's grave. During the festivities, religious leaders drawn from the Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) and the Hindu community will cite prayers for the late Father of the Nation. Dr Bilal is expected to light the Uhuru Torch and hand it to Mara Regional Commissioner, Mr John Tupa, marking the start of the race across the country.
SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

State House clarifies on Kombe's killers

2011-10-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

THE government has refuted a report by a local tabloid that President Jakaya Kikwete reviewed death penalty to two police officers convicted of murder of a former director of intelligence, Lt Gen Imran Kombe on June 30 1996. The State House said in a statement that President Kikwete has never been involved in the clemency of the two convicts. The decisions on the presidential clemency on two convicts, Constable Mataba Matiku and Juma Muswa were reached before Mr Kikwete came into office on December 31, 2005. The tabloid had reported that President Kikwete reviewed the death penalty of the two convicts to two years imprisonment.
SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Experts tout modern farming

2011-10-14T03:30:00.001-07:00

COUNTRIES, especially Africa, have been advised to invest a lot more in farming implements and infrastructure, and enhance public-private sector partnership in a bid to avert sporadic hunger. The advice was given on Wednesday by a panel of presenters during an agricultural forum held here and attended by various world leaders including Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda. The presenters said without the use of modern farming tools and implements such as tractors and power tillers, environmental friendly fertilizers and improving infrastructure to transport the produce, people will not benefit from agriculture. But they also noted that the involvement of the private sector in agriculture will improve the sector, particularly in Africa. The Chairman of Archer Daniels Midland, Patricia Woertz, said linking farmers with roads will enable them to transport home their farm produce, at the same time take cash crops to the market with ease.
SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Dar es Salaam launches new campaign against drugs

2011-10-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

POLICE in Dar es Salaam have launched a new operation aimed at arresting drug traffickers and users, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Mr Suleiman Kova said on Thursday. Addressing journalists in the city, Mr Kova said that in line with the operation, 108 people were arrested for allegedly being involved in various crimes including drug traffickers, dealers and users. ''The operation has kicked off and already 108 people suspected to be drug traffickers, dealers and users have been arrested,'' he said and added that the operation started one month ago. According to Mr Kova, the suspects were found with a sack of khat being suppled in the city using a vehicle with the registration numbers T 419 ABZ. Mr Kova said another vehicle with the registration numbers T 693 BMZ carried three sacks of bhang that was being supplied by some suspects who were arrested. He named some of the suspects as David Fares, 28, Joseph Jerome, 20, David Denis, 15, and Hamis Khalifan.
SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Kikwete leads mourners in bidding farewell to veteran scribe

2011-10-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

CCM Chairman, President Jakaya Kikwete on Thursday led hundreds of mourners to bid adieu to the late former party's assistant secretary of publicity, Mr Juma Penza, in Dar es Salaam.
The late Penza, one of the country's veteran journalists, was laid to rest at the Kisutu Cemetery, a day after succumbing from kidney complications. The deceased was admitted to the Hindu Mandal Hospital for treatment since October 5, before passing away on Wednesday night. He was 59. Deputy CCM Chairman Mr John Chiligati and the party's Publicity and Ideology Secretary, Mr Nape Nnauye, were among the top leaders at the funeral. "Let today journalists steal a leaf or two from the late Penza who was one dedicated, professional and righteous newsman during his hey days. "Having worked with him for years I always admired his zeal to disseminating accurate and objective news that never sowed hatred among the readers", said Mr Chiligati. Speaking at the deceased's Gongo la Mboto home on the outskirts of the city, Mustapher Penza, who is the son of the late Penza, said his father was suffering from kidney and liver complications, blood pressure and he had paralyzed on his right side. He said his father who was one of the earliest directors of the party owned Uhuru FM Radio, served as Press secretary to former Prime Ministers, the late Rashid Kawawa and Mr John Malecela.
SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

Prince of Wales coming to Dar es Salaam

2011-10-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

THE Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and the Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting Tanzania early next month at the invitation of President Jakaya Kikwete. A statement issued by the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam on Thursday said the British royal couple will also be visiting South Africa at the invitation of President Jacob Zuma. "The British government has asked the Prince and the Duchess to undertake official visits to South Africa and Tanzania from November 2 to 9, this year," reads part of the statement. In Tanzania the Royal visit will be part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Independence. The Prince of Wales visited South Africa in 1997 when he introduced his son Prince Harry to Southern Africa. This will be The Duchess of Cornwall's first official visit to Southern Africa, though she has once visited privately. The Prince of Wales's last official visit to Tanzania was in March 1984. The Duchess has never visited Tanzania. Their royal highnesses' Commonwealth tour will focus on trade and investment promotion to support Britain's economic recovery and strengthen the economies of its partners. The tour will also focus on employment opportunities, development issues as well as education and practical support for disadvantaged young people and sustainability issues in the run-up to the Durban Climate Summit later in November.

SOURCE DAILY NEWS

Ocampo wants ICC to reject Kenya quest for evidence

2011-10-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

The International Criminal Court prosecutor, Mr Luis Moreno-Ocampo, has asked the court to dismiss Kenya’s request for evidence to help the government try more suspects of the post-election violence.Mr Moreno-Ocampo said the request lacked merit and that the government had not provided proof that it was conducting any investigations. The prosecutor’s move comes only days after he met Attorney- General Githu Muigai and Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko at The Hague where they made an oral request for the evidence. The two especially asked for the confidential documents Mr Moreno-Ocampo is using in his two cases. Kenya argued that accessing the evidence would advance its investigations on other perpetrators of the violence other than the Ocampo Six. “The court is clearly in possession of information and materials that are relevant to these national investigations into the six suspects as well as all other suspects,” the government says in an application filed by lawyers Geoffrey Nice and Rodney Dixon. But Mr Moreno-Ocampo says in his response that the Pre-Trial Chamber is under no obligation to provide cooperation to allow Kenyan authorities to exercise their responsibility. The government says that these materials, though helpful to its investigations, are not available to it especially in instances where the court is relying on anonymous witnesses.
SOURCE: DAILY NATION OF KENYA

Tanzania faces an acute shortage of sugar

2011-10-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

More than 2,200 bags of sugar which were being smuggled into neighbouring Kenya through Rombo, Himo and Moshi rural districts, have been impounded, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Leonidas Gama disclosed yesterday. Addressing civil servants in Hai township, during a day-long visit of the district to introduce himself, Gama said the sugar was now being sold in the region. The new RC who also met with district security and defense committee and councilors and inspected development projects said owners of the impounded vehicles and drivers were yet to come forward. The RC said if owners produced adequate documentary evidence as to the destination of the sugar, they would be given the money after sale of the commodity. “Otherwise the money will be directed into construction of secondary schools,” he charged Gama said it was common to see between 20 to 30 trucks parked at Himo town claiming to be shipping sugar to Rombo district, but after nightfall the traders transported it to neighbouring Kenya where currently a kilo of sugar sells for nearly 5,000/-. “When I asked the police why they were not seizing the vehicles and arresting the drivers, they replied that it was normally difficult to tell whether the destination of the consignment was within or outside the country,” he said. He alleged that owners of the consignment normally boarded smaller vehicles and dished out bribes to the police and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) officials to let the goods be shipped to Kenya.

2011-09-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Who is this standing, whose hand has been raised up by the late Sheikh Abeid Karume, the first President of the Revolutionary government of Zanzibar? This is John Okelo, a man whose legacy has been forgotten in the history of the revolution in Zanzibar which took place in 12th January 1964. Okello who is said to be a Ugandan national, helped to organise and fought vigorously to tople the Sultanate government in Zanzibar and during the fight, he called himself a Field Marshal of the commanding group. Many Zanzibaris does not recognise him as a heroe who liberated black Africans who by then were subjected under the Arab humiliation. I am planning to compile a book to give an account of his adventure of his political movements ever since he entered in the Islands of Pemba and Zanzibar.

2011-09-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

2011-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

University students display placards as they wait for the outcome of a meeting between their leaders and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training officials in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, on their overdue loans which they would have collected on the 27th of this month. (Photo by Robert Okanda of Daily News)

Iramba district is known by its onion production

2011-09-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

Business women at Kitukutu ward in Iramba District, Singida Region wait for customers as captured on Tuesday this week. The district is the leading onion producing region in Tanzania. A bucket of onions is currently sold for 5,000/-. (Photo by Daly News of 28/9/2011)

Govt prints constitution in Braille for the blind

2011-09-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

In a bid to ensure wide participation of citizens in the process of preparing a new constitution, the government has printed special copies in Braille form for people with visual disabilities. Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Permanent Secretary Oliver Mhaiki said the 1, 500 copies cost 32m/- to print. Speaking at the handover ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday, he said the government will print even more copies to suite all groups of people with disabilities. “We received a request from blind people, we decided to print the copies in a form where the letters are printed as groups of raised dots that can be felt by fingures”, he said. Mhaiki said there are so many laws and regulations for people with disabilities but they don’t understand them. He added, “Hope they will now be able to contribute towards the new constitution”. Elaborating, he said his ministry in collaboration with the office of the Attorney General had embarked on the provision of civic education to different groups of people including people with disabilities. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Voice of Disabled Women in Tanzania (SAUTA), Modesta Mpelembwa has thanked the ministry for providing them with the copies. “We are very happy for the books since we didn’t have opportunity to read the constitution for 509 years”, she said. She called upon other institutions to volunteer in printing more copies because there are so many people with disabilities in Tanzania. She said the 1, 500 copies would be distributed to their branches countrywide.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

The government faulted for skipping major issues

2011-09-28T04:56:00.001-07:00

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

Diploma engineering students to get full sponsorship

2011-09-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

The government has announced that diploma students in civil and irrigation engineering at technical colleges will get 100 per cent loans from the Higher Education Students Loans Board (HESLB).“We want to encourage more students to take civil and irrigation engineering courses. This sector needs more technical personnel. So, by giving them loans, we believe that more engineers will be produced and fill the existing gap,” Education and Vocational Training minister Dr Shukuru Kawambwa said recently when he visited Arusha Technical College (ATC). Other beneficiaries include students taking civil and irrigation engineering degree courses in different technical colleges across the country. Kawanda explained that the loans offered by HESLB would now cover ordinary diploma holders joining ATC, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) and Mbeya Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), as well as universities. He noted that the move was meant to encourage technical education and attract more professionals in science and engineering fields whose demand in the local market remained high. “We’ll make some adjustments so that ordinary diploma holders joining universities can assess loans just like other direct entrants,” he said, without mentioning when the new arrangement would start. He explained that although the loans were meant for direct entrants to universities, priority being given to science students, the move to extend loans to diploma holders in technical education was deliberate. According to ATC principal Richard Masika, until now such loans were only issued to direct entrants to universities and did not cover holders of diplomas from technical colleges. ATC, which was elevated to an autonomous training institution under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training a few years ago, introduced a degree programme in civil and irrigation engineering last year. "We urge the government to provide HESLB loans to our students in civil and irrigation engineering because failure to do so means that we will continue losing these experts," he said when briefing the minister. He also promised that his ministry would ensure the construction of a laboratory building at ATC was completed on time. The building, which is to be completed next year, is for testing soil and water quality. Meanwhile, ATC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tanga Cement Company to help students be innovative in cement use. ATC Link coordinator Jaffar Mwanza said the MoU would enable the college to monitor the quality of cement produced in the country and the one imported by studying cement materials. According to the MoU, TCCL will be giving ATC two tonnes of cement quarterly for practical training.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Former dean recommends continuous ‘Self-assessment’ for degree students

2011-09-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

FORMER Dean of the faculty of commerce at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Dr. Fraterm Mboya has urged the management of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) to conduct a thorough continuous assessment programs to its students so as to let them build up their confidence. He says some graduates from UDBS lacks proper communication skills in both written and oral English language, an aspect he termed would cause a detrimental effects for their future development especially at this time when Tanzania has signed East African common market agreement. In view of this, Dr. Mboya has suggested for an effective concentration of the so-called self assessment program for students, otherwise if the trend is not changed, they won’t get their students being employed by any institutions in the financial and commercial sectors in the country. However, he has asked the management of the UDBS to sit down and think of how to practice an effective continuous self-assessment for its students internally, and might also get an external assessment through exchange program.

One of the greatest achievements the University of Dar es Salaam Business School is proud of is a State-of-the-art building it has constructed at the campus in Dar es Salaam.

He made this remark two weeks ago during one week occasion of the UDBS celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UDSM whose climax would be held later on 25th October this year. Dr. Mboya who is currently the Director General of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) was a dean of the faculty of Commerce at the UDSM between 1986-1992 before it was changed into a business school in 2008. On the other way, the current dean of the Business School, who is also a former student at the university during which Dr. Mboya was a dean, Dr. Marcelina Chijoriga, confirmed that, she has introduced an English language program that takes six months duration. She said before the school undertakes the registration of its students, as a full time study program, the course helps beginners learn English language before embarking on an effective training programs. According to her, the essence of doing this is to empower students to get used to good command of English language while communicating. This language program would enable many graduates to be conversant and master their communication skills wherever possible.
Dr. Chijoriga also inaugurated the advisory board of the UDBS, four members were elected by the committee among them is Dr. Mboya. The purpose of launching the board is to get people from outside the main campus to give advices pertaining to the development of the UDBS school. Highlighting the development which her school has attained so far within 50 years of its existence, Dr. Marcelina Chijoriga said the business school has increased its student’s registration from 120 students in 1979 to about 2,500 students at present. She noted that, since the establishment of the faculty since 1979, now it is independent and had widened up its educational curriculum. She said adding that, the school has instituted undergraduate evening degree programs as well as a new building has been constructed within the campus. These are the most achievements attained, and apart from that, Dr. Marcelina has however asked her students to concentrate hard in business studies so as to cope with the situation in order to curb with the challenges that might emerge in East African common market. Poor communication skills facing most Tanzania higher learning students is an issue which various academicians in the country have spoken about it in broader perspective, and the situation seems to deteriorating without improvement.

The Minister for Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami congratulates one of the advisory Board committee member of the UDBS school in a function to which he was the guest of honor at the UDSM main campus in mid of July this year. On his left standing is the UDBS Dean Dr. Marcelina Chijoriga

To start with, Professor Elifas Bisanda of Open University said last week that, most Tanzanian scholars from higher learning institutions in the country do not think deeply, they mostly think of getting certificates but not an in-depth knowledge which can make them think more critically. According to him, it is a fact that 20 years ago the top cream of graduates in most higher learning institutions were so bright, the challenge lies in the new generations which relies in short cuts in acquiring knowledge for their development. The Vice-Chancellor of Mzumbe University Professor Joseph Kuzilwa pointed out that graduates needs both technical and critical knowledge, it’s a matter of building knowledge and not be specific in one area. According to him, one way of grooming Tanzanian scholars into maturity is that, a student has to go himself to library or to the internet to look for the materials for themselves as time for attending lectures is not enough to enable them absorb what teachers shall have highlighted for them. A renowned radio broadcaster and an academician, Mrs. Marie Shaba pointed out that, Tanzanian scholars are not narrow minded, but it is because of the environment in which they were brought up. She is in the view of the fact that, the parental care under which most scholars are brought up is what makes them think the way they are. Commenting on the issue, Mr. Rakesh Rajani of TWAWEZA-East Africa, a Non-Governmental organization noted that, “there is a silly system of education here in Tanzania focusing on the problem of that of the medium of communication from primary level. He says that lack of confidence is built as a result of being illiterate in one area.
The above speakers gave out their comments in a live show program entitled “This week perspective” which is prepared by a renowned journalist and a long time TV presenter Mr. Adam Sembeye which was aired on last Monday under the subject. “Employability of graduates in the country”

The government does not have money to fund SMEs-Cyril tells entrepreneurs

2011-09-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

THE Minister for Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami has said that, Tanzania government does not have money with which to fund the development of Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. Dr. Cyril made the call recently in Dar es Salaam when addressing entrepreneurs in a closing ceremony of their week long training program which was organized by the University of Dar es Salaam School of Business (UDBS) for which he was invited as the guest of honour. The training which was attended by 683 participants from various parts of the country was offered freely as part of a week long celebrations by UDBS to mark the 50th anniversary of the University of Dar es Salaam whose climax ends on 25th October this year. In his speech Dr. Cyril told entrepreneurs to find other means of solving their woes through Private Public Partnership spirits by collaborating with donor funding organizations or through financial institutions accredited in the country. Earlier, the minister was asked a question by one of the participants’ representatives who wanted to know what steps does the government take in order to help promote the development of the SMEs in terms of capital for investments.

The Minister of Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami presenting a certificate of participation to one of the 683 entrepreneurs who attended a one week long training program on entrepreneurship skills which was offered by University of Dar es Salaam School of Business (UDBS) at a function which was held recently at UDBS hall in Dar es Salaam.

In reply, however, the minister added by urging them not to depend much on the government in such issues as it’s engaged with lots of projects and moreover doesn’t have money set in its budget to the ministry to help accommodate entrepreneurs’ activities. He advised them not to rely on the financial institutions for funding, as most banks operating in the country are not friendly with SMEs and apart from that, the increased bureaucracy encountered is a major impediment while applying for credit loans. However, instead the Minister told them to coordinate with Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) to get entrepreneurship knowledge through capacity building in terms of training. “This is only the way most of entrepreneurs would avert themselves out of abject poverty”,. He said adding that SIDO is an institution that works under the umbrella of the Ministry of Trade and Industries and is highly engaged in capacity building. He urged them to undergo entrepreneurship trainings on various stages of basic business administrations through which the knowledge acquired would widen their entrepreneurship skills. These are the only strategic plans to make them survive He urged them to tolerate all the way through their business hardships and that they shouldn’t despair as there is nothing which is easier for the development of the people’s life without struggling hard. “Tanzanian industries would be built by Tanzanians themselves and nobody else, therefore you must strive by all means to achieve your goals by showing diligence and determination in every business undertakings” he said. Earlier, interviewed tutors at the school noted that the knowledge they give to them is highly commendable and a challenge to young entrepreneurs who are not well educated or half-educated therefore it will make them have confidence in other business dealings in order to fair in competition in East African common market. Highlighting on a week long entrepreneurship training knowledge acquired which the UDBS offered freely, the dean of the Business school Dr. Marcelina Chijoriga said that participants were taught on how to become innovative and with self-determination so as to successfully accomplish their various daily activities.

The Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam School of Business (UDBS) Mrs Marcelina Chijoriga responds questions to Mlimani TV crew on the development of her school recently during the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

She said in a move to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UDSM, as well as the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence, The UDBS decided to offer a free training to small and medium enterprises in the country to empower them through capacity building program. They have learnt some of the basic topics associated with the ways on how to manage their enterprises such as business tactics, techniques, business administration and management in general and later participants were awarded with the certificates of participation. Some interviewed participants have expressed their concern over the government’s insistence on maintaining good governance saying that most of the country’s resources is being misused and never benefits Tanzanians. They are disappointed to see that our country’s resources is enough and abundant, but how comes that we are not benefiting so far? Says Lazaro Nyaonge, a manager of the Morogoro based Linas Longer Living Foods Company. An assistant lecturer at the UDBS Mr. Renger Kanan said in an interview with this paper during the climax of the UDBS week long cerebrations that, there is a growing gap between the government and the businessmen, manufacturers and all those in the business sector in general. He said that if this issue of the electricity would not be solved easily would cost a lot to the people of Tanzania and the government’s major ope4rational activities would come to a stand still as it would lack money to run its other operations due to low taxes paid as most manufacturers would stop production and hence redundancy would follow. In view of this, he has strongly urged the government to equalize the ration of electricity supply in the country in order to be on safe side. This should be given first priority as it is a most crucial commodity for every development plans. Electricity is used to drive electronic gadgets for ICTs such as computers and machines.

The seizure of fish consignment from Japan sparks a mixed reaction

2011-09-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

UNCERTAINTY still surrounds the recent government’s decision which has left many people in great amazement after it had suspended the sale of about 124,992 kilograms of fish consignment from Japan, which it had earlier certified was fit for consumption. Business Times can establish. The orders came after five days of the release of the fish consignment known as Mackerel from the port of Dar es Salaam two weeks ago despite of the fact that the company met all the local and international safety requirements for importation with all the legal documents in hands. The Minister for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Hadji Mponda confirmed in Dar es Salaam recently that, his ministry had intervened on the strength of a report of the consignment from an anonymous informer that, “the alleged consignment had been contaminated by dangerous nuclear elements.” However, the consignees’ shipping documents including two important ordering permits whose copies are made available to Business Times, shows that all the procedures as indicated in the documents were clearly followed. But to the great dismay, the General Manager of the company Alphakrust Limited which imported the consignment Mr. Ganeshan Vedagire is still in great surprise following the orders by the government which compelled him to withhold the sale of the fish consignment pending for further investigations. According to him, the available documents verifies in details the importing procedures through which the company followed. One of the most important documents is the one issued by Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission with reference No: I’AEC/ENV/09/3/VOL.95/2309 which was signed by its Director General on 8th of July 2011. Another document in hand is that one which was issued by the Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA).

The Ferry fish market in Dar es Salaam is currently facing shortage of fish, not because of the fish consignment that is supposed to have posed a great threat to consumers, but because of the recent marine disaster of Spice Islander which sunk with over 1,000 people off the shores of Zanzibar Island. In view of this, fishermen have stopped fishing and have gone to mourn for their relatives in Pemba. Statistics shows that most fishermen at Ferry fish market are people of Pemba origin.

This document endorsed the permission to import registrable products under section 21(1)d of Tanzania Food Drug and Cosmetics Act 2003, the document bears the permit No: TFDA11/F/IPER/0896 which was signed on behalf of the Director General on 11th of July 2011. Investigations by Business Times over the matter can reveal from other sources in the fish industry that, some fish dealers have described the action portrays corruption and has been more aggravated by, if not personal interests of some few untrustworthy officials Their views are judged from the proof that, if Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) a national body responsible for ascertaining the quality of imported food had allowed the sale of the consignment in the market which they had proved had no doubt, how comes should they change out their mindset? Asked one fellow. However, TFDA’s acting Director General Mr. Hiiti Sillo could not be able to speak on the matter when contacted for more clarifications saying that, the issue was now in the hands of the government investigation. Interviewed about the whole saga, some fish traders in the city could not hesitate to give out their comments. Their views had a mixed reaction as some of them expressed their views in support of government’s decision while others have criticized their fellow traders for having involved in dubious business. Some local fish dealers in the country expressed their disappointment over the decision of the government for banning the consignment from being sold in the market, saying that it was too late as some potion of it was already allowed and people had bought it. They said, “TFDA as well as the Ministry of Health officials have to be blamed for their failure to take abrupt action of preventing the consignment from being sold, and commented on the power the two bodies are vested upon over the inspection of the imports coming into the country. Apart from the blame thrown to the government, some fish traders have also blamed their fellow fish businessmen for being unscrupulous says one Frank Joseph of Magogoni fish market in the city. According to him, there are few unscrupulous fish traders who are engaged in an illegal business transactions with a view of spoiling the good name of the industry which it has established and its stakeholders in general. Another businessman Ahamad Kombo of a Dar es Salaam based Fish Dealers Company, threw a challenge to fish industries in the country for their failure to comply by the rules and regulations set by the government over the conduct of fish businesses, especially when ordering fish consignment from outside the country. According to him, there are some famous businessmen who are engaged in importing fish consignment that colludes with high ranking government’s officials in dubious trade transactions, an aspect which he termed as tarnishing the good name of fish industry in the country. Without mentioning the alleged companies, he says that, some engage in acts of corruption with the government related organs who concerns with imports and inspections of imported fish from outside the country. He reveals that consignment of low quality fish is auctioned to some unscrupulous traders coming from East and Central African countries Tanzania included who does their business transactions with their counterparts from Middle East countries. Mr. Kombo whose company deals with the supply of fish as an agent, says that dubious traders have found it easier to conduct their businesses here in Tanzania without resistances. He therefore cautions Tanzanians to be keen enough while buying the imported fish. Mr. Kombo noted that, most big fish industries in the country are owned by well-known eminent figures who owns biggest shares and in view of this, it is difficult to control them. However, he noted that it is not true that small scale businessmen fails to order fish consigners from outside the country, but due to their low income level and coupled by the increased tax rates by the government, most of them fails to do such businesses. Cornered by the writer of this news, was a Medical expert who could not hesitate to advise Tanzanians on the consequences that might arise as side effects resulting from the consumption of any foods alleged to have been contaminated by nuclear elements. An expert says that such victims are likely to be affected by cancer.
An Assistant Director of the cancer department of the famous Dar es Salaam based Ocean Road Cancer Hospital Dr. Julius Mwaiselege said in interview when contacted for comments that, “signs of cancer disease resulting from nuclear elements is not immediately realized. However, he said the circulation of the so-called poison moves slowly on human body and takes about ten years when a patient begins to see the body signs. Therefore, Dr. Mwaiselege suggests that for earlier treatment if someone suspects to have been infected is therefore asked to undergo for a medical treatment earlier to know of their body status. Dr. Mwaisegele made the appeal especially to those who felt to have already consumed the fish consignment in areas of Kilombero, Morogoro and in Dar es Salaam where it had been earlier distributed for sale. Meanwhile the Manager of fish Ferry market My. Bure Mdoe where the consignment were destined for preservation, has said that Dar es Salaam residents should not be afraid as the fish earlier kept within the yard have been removed for further investigations. The issue of fish raged the national parliamentary debate a fortnight ago as members of the parliament demanded to know the government move to import the fish while the country has all the available water sources to be used for fishing activities.

The plight of Petty traders at Kariakoo area is still unsolved

2011-09-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

THE exercise of evicting petty traders commonly known as “Machingas” from conducting their businesses in restricted areas from the main central business district in the city of Dar es Salaam seems to have bore no fruit, the survey by Business Times can reveal. The operation which started five years ago, is being steered by the Dar es Salaam City Council with the aim of clearing the city centre streets of congestion. This is a move to ensure the implementation of a properly planned Sustainable Development Cities Programs which was introduced by the city fathers almost a decade ago. Contrary to the expectations of many people, the exercise by no means seems to have failed as many petty traders who had been evicted from their original trading areas can be seen back in full swing from where they had been allocated. A spot check by this paper reveals that, most petty traders have clogged narrow congested streets while others have almost blocked important passages, thus rendering some difficulties of movements of goods and people around, an aspect that is contrary to the integrated city’s planning development systems.

A Woman is seen with a bunch of onions which she has spread on the ground in front of the famous Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. Such merchandise arte spread on the ground surrounding the market posses a health hazard to consumers. On the backlground pone can notice a heap of uncollected filthy on a truck which during rainy seasons fumes with horrible smell.
Along the famous Congo Street, business is back as usual and the presence of traders around seems to have redoubled than before, their increased number has surpassed the number of city council’s askaris who usually keeps on chasing them in hot pursuit without success. Critics of the business environmental surrounding commends that, “the city fathers have proved failure to curb with the increasing number of petty traders who flock daily in the city”.Along the busiest Msimbazi street, one can see petty traders with their merchandise spread on the ground and others holding them while standing in narrow street pavements and along pedestrian walkways thus causing inconveniences to passersby as well as window shoppers. Petty traders do their business in extremely pathetic situation and sometimes it becomes quite intolerable to do shopping especially after taking a glimpse of the edible products like condiments such as onions, tomatoes and other consumable products which are normally spread on the ground and exposed of in an unhygienic manner.

UDBS appoints its advisory board

2011-08-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

THE University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) recently appointed its advisory board committee members to run with its internal affairs. UDBS came into being after the former faculty of Business and Commerce of the University of Dar es Salaam was merged as part of the internal development of the UDSM to expand the faculty of Business and commerce. In the photo, the Minister for Trade and Industry Dr. Cyril Chami is being briefed by the Dean of the UDBS Dr. Marcellina Chijoriga moment before he inaugurated the advisory board of the UDBS in a short ceremony which was held at the UDSM main campus. Standing extreme left is the Vice-Chancellor of the UDSM Professor Yunus Daudi Mgaya.

The Minister Dr. Cyril Chami congratulates one of the Board members during a night gala ceremony which was held at UDBS main campus at the University of Dar es Salaam. Standing on his left in a jovial mood is the Dean of the UDBS Dr. Marcellina Chijoriga.

University of Dar es Salaam Business School shows its progress

2011-08-23T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Dean of the UDBS Dr. Marcellina Chijoriga being interviewed by Mlimani Television and in this interview she narrated together with other things the various development steps her business school has done for the purpose of the country’s business developments.
Among the most achievement which the UDBS can be proud of is the construction of its own building which is located at the main campus.

UDBS trains over 600 entrepreneurs in Dar

2011-08-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

A cross section of the total 685 entrepreneurs who thronged at the newly constructed UDBS hall for a one week training program which was offered by the UDBS as part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the University of Dar es Salaam. UDBS which stands for the University of Dar es Salaam Business School is a constituent part of the business college of the University of Dar es Salaam.
The Minister for Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami who was the guest of honour at the climax of a one week long training program for entrepreneurs gives a certificate of participation to one of the entrepreneurs who attended and successfully completed the program on entrepreneurship that aimed for their capacity building at the UDBS hall in Dar es Salaam recently.

Police swoop nets a hard core criminal

2011-08-23T05:13:00.001-07:00

Mr. Husein and Abdallah, the two journalists working for Mlimani Television conducting an interview with the owner of a house at Yombo Vituka whose name was not immediately established following the arrest of his tenant by police who carried a swoop overnight in search of burglars alleged to have attacked a Chinese at Kariakoo and managed to snatch him money. Before his tenant’s arrest, the police fired a bullet in a hot pursuit to let the fleeing man stop when he sensed the police around, after which he surrendered. The action had threatened many people around who apparently didn’t know what was going on. The two journalists were just passing by the area when suddenly they heard the sounds of a gun bullet down in the valley.
This scene shows the valley of the vituka suburb in Temeke district, Dar es Salaam region whereby the a convoy of secret policemen were deployed in search of people who had attacked a Chinese trader at Kariakoo and managed to get away with his money in mid of July this year. Down by the roadside is journalists’ car which had parked.

Financial scandal of the Ministry sparks a hot debate

2011-08-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

The recent budget of the Ministry of Minerals and Energy sparked the parliament when the permanent secretary of the Ministry Mr. Jairo attempted to bribe the parliamentarians so as to let his ministry’s budget pass through. Various opposition leaders had to speak on this scandal and allegations targeted to the ministry. In the photo, a Chairman of the NCCR-Mageuzi party Mr. James Mbatia is being interviewed by Mlimani TV in front of his party headquarter office at Ilala in Dar es Salaam.

Mlimani TV went up to CHADEMA offices at Kinondoni in Dar es Salaam on the same mission whereby they were received by party’s publicity secretary and his aid who together spoke out their minds about the scandal.

Following strike by lecturers at the Institute of Social Work in Dar, now the government suspends them, the college opens on Monday

2011-08-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

The scene shows when students of the Institute of Social Work based in Dar es Salaam at Kijitonyama suburb got stranded at the main campus following strike by their teachers at the institute towards the end of July this year.
href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBCvoJ4eGK0/TlOYDuUOKOI/AAAAAAAACdc/X222TVy0pVI/s1600.JPG">
They had gathered to hear their fate from the management whereupon the management told them that the school was indefinitely closed until further notice. But the government announced its official opening on 22nd last Monday. All lecturers who went on strike have been suspended and the government had already recruited new 20 lecturers to run the entire teaching.

Where Tanzania is heading, its people would become slaves

2011-08-23T04:53:00.001-07:00

The Director of Studies at the Institute of Social Work Dr. Andrew Mchonvu breaking the news of closing up the school in a public gathering at the main campus later that evening. For long there had been a misunderstanding between lecturers and the management at the institute since 2007. According to lecturers, they were not given promotions and other fringe benefits as per the regulations and rules of government scheme of service.

Is it fair to suspend someone’s employment just because he pressurizes for his rights?

2011-08-23T04:52:00.001-07:00

These are few of the lectures of the social college in Dar es Salaam being interviewed by the Mlimani TV crew. The government at last has decided to suspend their services following their recent strike of demanding more pay, promotions as in accordance to the government scheme of service.

The seizure of fish consignment from Japan, is this not corruption?

2011-08-23T04:50:00.001-07:00

This is Magogoni fish market popularly known as ferry fish market. Fish consumers in Dar es Salaam recently were shocked after hearing that fish consignment alleged to have been contaminated by nuclear elements were imported from Japan and being sold at the market. But the consignment were seized and taken for further investigations in Kenya and South Africa..

During the month of fasting, traders feels unhappy

2011-08-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

This is the month of fasting, fish at the sale of fish at magogoni fish market is now dwindling as consumers awaits until the fasting period ends. A scene was captured at the market that depicts fewer sales of the products on the table.

Public Service Management exhibition in Tanzania 2011

2011-07-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Between June 16th and 23rd June 2011, Tanzania government through President’s Office Public Service Management organized an exhibition as part of the awareness to the general public which intends to show various public activities the government and its agencies deals with. This week long celebrations is an annual occasion which goes alongside with various entertainments activities including traditional dances being performed by various invited groups. There were some other countries through their diplomatic offices accredited in Tanzania such as Republic of Kenya and Zimbabwe also were invited to attend and showcase their government’s activities. It was really a fascinating event at Mnazi Mmoja Municipal ground as the festivity inhaled the minds of the passersby around. Unlike in other countries, show goers do pay their money to view such exhibitions. But in Tanzania things are different as nobody pays money and the entrance is free to everybody. I managed to attend the occasion as I passed along and took some few photos for remembrance to the occasion and which I would like to share with you in this blog.

This is the Prime Minister’s Office that had lined up the photos of the Prime Ministers of the government since independence. As you can see from the right photo extreme right was Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere who became the first Prime Minister and later the first President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism shines at Mnazi Mmoja grounds

2011-07-04T06:27:00.001-07:00

This is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, a lady is being interviewed by the Television journalist of the Mlimani TV station. The pavilion was decorated by a staffed lioness sculpture which attracted most show goers.

How the Germans were ruthless to Africans

2011-07-04T06:21:00.001-07:00

This photo really caused a negative perception of the people’s mindset an aspect that brought sorrow, horror and may be panic that might have amounted to many show goers after having looked at it. The history tells us that, the Germans hanged many traditional African leaders who resisted them from ruling our country during the colonialization process in Africa in late 19th century. But most of us are just mere readers of these legend stories and quite a substantial number of most readers couldn’t ever believe these facts. The truth was shown during the Public Service Management exhibition when the Tanzania’s National Service camp displayed an original photograph which was taken from German. The photo depicts four German ruthless soldiers standing in front of the dead African soldiers whom they had just hanged and their bodies left to hang over the ropes after having been found guilty of causing a strong resistance to their rule. This incident took place just at the end of the Maji Maji war in 1907. The war reminds us of the strong African resistance to colonial invasion of our land in southern part of Tanzania. It was very sad at the scene indeed as most people who looked at this photo almost cried as they remember the pangs of humiliations their forefathers suffered during colonial times. Probably the photo might have shocked a strong wave to would be relatives of the victims.

A state house function that looks so indecent

2011-07-04T06:19:00.001-07:00

This photo reminds Tanzanians of the day when President Julius Nyerere had appointed the first National army commander of the independent Tanganyika state. This was when the country had just formed its own armed forces and called it Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF) The force was established three years after the independence following the army mutiny which took place in early 1964. The first army commander was Major General Mirisho Sarakikya (Who has just bent down), the incident took place at the State House in Dar es Salaam. On the President’s left is the Minister for Defense by then, the late Oscar Kambona. He died in 1997 while President Nyerere passed away in October 1999.

British Commandos minimized peace during the army mutiny in Dar es Salaam in 1964

2011-07-04T06:17:00.001-07:00

President Nyerere on a ride over a British military tank driven by its commando which had just arrived from England aboard a military plane which landed at the Dar es Salaam International Airport at night during the army mutiny in 1964. I didn’t even know that it’s the British government who came to restore peace and order in the country when the army went on a strike in 1964. They were invited immediately to curb the rioting soldiers at the invitation of the British High Commissioner in the country who was requested by a letter which was written by the then Prime Minister Mzee Rashid Kawawa.

Mnazi Mmoja ground, a most fascinating ground for public functions

2011-07-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Mnazi Mmoja ground has become the principal place whereby all the public functions are held. The ground is owned the Ilala Municipal and was inaugurated in late 1998 by the then Dar es Salaam City Commission led by Charles Keenja.

Rainwater harvesting technology

2011-07-04T06:12:00.001-07:00

Whenever there is a public exhibition people are normally advised by the government to attend as they might receive an information which was not within their comprehension. Among the activities that impressed the show goers recently during a week long Public Service Management exhibition was when an expert of the rainwater technology enlightened the people on the best use of the rain water harvesting technology and its importance for the modern life. This was at the exhibition pavilion owned by the state agency that deals with water drilling and construction of dams in the country.

Exotic cattle breeding, is it useful for a normal farmer?

2011-07-04T06:09:00.001-07:00

The Ministry of Livestock Development and Fishing were not behind to enlighten the general public on the proper cattle breeding, but it’s very unfortunate to see that, despite of their strengthened efforts, the ministry has totally failed to make life better to rural farmers in terms of cattle keeping. The Ministry has to depend on almost everything from the donors to help its people.

Leonard Mambo Mbotela, a Kenyan radio broadcaster

2011-07-04T06:07:00.001-07:00

A famous Kenyan radio broadcaster, Mr. Leonard Mambo Mbotela was the Master of Ceremony at the Kenyan pavilion during the exhibition. Many Tanzanians who had never come into contact with him, had a chance to approach him for talks. Mbotela is a very well-known radio presenter and a broadcaster especially in his program known as “Je huu ni Ungwana?” which literary means “Is it really fair?” a program mostly aired in Swahili language at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)

Zimbabwe at Tanzania’s Public Service Management exhibition.

2011-07-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

A Zimbabwean attendant giving information to a show goer at the Zimbabwean pavilion on various activities the government of Zimbabwe is doing during the Public Service Management exhibition

People thongs at Kenyan pavilion.

2011-07-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

This is how people thronged at Kenyan pavilion who scored the first position of the foreign category during the Public Service Management exhibition in Dar es Salaam recently. The pavilion attracted most Tanzanians who in one way or another were very fascinated to know much about what their neighbour Kenyans performs their government’s duties.

A Ministry announced the first winner

2011-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

A jubilant workers of the Tanzanian Ministry workers whose ministry was announced the first winners on one of the categories. The y can be seen with their trophy celebrating in high motion.

Water shortage is still a perenial problem in Tanzania

2011-06-11T03:37:00.000-07:00

A MINOR Mwanzani Athuman collects underground water which comes through an internet cable chamber along Kilwa Road in Dar es Salaam on Friday. In spite of the availability of such water still several city residents cannot afford to drill wells to extract clean water. (Photo by Robert Okanda)

Tanzania's Vice-President in USA.

2011-06-11T03:35:00.000-07:00

Vice-President, Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal in an interview with UN radio presenter, Ms Flora Nducha, in New York on Friday. Dr Bilal is attending the UN conference on AIDS. (Photo by Muhidin Sufiani of VPO)

Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam, poses a great threat to passersby.

2011-06-11T03:26:00.001-07:00

A woman displays her merchandise in a restricted trading area at Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. The market has correctly lost its reputation as the authorities looks at the market environment which is surrounded by filth that stays uncollected for long time and apparently doesn’t take any action as the photo at the scene shows, a trailer full of filth that pose unhealthy condition at the market.

Why denouncing Tanzanian coins on the streets?

2011-06-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

Is the Central Bank of Tanzania aware of this? Tanzanian worthless coins have been turned a selling commodity in public. The situation can be seen in most Daladala bus stops in Dar es Salaam. Few unscrupulous traders who calls themselves money changers in black markets exchanges Tanzanian coins to would be Daladala conductors and other people around at the expense of the shortage of keep change. Each bundle of a coin worth Tshs. 800/- is exchanged for Tshs. 1,000/- note. But it’s very unfortunate that, these traders are not licensed to operate like bureau de change shops and to make it more worse, the Bank of Tanzania seems to have turned a blind aye to the situation that has escalated broadly in the city of Dar es Salaam. Above, a young lady and a boy arranges their coins in bundles at a bus stand at Banana when I captured them waiting for customers. According to them, they make a profit of Tshs. 200/- for every bundle sold so as to make end a day’s living.

Poverty stricken situation in Tanzania denies the basic rights of citizens.

2011-06-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Information is power and newspapers have become expensive commodities that is rarely affordable by most citizens in Tanzania. A daily newspaper sells at between Tshs. 500/- and Tshs. 700/- this is almost a half of a daily earning per person according to the statistics made available by the National Economic Statistics Bureau. The firm’s shows that, due to the prevailing poverty stricken situation in the country, most people still depend on 1 USD, an aspect that most citizens are not able to buy newspapers and instead relies on reading news stories which have been given the precedence on the front pages to quench their thirst. The photo above shows a group of people peeping their eyes through such news at a newspaper vending area whose owner has decided to hang them up for fear of being damaged by crook readers who never buys them.