ZUKU TV satellite to focus on African context

THE Premier media operator and the leading provider of cable and internet services in Eastern Africa region, the Wananchi Group is planning to offer its tailor made channels such as Zuku Africa to its viewers in an African context The company which introduced its services in Tanzania in November 2011, started its operation in East Africa region in 2007 marketing its brand Zuku Tv. The brand offers a wide selection of entertainment channels covering news, sports, movies, documentaries and musics. These includes various channels that offers a variety of International news such as BBC, Sky news and Aljazeera to mention just a few. The provider also offers many of its own channels and the services is available via satellite throughout Tanzania. All these are educational documentaries for children, women and people of all walks of life” says the Chief Executive Officer of Wananchi Group Richard Bell during last weeks' official launching of the TV satellite in Tanzania. The occasion which took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Dar es Salaam, was graced by the Director General of Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Professor John Mkoma as a guest of honour and was attended by all industry partners as well as members of the public.

The Director General of Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Professor John Mkoma, addressing participants ( not in picture) after he had officially inaugurated ZUKU TV brand in Tanzania during a special occasion which was held at Golden Tulip Hotel in Dar es Salaa last week. Professor Mkoma was the guest of honour. He is flanked on his left by Chief Executive Officer of the Wananchi Group, the company providing Zuku Tv services in the country, Richard Bell while on his right is the company's Chairman Ali Mufuruki. More than 1,000 people attended the occasion

To officially launching the Zuku brand, Professor Mkoma pressed down on a remote setting off a montage about Zuku on all the screens within the area, followed by a brilliant fireworks display and artist performances to the delight of all the guests. The company's CEO, Mr. Richard Bell said, Zuku has been very well received in East Africa regional market and its efficiency has been part of the company's successes. “We’re proud and excited to be launching Zuku TV in Tanzania,” said Richard Bell adding that, it's a great milestone for us and we are pleased to be able to provide quality home entertainment for all.” About 50,000 subscribers have been registered by the Wananchi Group company for its Zuku TV brand within East Africa region since its establishment in 2007. The company's introduction of Zuku services in Tanzania is the first East African home entertainment brand that provides Pay TV service and its commitment to providing fresh, innovative and affordable entertainment for the “Wananchi” (citizens) The company is extremely delighted with the uptake of Zuku Satellite TV products that have experienced unprecedented demand for the genuine product. The CEO has however assured the company's customers that they are in the process of replenishing their stocks in time for the festive season. According to him, TV brand has especially been snapped up by consumers, thus increasing TV penetration to other countries in order to offer its services to consumers in 10 countries across Africa. The countries includes includes, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Malawi and Somalia. Already the brand is available in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with a planned launch in the rest of the countries in the course of next year.

Makonde woodcarving symbolizes African traditional culture

AMONG the major representatives of Tanzania figurative art are the Makonde people, who are renowned throughout East Africa for their original and often highly fanciful woodcarvings. Authentic Makonde carvings are made from ebony tree. The heart of this tree is very heavy (dense) and has a deep brown to black colouring. Mpingo bark is a light color under which is a small layer of white soft wood. The heart wood, however, is very hard and varies in color from a deep red to black depending on the soil type and age of the tree. When finished, the carvings are polished and the wood quite literally shines. The scientific name of a tree is called Dalbergia Melanoxylon. Locally called mpingo in Swahili language, is native to the dry East African coastal plains. The heart of the tree is very heavy (dense) and has a deep brown to black colouring. Mpingo popularly referred by Makonde people as a 'Tree of Life' is very dense and fine-grained, which allows the artists to create extremely detailed carvings. The wood, however, is very hard and varies in color from a deep red to black depending on the soil type and age of the tree. The Makonde are among the five major tribes in Tanzania who originally migrated north from Mozambique to the southern Tanzanian highlands in the mid of 20th century. They are internationally famous for their intricate carvings, based on life, love, good and evil and which form their beliefs about the origins of man. Woodcarving is an important part of Makonde's life, both in ancestor worshiping and in their own myth of creation. When the Makonde moved to Tanzania, selling woodcarving became an important means of income. Buying woodcarvings can be a great way to contribute to the local economy and prices for these pieces of African Art. In the late sixties designated craft shops were set up in the country aimed at providing the artists with a working environment. The major centers of Makonde carving in Tanzania are in the south-east on the Makonde plateau, and in Dar es Salaam city which became a haven for Makonde carvers during the large-scale migrations from Mozambique. During this time many Makonde farmers in northern Mozambique took up woodcarving to sell and supplement their incomes, this was encouraged by the FRELIMO liberation movement, which organized cooperative marketing of these woodcarvings in Tanzania. During this time of the Mozambique liberation struggles, many Makonde migrants made their way from Mozambique into southern Tanzania and settled in Mtwara, and from there to Dar es Salaam city the capital They entered into curio trade that began to emerge in 1950s and 1960s respectively and were also attracted by better employment opportunities and by favorable marketing prospects for their woodcarvings The Makonde woodcarving is probably the best known art work produced in Tanzania and are considered the most positive and uninhibited of all East African art work. It's both traditional and contemporary, reflecting a tribal past as well as modern response to urban life. Artists create all types of carvings such as faces, masks, people, bowls, bracelets and animals. Buying carvings can be a great way to contribute to the local economy and prices for these pieces of art can vary between $10 USD to $10,000 USD. Today the carvings still maintain the traditional elements of the human story in a tribal setting although many of the carvers have inevitably been influenced by the Western demand for their products. It is easy to find what is classed as "Modern Makonde" which is aimed purely at the tourist market and is basically Modigliani in style.

A typical structure of the real Makonde people made of Mpingo tree

Again, due mainly to the tourist trade, the carvers also use other types of wood such as coconut and some have also learnt to carve in stone and coral. Makonde sculpture, old and modern, represents an artistic tradition which evolved in response to the historical and economic forces affecting the Makonde people throughout the twentieth century, especially after the 1930s. It is a story which unfolds in reverse chronology from the contemporary internationally known modern Makonde sculpture to its historical and cultural antecedents about which less has been written or is known. The Makonde people had a traditional tale that "In the beginning, there was a man, who lived alone in a wild place and was lonely. One day he took a piece of wood and shaped it with a tool into a figure. He placed the figure in the sun by his dwelling. Night fell and when the sun rose again the figure was a woman and she became his wife”. Makonde sculpture dates back in the year 1930s when the first exhibition was held at Centro Cultural dos Novos in Mozambique. However, it was in Tanzania, where many Mozambique Makonde ethnic group had emigrated in search for work, that interest in their sculpture as a commodity arose. Their new sculptural forms grew naturally out of older traditions of woodcarving, unlike the Tanzanian Makonde, who had no real carving tradition. Modern Makonde sculptures range from curios of the airport variety to truly fine sculptures of imagination and artistry, but the reality of their production for commercial purposes is one that cannot be ignored. The modern Makonde woodcarving tradition goes back well before the war of liberation, but the war and its aftermath served as a genuine impetus. The style of the figures also changed, going from the earlier naturalistic figures to more distorted, satirical or somber depictions. The so-called ujamaa sculptures or in Portuguese "unidade de povo" date from the days of the liberation struggle. The "shetani" style originated with Samaki, but was quickly imitated and soon became a popular and successful commodity in the markets of Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. Following independence in Mozambique in 1975, official recognition on the part of the government has further encouraged this modern tradition of sculpture. The shetani sculptures from Mozambique differed from those in Tanzania, the latter were more sexually explicit and grotesque, being solely for the foreign tourist market. The FRELIMO philosophy also mitigated or "tamed" the influence of the male masquerade mapico (mapiko), which came to be seen as essentially oppressive to women. The mapico was "liberated" and became a cultural symbol for Mozambique; it is danced on national days and has even appeared on a postage stamp. The Makonde are, of course, famous for the wood carvings which bear their name. The tradition has existed among them for at least three centuries, when examples were brought back by Arab traders. It is likely that the tradition is much older than that.

Makonde people are highly specialized in making woodcarving


Originally naturalistic and impregnated with meaning, the carvings are now generally more abstract, in keeping with the tastes of tourists and collectors. The one thing the carvings have in common is that they are invariably carved from a single piece of wood, no matter how intricate the design. The best-known works are the 'tree of life' carvings in the ujamaa style, being intricately carved conjunctions of interlocking human figures representing both unity and continuity. Less well-known are the ritual masks, which were used by dancers who embody the forms of spirits and ancestors.
Earlier Makonde carvings generally depicted more traditional themes, often relating to various deities or rituals. Even today, the Makonde produce carvings of ordinary household objects such as bowls and walking sticks, although these are seldom seen for sale. While it can be argued that the extensive commercialization of Makonde carvings has had a negative impact on artistic and imaginative quality, it has not totally destroyed originality. On the positive side, it has had the effect of securing many carvers a livelihood which they would not have been able to achieve otherwise. Less well-known are the ritual masks, which were used by dancers who embody the forms of spirits and ancestors. Earlier Makonde carvings generally depicted more traditional themes, often relating to various deities or rituals. While it can be argued that the extensive commercialization of Makonde carvings has had a negative impact on artistic and imaginative quality, it has not totally destroyed originality. On the positive side, it has had the effect of securing many carvers a livelihood which they would not have been able to achieve otherwise.

Tanzania appreciates Chinese investment potentials

TANZANIA government has reiterated its commitment to continue offering a friendly investment environment to Chinese investors, as their contribution has shown a remarkable socio-economic development in the country. The call was made last week in Dar es Salaam by the Minister of Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami during the occasion to mark the beginning of the new year of the Dragon, a traditional symbol of Chinese new year activities which is celebrated by Chinese community worldwide. The event which took place at Serena Hotel was hosted by Tanzania Standard Chartered Bank and attended by high ranking Chinese Ambassador accredited in the country Hon. Liu Kinsheng and some prominent Chinese business people and Chinese community members working in the country. Standard Chartered Bank (T) Ltd hosted the occasion in honour of its Chinese clients and customers in Tanzania so as to bring a mutually beneficial socio-economic development between Tanzania and China. The event was marked by a celebration of both the Chinese and Tanzanian culture through various activities. To appreciate Chinese investors' move and their efforts towards national development, Dr. Cyril Chami who was the guest of honour said that, Tanzania is happy with what the Chinese investors are doing to develop Tanzania in various sectors of development especially in construction industry. He said 1,860-kilometer Tanzania-Zambia Railway, better known as TAZARA, which was built in early 1970s by the generous support from China, with the assistance and cooperation of our own people. Among the few but bigger investment potentials the Minister mentioned is the recent construction of a 60,000-seat new National Stadium which is hailed as the most modern sports facility of its kind in East Africa, again was built with the Chinese support and by Chinese experts. The recent signing of an agreement between the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company (CRJE) to construct the 600-meter Kigamnboni bridge, marks yet another milestone of our partnership and relations. It will also create over 3,000 jobs out of which about 1,000 jobs are expected to be permanent. According to the Minister, Tanzania continues to offer raw materials such as cotton products, semi processed minerals such as copper ore and gold to China in addition to exporting finished wood, cashew nuts and coffee. Also given the country is endowed with massive water bodies - the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, thus has been exporting sea food to China.

Tanzania's Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Cyril Chami



Members of Chinese community living in Dar es Salaam during the occasion

Commenting his views during the occasion, the Chief Executive of the Standard Chartered Bank, Jeremy Awori said that, his bank is a committed proponent of the socio-economic potential and benefits of the Africa-China trade investment corridor. He said “trade between the Asia-Africa corridor is striking a hallmark in international trade and investment”. He is optimistic that his bank has a deep local knowledge of both Africa and China and will continue to provide the necessary financial tools and strategic advice to Chinese companies doing business as in Africa. By end of 2010, the Asia-Africa trade corridor had exceeded the USD 110 billion mark and is expected that trade investment on this corridor will continue to grow. However, this figure will continue to rise as the trade relationships and economic partnerships between Tanzania and China continue to develop and grow. However, he said adding that, the bank's latest Chinese new celebrations in Tanzania are a further demonstration of the importance that the Standard Chartered bank is placing on its African and Chinese businesses. The latest efforts by the bank include the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2010 between Standard Chartered Bank and the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), establishing a strategic partnership to explore the joint development of business opportunities both within China and internationally, including Africa.

Improved policies for good governance is still a challenge to Tanzanians

HOW to achieve an improved governance in Africa including Tanzania has remained a miracle. The consequence is that the majority of people are weighed down by poverty, diseases and all manner of deprivations. Despite being in possession of good natural resources, still people's life is gloomy but many believe that it is not for lack of policies to change the situation but more generally is for the failure of leadership and poorly applied management methodologies across the country. At present, optimists are unanimous that to overcome the hurdle, the people need to get involved in their affairs. The development has provoked the need for more interaction among those in government and their subjects. With the evolution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), efforts are increasingly being made on how to bridge the gap. Already, the adoption of ICT has brought about a revolution and transformations on how people interact, live, and earn a living etc. It is interesting to note that with the appalling poverty and underdevelopment that have become the lot of most developing nations at present, the focus of world powers has centred on how the people could be integrated to play a role in the development of their constituencies. Tanzania's former Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye was recently quoted in a TV talk show interview conducted by ITV local Television as saying that, “good governance will not be attained in the country if the top most government leaders are directly or indirectly involved in grand corruption malpractice”. Hon Sumaye was on the view of the fact that, corruption has been a drawback of people's most social and economic development activities in the country. The former Premier used the opportunity to speak out his mind amid rumours that he was preparing to contest for the Presidency in the forthcoming general elections to be held in 2015. In order to ensure good governance among the people in the country, the Ex Premier urged the government of the fourth phase led by President Jakaya Kikwete that, “the government must held responsible all mischief makers to cleanse the CCM party whose reputation seems to have been politically polluted.

Two Ex-Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Fredrick Sumaye (right) and Edward Lowasa (left) shakes hands during one of the Executive meetings of the CCM party in Dodoma. Lowasa resigned from his position following an allegation levels to him on RICHMOND financial saga in parliament in early 2009

He further noted that, at the government must react quickly at the moment in order to restore the minds of the Tanzanians now, who have become almost untrustworthy with the ruling party. “He must do an extra work of suspending without notice all suspected party members who have in one way or another been implicated in financial scandals in the country” he said without fear. “Surely this is the only way of cleaning the party which has been scorned with numerous financial scandals” he said adding that, in order to bring confidence to the people, the party chairman should not be afraid of anyone else within the party's jurisdiction. Therefore, regardless of the opportunities presented by ICTs, without good governance, development strides may not or will not be achieved. ICTs should be viewed as a tool for development and not as a goal in itself as e-governance can only function well in an environment of good governance systems. In view of this, distribution or decentralization of power into self-governing local governance systems against the centralized system of governance dominantly practiced in the past will enhance the involvement of non-governmental actors or stakeholders in policy-making. People in the country have witnessed no right is done to many local people when it comes for the demand of their rights. An example is in rural areas whereby in some parts of this country small farmers continue to be displaced by foreign enterprises and the country’s resources are exploited nearly to depletion. It's very unfortunate to see that when all these are taking place, our local government officials who silently enters into a dubious contract with such investors turn a blind eye to such malpractice and instead becomes perpetrators as though the authorities are not there. Inadequate and unsustainable policies, inappropriate technologies and insufficient rural infrastructure and institutions combined with incidence of pests and diseases have led to increasing poverty, food insecurity and stalled development. An economist Ezekiel Mtayomba based in Dar es Salaam said, “if the present policies are not corrected, Tanzanians will be doomed to more poverty and hunger as small farmers continue to be displaced by foreign enterprises and the country’s resources are exploited nearly to depletion”. He further notes that, farming and livestock production, which are among the key driving forces for poverty alleviation in the country, are therefore increasingly being jeopardized as the government is doing very little to address the issues of poverty, food security and development. Despite various policies and strategies including the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (better known locally by its Kiswahili acronym MKUKUTA) and the National Development Vision 2025, there is no any special attention that is given to the unprivileged people in the country. Tanzania is among the developing countries, ranking 128 out of a total 168 countries in the world, and according to the Human Development Index, there is a slow down attributed by the government to the impact of global financial crisis as well as drought which affected agricultural production, hydro power generation and industrial production. Moreover, although agriculture employs a huge number of people in the country, about 33.6 percent of mainland Tanzania lives below the basic needs, while 16.6 percent live below the food poverty line. The number of poor people has increased in recent years by 1.3 million. The rate of unemployment is rising, thus the gap between the poor and the rich is getting wider. Worse still, the government and its machineries such as police and judiciary do not take effective actions to save local people. Although Tanzania has legislation on investment issues, there are a number of problems relating to foreign direct investment. This is the case, for example, with the signing of dubious mining contracts (e.g.,Buzwagi, Richmond and Dowans and IPTL between the government and foreign investors. Also land grabbing by State bodies in favour of foreign investors is on the rise, the open door policy of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) which is committed for attracting foreign investors, has been detrimental to local people. Small and Medium sized enterprises are unable to compete because they do not have enough capital and business expertise, while villagers are forcefully evicted to make room for foreign enterprises. Soil erosion and pollution are of particular concern in mining sites. In January 2009, for example, North Mara Gold Mines piled up about 2,000 tonnes of toxic debris without any precaution or assessment of its impact on the surrounding communities. When rains came, the debris was washed into river Tighite which serves the surrouding villages of Nyakunsuru, Nyamone and Weigita in the Mara Region, causing fish and trees to die. Deforestation is one of the main environmental problems that threaten the country. Despite 40 percent of the territory being preserved in parks, forests are rapidly shrinking in some regions. Deforestation rates have increased significantly over a decade ago.

An Islamic bank with a wider vision to help Tanzanian citizens.

The Dar es Salaam based Amana Bank Limited (ABL) which is fully owned by Islamic community in Tanzania and follows Islamic laws, is just almost one year old now. Within the shortest period of its operation in the country, the bank has shown signs of fast growing bank in the country that takes the interest of wider population of its customers regardless of their religious affiliations. The current Managing Director of the bank, Dr. Idris Rashid who has a vast experience in the banking sector in the country talks of the bank's services and other developments in an exclusive interview with this blog.

QUESTION: As a banker, what challenges do you face?

Ans: Amana Bank Limited is the first fully Sharia compliant bank in Tanzania which was granted a provisional license by the Bank of Tanzania on 4th February 2011. Two weeks later, the bank was incorporated with an authorized share capital of Tsh. 100 billion and paid up capital of Tsh. 21.5 billion. The bank started with one share holder and up to now it has managed to accumulate ten shareholders who jointly consulted a company for a business plan focussing on business and its way forward and took it to the Bank of Tanzania for approval.

QUESTION: With how much capital did you start your business?

Ans: In May 2011, we started with initial capital of Tsh. 21.5 whereas the minimum requirement is Tsh. 15 billion. After certifying the initial capital, the bank was given a full registration certificate by Business Registration Licence Authority (BRELA)

QUESTION: How many branch offices do you have currently

Ans: The bank is currently operating under one branch office located at Tandamti street at Kariakoo business suburb. But we have plans of opening other branch offices in locations as follows, by end of this month the bank is expected to open one branch office along Nyerere road in Dar es Salaam, and the main office at Golden Jubilee House in April, in May at Lumumba street all in Dar es Salaam. In June in Arusha city and in July in Mwanza city, whereas we are also planning to open a small branch office at Mbagala on the ouitskirts of Dar es Salaam city. In big branch offices, the bank is expecting to extend its service deliveries to its customers over the time up to 22:00 hours in the evening.

QUESTION: What credit rate does Amana Bank charge when a customers borrows money from the bank?

Ans: Since the bank is operating by following Islamic Sharia laws, we do not charge our customers credit rate for loan repayment as this is regarded as an illegal act before the lord God, and instead we do business with our customers. Whoever deposits with our bank in either current or savings account, we take money then we do business and after attaining the profit then we agree on how to divide it among us. For the case of a loan, what we do to our customers and our staff is that, “we do not give them cash money” and instead we buy the particular thing in need for which a loan is needed such as a Car, Television, Refrigerator or any business products for the case of business people according to their wish. For instance, if one wants a car and wishes to take a loan in order to acquire it, the bank guarantees for its price upon presentation of the proforma invoice. Le's say if the car is sold at Tsh. 7 million, then this would be given to him at the price of Tsh. 9 million. The interest accrued is for the bank once entered in agreement for loan repayment which is paid by installment. The same thing applies to business people, we do make a bulk purchase of the products needed for their businesses according to the costs verified. After the purchase of such goods is done by then bank, they are later handed to a customer for an agreed hire purchase price which is refunded according to the terms of agreement.


The Managing Director Dr. Idrisa Rashid

QUESTION: What do you call this type of business?

Ans: The business is called 'Murabaha'. It is a kind of a contract entered between a bank and a customer in need of a loan who must have an account with the bank as one creteria. The account can either be current or sarvings depending on the type of a bank account we have here. Besides having an account, a customer must also have a security bond as a collateral which would enable them to qualify for this transactions. So you see, we are not far different from what other banks are doing in terms of security for any transaction entered on behalf of the bank.

QUESTION: As a banker, what challenges do you face?

Ans: Challenges in every business is normal, and since we are the first established Islamic bank in the country which follows Islamic laws, we really have to take time in order to educate people on how the bank operates as our business is basically conducted in accordance to Islamic laws. “We must educate people in order to get to know all the operations in the bank.

QUESTION: How do you ensure your bank's laws are strictly followed?

Ans: The bank has established the Board of Directors which is made up of prominent business people and professionals from different backgrounds and provides guidance to the Bank. The Bank has also the Sharia supervisory Board which has to see that all that is being conducted with the bank goes alongside by the Islamic laws, the Board also approves all products, services and other processes as required such as auditing and other procedures are to be followed accordingly. The Sharia supervisory Board also has the responsibility of ensuring that the Muharaba loan contract which has seven steps is being strictly observed and followed. This Board is made up of prominent Islamic scholars drawn from within and outside Tanzania who works more closely

QUESTION: How do you fair in competition with other bankers?

Ans: Approach in competition with others is a normal think as far as Banking business activities is concerned. But for the Amana Bank Limited, we are proud that we provide the services by following the Islamic Sharia laws, but currently we are proud as our bank is unique in terms of operation and therefore we do not see if there is one to compete with us.

QUESTION: Are you engaged in corporate responsibilities?

Ans: At the moment the bank is in its infancy stage, in view of this, therefore we are not yet in a position to engage ourselves in such activities. It needs more preparations, and these would be in future as we move on, we expect to join the workforce into committing such social responsibilities for the benefit of our nation.

QUESTION: What is your prospects in terms of maintaining good relations?

Ans: We are prospecting to do other services related to SMS banking and Internet banking, we are also planning to form agents who would work on behalf of the bank in order to help push on our banking activities in the country. In this way, we expect to have big outreach associating with M Pesa agent and Tigo pesa as these are scattered all over the country. We are sure as the transactions will be made smoothly.

City commuters in Dar es Salaam calls for police help

SOME Dar es Salaam city commuters have called on the regional traffic police to intervene in the current situation whereby they are experiencing problems of boarding commuter buses destined to their respective areas of domicile during evening and night hours. Interviewed passengers at Buguruni commuter bus stand complained that, “they have to connect their journey by boarding more than three buses in order to arrive to their respective homes before mid-nights”. Investigations by this blog paper has overlooked into the matter and found out that, the persisting problem is due to few commuter buses serving the area and the habit of some bus operators of not going the whole distance of their designated routes as required. The most affected passengers are those who head to far flung areas such as Gongo La Mbotto, Mbagala, Mwenge Tegeta and Mbezi. In order for them to reach their destinations, they have to make a number of connections an aspect which forces them to pay either thrice or more for a single journey. The growing scarcity of buses has caused commuters to be subjected to the harassment of scrambling to board the few available ones, the exercise which paves way for thieves who takes the advantage once mingle and pretends to be passengers with a view to make their mischief. A spot check at Buguruni commuter bus stop last week found scores of passengers who had been stranded at around 22:30 at night, most of whom were women and children who had traveled from other places like Mwenge, Tegeta and Ubungo waiting to connect their journeys to their final destinations in places like Gongo La Mboto, Mbagala, Jeti Lumo and as newly established Kitunda suburb. Speaking to this writer, some passengers expressed concern over the situation. They said they have been spending a lot of money everyday as fare to and from their work places. However, some of them have blamed the traffic police manned on the road for their failure to curb the situation. Those unable to afford such connections for a double trip journeys and pay more fares, spend more hours on the stage waiting for service and consequently find themselves reporting late at their homes.

Due to impeding situation, they have asked the police force (Traffic) to intervene in order to ensure their safety. Preliminary investigations over the matter has shown that, shortage of transport in some routes is an exacerbating factor which is largely caused by notorious habit which is being practiced by daladala drivers who are fond of diverting their routes. However, investigations by this paper further shows that, ‘the violation of changing legal routes by daladala operators is growing at an alarming rate in the city of Dar es Salaam and the deployed police traffic seems not to take serious actions on the spot to curb the defaulters’. Some interviewed passengers say that, “there is a high traffic demand in the evenings and night hours before mid night, hence commuter transport in between these hours is at its peak in most parts of the city suburbs as workers stream back home”. Lucas Mwenda, who resides at Mbagala works with Twiga Cement at Wazo on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city, has developed a tendency of waking up early at dawn and come back to his home at dusk. He wonders why traffic police is not taking an appropriate action against daladala defaulters so as to ensure smooth operations of the commuter service all along the long distance routes. According to him, this problem has been existing for a long time in most Dar city commuter routes and wonders that none of the law enforcers has tried to prevent the vice. “It is very disgusting to note that some commuter operators violate traffic rules openly and the traffic police do not bother to book them”, said one businessman who had been experiencing problems of boarding a commuter bus during evening hours. Cornered for comment, Public Affairs Manager of Surface and Marine Transport Authority (SUMATRA) David Mziray who admitted being aware of such violations, said his institution plans to revoke the driver’s licenses if found notorious of such malpractice. According to Dar es Salaam police traffic Chief, Mohammed Mpinga, his force is doing all it can in order to curb the vice. But due to few police traffic deployed on the road, and coupled by timeframe for which most daladala violates the rules, it has been difficulty to control the situation. According to him, the penalty for a driver who diverts his route is fined between Tsh. 10,000 and Tsh. 25,000 or withdrawal of his driving license for three weeks to six months or both. But critics have commented that, the punishment given to them was not enough to streamline the defaulters. Efforts to reach the Chairman of Dar es Salaam Bus Association (DARCOBOA) Sabri Mabrouk to comment on their members and their habit in general proved futile as we take this news to press.

BOT Boss causions on gradual economic transformations in the country

THE Governor of the Central Bank of Tanzania (BOT) Professor Benno Ndulu has causioned that, there is a probability of the national economic downfall if basic necessities such as the power crisis in the country is not tackled so as to pave the way for the manufacturers to increase productivity. He has also warned the government not to keep on raising the cost of living to its people by increasing the prices of consumable goods and services such as power tariffs, which according to him is not a solution to a myriad social problem facing people in the country. Professor Ndulu who is an economist told the nation that, the increase of power tariffs and other services is one way of increasing problems as most manufacturers of goods uses their generators which uses fuel resulting into high cost operations. However, he has instead urged the government to look at how to tackle such problems. Professor Ndulu issued a warning in a one hour talk show interview which is normally conducted by a program presenter Adam Simbeye of this weeks perspective aired on every Friday by national TBC television station in Dar es Salaam.

BOT Governor, Professor Benno Ndulu
During the show, Professor Ndulu was asked by the presenter to highlight his views for the benefit of the country on the economic outlook and its prospects for the next 12 months, whereupon he urged the government to quickly work on the persisting power crisis.
He said the continued electricity power crisis is a large phenomenon which has affected to a large extent every means of production be it small, medium and large enterprises operating in the country, however he added that, everyone should play a role to ward off the existing problem in the country.“If power crisis is solved in the country, the move would help increase the production of foodstuff and people would yield abundant food crops, hence they would be in a position to help curb the looming food insecurity”. He said He has also stressed on the tightening of the liquidity and the availability of cash saying that the combination of these would help people to lead a normal life in the country. He urged the development sectors to play a key role to revive economy back. Other things on the part of national economic development he noted was the government should look at the sector of infrastructure in order to maintain the sustainability of the economy. “Infrastructure is one of the most important thing and if not that the economic growth for individuals in the country would continue to stagnate.