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Showing posts from February 24, 2018

KIA introduces dog unit to intensify security at airport

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FEW weeks after the installation of the high-tech scanning machines at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), security at the airport has been strengthened following the introduction of the Police Dog Unit. Speaking during the launching of the unit and the handing over of six police dogs to the unit at KIA, the Acting Managing Director with the Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO) Christopher Mukoma, said the move was meant to intensify security at the world’s famous international airport. “The introduction of the police dog unit as part of our security system will strengthen security here, in addition to the high-tech scanning machines which were fitted recently,” he said. He added, “This move should act as a caution signal to all smugglers that we are now well equipped as far as the security at KIA is concerned.” Mr Mukoma said that the introduction of the police dog unit at KIA was inevitable especially when put in mind that criminals do have many techniques.

JPM, Uhuru tout smooth trade

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PRESIDENT John Magufuli and his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, yesterday instructed their ministers to resolve issues that emerge in the course of conducting business between the two countriesThe two Heads of State gave instructions after holding talks at Munyonyo Hotel in Kampala, shortly before commencement of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State meeting. The two presidents said they want to see business growing between Tanzania and Kenya, by selling and buying products from both sides and that any differences that affect business must be resolved. “There are small things that emerge in business between Tanzania and Kenya; we want ministers from both sides to sit and resolve them. Small issues that involve gas, shoes, clothes and wheat flour must be resolved by ministers; you do not need to involve us in such issues,” he noted. Dr Magufuli’s statement was supported by his counterpart, President Kenyatta. The instructions were directed to Tanzania Minister

Government slaps fishing vessels with 19bn/- fine

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THE government has imposed 19bn/- fines to fishing vessels and ordered them to pay within 14 days for violating terms of their licences, by practising illegal fishing and polluting the environment in the deep sea. On top of that, the state has also issued a directive to the Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) to write a notice to owners of vessels and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) concerning the decision. Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Luhaga Mpina (pictured) said in Zanzibar, yesterday, that the decision was reached following vessels violating the Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act of 1998, regulation number 10, together with number 68 of Deep Sea Regulations of 2009 and its amendment of 2016, for not reporting to the Port of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga or Mtwara for inspection before leaving Tanzanian deep sea. “With this act of violation of their licence means they have involved themselves in illegal fishing, polluting the environment significantly, have conducted

Anticipated agricultural revolution to inject 14trl/- into economy

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FIVE leading cash crops in the country are anticipated to contribute more than 13.6tri/- to the economy by 2020/2021, as the government, business community and financial institutions commit to ensure massive agricultural revolution, value addition and marketing both locally and internationally. Making a brief note during a meeting that brought together stakeholders in the cotton sub-sector, which was chaired by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in Mwanza recently, the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr Charles Tizeba, said the massive income will be realised following new strategies in revamping cultivation of cotton, tea, coffee, cashew nut and tobacco. The Minister said the secret behind that anticipation is hinged upon mobilisation of farmers to adapt to modern farming practices, emphasising on timely application of fertilisers, insecticides and extension services, while keeping fingers closed for the weather to remain favourable and predictable. “We have made simple calc

Cassava project catalyst for industrialisation drive

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THE industrialisation drive in the country just got a push in the right direction, thanks to the launching of a second phase of a project that will see improved cassava seeds distributed to farmers. Speaking at the launching ceremony on Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture Director of Research and Development, Dr Mansoor Hussein, said that the second phase of the project will utilise new breeding technologies that reduce the time to develop new varieties. “We are currently seeing many factories interested in processing cassava into starch for industrial use. These will definitely provide a ready market for the crop, therefore, suitable varieties are needed for starch extraction,” he said. Dr Hussein said that the potential for industrialisation and processing of cassava in Africa in general and Tanzania in particular is vast and requires scientific innovations for transformation into an economy, something that the second phase promises. He said that in order to tap into this pote

Supply water by 95 per cent in Dar, Minister tells Dawasa

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  KINONDONI District Council and the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA), have been urged to work hard to ensure residents get water services by 95 per cent by 2020. So far, 76 per cent of people in Kinondoni District enjoy clean and safe water supply from Dawasco. Deputy Minister for Water and Irrigation, Jumaa Aweso, asked Kinondoni Municipal Council to work closely with Dawasa and Dawasco, to ensure they cover the remaining 19 per cent to reach the government’s target of 95 per cent of water supply in urban areas. The Deputy Minister who was impressed by efforts by the municipality and Dawasa’s performance, said his ministry will not be an obstacle to the district’s projects. However, he warned against entering into agreements with contractors who are incapable of executing their duties as required. Dawasa’s Acting Director for Maintenance and Services, Modester Mushi, said that in ensuring Kinondoni District and other areas of Dar es Salaam have access to safe a

Shein urges police to guarantee peace, security

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AS Zanzibar struggles to enhance its tourism industry, President Ali Mohamed Shein has said security forces must guarantee peace and security in the country.   “We need to provide assurance to people of stability and security, a prerequisite in attracting tourists,” said Dr Shein when he met the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) - Zanzibar Mohamed Hajji Hassan who was on a familiarisation visit. The president said the Island’s economy relies heavily on tourism; therefore, it is important for the police and other security forces to ensure that the prevailing peace and security continues along with advertising other attractions. He said there has been noticeable economical growth attributed to increasing revenue from tourism, “All tourist sites must remain safe to allow the visitors enjoy their stay in the Islands.” The meeting between the President and the CP was also an opportunity for the former to recall for concerted efforts to address gender based violence which i

Japan avails 976m/- for water, education projects

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JAPAN, through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Support (GGHSP) scheme, has availed 976m/- to support five projects in health, education and water supply in the country. Speaking during the signing ceremony for the grant, the Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania, Masaharu Yoshida, said that Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara and Simiyu regions will benefit from the support. Mr Yoshida further said that the first project will be water supply at Bushigwamhala Village in Busega District of Simiyu Region in which 181m/-, will be used to fix the malfunctioning water distribution system. Japan will, he said, for the second project disburse 205m/- for the expansion of Gogo Primary School in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, where three classrooms, administration block and purchasing of furniture will be accomplished. The school has 1,800 registered pupils that are using 15 classrooms. Mr Yoshida said the third part of the grant was for the construction of Manyire Health Centre i

NIT student Akwilina laid to rest in Rombo District

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THE body of the National Institute of Transport (NIT) student, Akwilina Akwilini (pictured), was yesterday laid to rest at Marangu Kitiwo Village, Rombo District in Kilimanjaro Region.   A sombre mood engulfed residents of Marangu Kitiwo Village and other mourners at large who attended the burial of the 22-year old girl, who died after she was hit by a stray bullet while in a commuter bus in Dar es Salam on February 16, 2018. Hundreds of people including politicians thronged to the deceased’s village to participate in the burial processes. Among leaders who attended the burial were Minister for Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Prof Joyce Ndalichako; Kilimanjaro Region Commissioner (RC), Ms Anna Mghwira; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Mr Leonard Akwilapo; Kilimanjaro RPC, Hamis Issah; Acting Rombo District Commissioner (DC), Mr Kipi Warioba; Rombo MP (Chadema) Mr Joseph Selasini and others. P

State advised on alternatives to boost industries

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FOR the country to achieve its industrialisation drive, it needs to capitalise on alternative means of financing, instead of relying on commercial banks for the growth of the sector come 2025. The Executive Director of Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Mr Godfrey Simbeye, disclosed this at a forum on the Role of Financial Institutions in Promoting Industrialisation in Tanzania organised by Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA) in Dar es Salaam, yesterday. “If we depend on commercial banks to finance industrialisation in the country, it will take us quite some time to achieve the anticipated goal... like other countries, Tanzania should device a plan to have in place an industrial development bank to cater for the purpose,” said Mr Simbeye. According to Mr Simbeye, statistics show that out of 16.3trl/- dished out as credit by commercial banks to private sector, it’s only 9.8 per cent that goes to the manufacturing industry, with trade and personal loans topping the list.

JPM donates 10m/- for village dispensary lab equipmen

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PRESIDENT John Magufuli has donated 10m/- to Hoza village at Komkonga Ward in Handeni District, Tanga Region, for purchase of the village’s medical laboratory equipment.   Handing over the donation on behalf of the President, Tanga Regional Commissioner (RC), Martine Shigella, said the Head of State has fulfilled his August 2017 pledge to Hoza villagers. He said the villagers stopped the Head of State’s motorcade holding placards that showed various challenges facing them. The residents told Dr Magufuli that they were travelling long distance to seek medical treatment due to the lack of laboratory in their areas. “The President promised 10m/- to Komkonga village to improve health services after villagers told him their problems when he was on his way to Tanga where he was scheduled to lay the foundation stone for Hoima-Tanga crude oil pipeline,” he said. Handeni District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Credianus Mgimba, confirmed to have received the money from Tanga Regional Commissio