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Showing posts from May 11, 2018

Adopt ‘warehouse receipt system’ in trade, MPs tipped

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IN the 2018/19 fiscal year, the cooperative societies in partnership with the stakeholders will be in charge and supervise coffee trade under the “Warehouse Receipt System,” the Parliament was told yesterday.   The remark was made by Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Deputy Minister, Dr Mary Mwanjelwa, in an explanation that through the system, the crop from the farmers will be collected, milled and then sold at an auction with the supervision of the cooperative unions, Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), Coffee Board and the Board of the Warehouse Receipt System. She said that the government has tasked the TCDC to ensure that such arrangement was carried out professionally and successfully. “This will make the coffee to be bought at competitive prices to benefit the farmers,” pointed out Dr Mwanjelwa, further in a clarification while responding to an inquiry by Kyerwa Member of Parliament (MP) Innocent Sebba. In his basic question, Mr Sebba pointed out that recent

Minister: Unreliable funds cripple floods control in Isles

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THE Deputy Minister of State (Second Vice- President’s Office), Mr Mihayo Juma N’hunga, has categorised that the government has not taken measures to control floods in the coastal areas of Unguja and Pemba for lack of ready funds.   He pointed out here yesterday that many areas in Unguja and Pemba have been affected by the recent floods as well as by rising seas, but they have delayed to take appropriate measures because they lack funds. “ We expected to receive about 800m/- from the ‘African Development Bank (AfDB) in the ending 2017/2018 fiscal year, but unfortunately the money was not there. We expect to get it this year (2018/2019) to control floods in the worst affected areas like Msuka village in Pemba,” added N’hunga. His statement was in response to concerns raised on the effects of ‘climate change’ in the Islands by Mr Omar Seif Abeid (CCM-Konde), who said Msuka area, where the Coastal Security Guard Forces (KMKM) barracks are also located, was at the risk being washed away.

olice urged to arrest cybercrime suspects

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THE Minister of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Sira Ubwa Mamboya, yesterday drew attention of the Police to ‘tame cybercrime’ that is on the rise by people who misuse Information Communication Technology (ICT) flourishing in the Island.   Ms Mamboya pointed out that there have been emerging and increasing illegal financial deals in the area where the suspects use mobile phones to swindle their unsuspecting targets, adding that a case in study was her own scene. Urging the Police to spare no one in the illegal business, she said: “There are problems, I was a victim, we were questioned by the police but we have seen no action. I ask the police to take this problem seriously.” The Minister made the remark while responding to a question(s) fielded by Mr Said Omar Said (CCM-Wingwi) who raised a concern over the cybercrime, despite no one so far appearing in Court to answer such charges. The Backbencher, Said, informed the House that recently someone attempted to ‘wire out

Yanga defeat in Algeria requires explanation

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YOUNG Africans over the weekend suffered a 4-0 defeat to Algerian USM Alger in their first leg match of the CAF Confederation Cup’s group stage in the Algerian capital, Algiers.   Immediately after the defeat, a lot of narratives made the rounds in Dar es Salaam, of course, starting with the profile of the players that made up the team that was tasked to take on their Algerian counterparts. But as rightly pointed out by fans, most of the top-flight Young Africans’ players did not travel to Algeria, hence the fielding of young, mostly inexperienced players, particularly at such a level of the tournament. Although the Young Africans’ management is yet to issue a statement on why they fielded such a weak team against the tough Algerians, but again the rumours that have been making the rounds in Dar es Salaam is that senior players were on strike. And on why the players had decided to go on strike just at the time when their services were urgently required not only to represent

Yanga hand title to rivals Simba

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SIMBA have been crowned Mainland Premier League champions as third-placed Young Africans suffered a shock 2-0 away defeat to Tanzania Prisons in Mbeya yesterday.   Yanga had to win yesterday’s match to at least keep the title race mathematically alive, but they were stunned at Sokoine Memorial Stadium in Mbeya when Eliuta Mpepo and Salum Bosco, scored a goal each after the break. It meant a defeat or draw for Yanga yesterday was to confirm Simba as the new champions of the league this season. With three matches to end their campaign, Simba’s 65 points tally cannot be reached by any other team in the league. Yanga, who looked a distant threat to the unbeaten Msimbazi Street lads have played 25 matches and can knock at 63 points do they win their remaining five matches. Second placed Azam, with 49 points, can now reach 58 points if they win all three remaining matches. Simba have now won 19th league title and their first since 2012. Simba Media and Communication Officer, Haji Manara re

Tanzania tourist attractions highlighted at major stakeholders’show

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SOUTH Africa Minister for Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom, has invited tourists across the world to visit Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. He has emphasized that out there, tourists can witness largest concentrations of wild animals and the most spectacular migration of animals on the planet.   The minister was addressing hundreds of thousands of tourism stakeholders who are attending the ongoing 2018 Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show in Durban, South Africa. He said: “In Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater Nature Reserve has the largest concentration of wild animals in the world. In the Serengeti, tourists can witness the most spectacular migration of animals on the planet.” Mr Hanekom also cited several tourist attractions in various African countries. He told the audience that in Africa, people were most welcoming to visitors, applying their own unique flair and way of hosting guests professionally. “ We know how to host them professionally in our own way. We can guarantee a l

Crooked traders on a cliff edge

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PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa yesterday issued a threeday ultimatum to industrialists and traders to release all edible oil and sugar stocks in their warehouses, blaming some unscrupulous manufacturers and dealers for hording the commodities in order to hike prices.   The premier explained here yesterday evening that after expiry of the ultimatum, the government would conduct inspections at all warehouses and factories to pin down traders who have been hoarding the vital consumables. We cannot let this matter fizzle out easily, this is a deliberate plan to subject Tanzanians to suffering,” Mr Majaliwa stated in the august House when responding to queries raised by parliamentarians over shortage of the two commodities. The PM explained further that the government had established that there were adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar locally but some factory owners and dealers were hording the products to hike their prices in the local market. Over the past few days, lawmakers here f

Smart move to curb HIV/Aids countrywide

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THE Government yesterday released an ambitious roadmap to curb the national spread of AIDS by getting more people tested and treated sooner in a new attempt to turn the tide of the epidemic before 2030.   Launching the fourth national multi-sectoral strategic framework for HIV and AIDS plan (HSHSP IV 2017-2022) Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children, Ms Ummy Mwalimu, said the new plan is to reach out to the entire population in the country. “We want everyone to understand their HIV status. This is the only option that will help end the fight against AIDs,” she said. With the global target set for 2030 to end HIV and AIDs, the UN approved a 2020 plan targeting 90 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 90 percent of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment and 90 percent of people in treatment with fully suppressed viral load. But figures in Tanzania speaks different. The minister says 48 percent of the population of people living with HIV an

Kihansi lined up as game reserve

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THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) plans to turn Kihansi catchment -- a watershed area covering Kilolo, Mufindi and Kilombero districts --- into a game reserve in order to conserve and protect its biodiversity. Kihansi catchment, characterized by steep slopes to the east and gentle slopes to the west and Kihansi gorge in particular, is internationally recognized as an important site for biodiversity within the Udzungwa Mountains because of unusual habitats which include Kihansi spray toads and forest. NEMC Environmental Officer, Henric Mwilongo, told reporters here yesterday that the council appeals for public cooperation to ensure the toads (referred to scientifically as Nectophrynoidesasperginis) remain safe by respecting the borders of the catchment. The safety of toads will depend on catchment’s environment remaining clean, he said. “We appeal for public cooperation and understanding to ensure boundaries of the Kihansi River Basin are respected and the basin is no

List available investment opportunities - Mahenge

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DODOMA Regional Commissioner (RC), Dr Binilith Mahenge has directed executives in the region to list all investment opportunities available in the area, for regional authorities to promote them to the public.   Dr Mahenge issued the directive here during a recent Regional Consultative Council (RCC) meeting, pointing out that the government’s decision to shift to the Central Zone region had created a number of opportunities. “The executive should now undertake the role to mobilize groups of people, largely women and youngsters to grab business opportunities,” the RC said while opening the RCC meeting. The meeting brought together executives and Members of Parliament in the region to deliberate on issues pertaining to development particularly projects and regional budget. Dr Mahenge further ordered regional executives to identify likely business opportunities in the construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Hoima-Tanga Oil Pipeline in order to prepare youth and women to grab the

UDOM launches programme to educate surrounding communities

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THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) has introduced Literacy Programme (UDOLP) to people who lack basic education in communities surrounding its campus.   Head of Department of Educational Foundations and Continuing Education at UDOM’s College of Education, Dr Joseph Manase, noted here over the weekend that about 80 residents of Ng’ong’ona area had enrolled for the programme. “After reaching communities surrounding UDOM, we plan to roll out the programme to the entire Dodoma Region,” said the don at an event to officially launch the programme at Ngo’ng’ona Secondary School, which will be used as a centre for offering the programme. He pointed out that UDOM came up with the programme after a survey established that at least two persons in every household in communities surrounding UDOM campus were illiterate. Dr Manase said the survey, which was conducted by UDOM, had discovered about 3,000 illiterate persons in communities surrounding UDOM campus, pointing out the areas as Ngo’ng’ona, Iyu

Government sets aside 30bn/- for health delivery

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THE Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children has allocated 30bn/- to improve health service delivery in Simiyu, Njombe, Mara and Katavi, the National Assembly was told here yesterday.   Deputy Minister Dr Faustine Ndugulile told the House that the government has also ordered ambulances that will be distributed amongst the hospitals facing shortage of the facilities. The deputy minister was responding to a question by Special Seats MP, Lukago Midimu (CCM), who had highlighted that Itilima and Busega districts face shortage of health facilities and that the ongoing construction does not meet the demand to improve health service delivery in the area. “Currently, the construction is centred on Outpatient Department (OPD). The district faces shortage of maternal ward and yet there is no ambulance to help patients in case of emergency,” she said. Josephat Kandege, Deputy Minister in the Office of the President (Regional Administration and Local Governments),

Finally 104-year-old scientist ends his life at Swiss clinic

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A 104-year-old Australian scientist who had campaigned for the legalization of assisted dying in his home country has ended his life at a Swiss clinic, a representative from the pro-euthanasia group Exit International has been quoted by CNN.   David Goodall, a respected botanist and ecologist, according to CNN, died Thursday at the Life Circle clinic in Basel, Switzerland, after administering a lethal drug under the guidance of doctors. Exit International, which represented the scientist, said Goodall passed away while listening to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Two days before he was due to die, Goodall told the US based News Channel that his life stopped being enjoyable "five or 10 years ago," in part because of his failing mobility and eyesight. "My life has been out in the field (working), but I can't go out in the field now," was quoted by CNN.

JPM warns envoys over incompetence

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President John Magufuli has warned that some ambassadors representing the country abroad will have their appointments reversed if they fail to deliver.   He said this on Thursday at the State House during the swearing in of Alfayo Kidata who is the new Tanzanian Ambassador to Canada and Cuba. The President said that he had previously directed all the country's envoys to report over their work, indicating successes and challenges they face, but up to now, none of them has filled any report. "What is the benefit of your appointment to Tanzanians?" "Some (ambassadors) will have to come back home and do what they are good at doing than doing nothing tangible to meet Tanzanians’ expectations. It isn’t right that you attend all of unnecessary recreational events abroad while your delivery is nowhere to be traced," insisted President Magufuli and added that the Permanent Secretary and Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation mu

Loans board invites new applicants for 2018/2019 academic year

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HIGHER Education Students Loan’s Board (HESLB) yesterday opened the application window for new loan applicants seeking financial support for 2018/19 academic year.   HESLB Director General Abdul-Razaq Badru told reporters in Dar es Salaam that over 40,000 first year students will benefit from the 427bn/- allocated for the next academic year. “ The application window is open for two months, starting today (yesterday) and will be closed on July 19 to enable all students to have enough time to read the guidelines effectively and comply with the instructions given by the board,” he said. He said that in the coming academic year, priority will be on the needy students who will study science, Mathematics and social health science courses. “Our priority will also be on applicants who will be admitted in courses that stimulate growth of industrial economy, including all engineering, science, agriculture, livestock and other gas and energy related courses,” he said. According to HESLB DG, the

Govt alert on Ebola outbreak

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FOLLOWING the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the government has embarked on precautionary measures to prevent the deadly disease from crossing into the country.   Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children Ummy Mwalimu told reporters here yesterday that the government has supplied Thermal Scanners to all main gateways of the country, including border posts, airports and ports. “Thermal Scanners are devices meant to detect high body temperature as a clue for Ebola disease,” explained the Minister. Ms Mwalimu noted that the government has enhanced its integrated disease surveillance and response system in the country’s border posts that are frequently used by DRC nationals to cross into the country. She named the border posts where the government has enhanced the system as Rusumo and Mtukula in Kagera Region, Kabanga and Port of Kigoma in Lake Tanganyika. Ms Mwalimu said the government has also supplied guidelines of transporta

JPM censures incompetent envoys

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PRESIDENT John Magufuli yesterday censured some of Tanzania’s Ambassadors whom he accused of failure to furnish him with reports on their performance and achievements. Dr Magufuli was speaking at State House in Dar es Salaam after swearing-in Ambassador Alphayo Kidata who has been assigned to serve Canada and Cuba.   Alongside Ambassador Kidata, Mr Msalika Makungu was also sworn-in as Tabora Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS). “I want to know how Tanzania has benefited during the period an ambassador has served in a certain country ... appointment is one thing but it’s not guaranteed that you will finish your term at your work station. If you fail to deliver, you will be recalled and replaced by a competent person,” warned President Magufuli. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Susan Kolimba asked the new envoy to promote the country’s tourism attraction for more tourists to visit and boost the country’s earnings. “ Use various platforms, nat