TANZANIA BOOMING
Record number of tourists this season
By Apolinary Tairo
TANZANIA has recorded a never-reached number of tourists since the start of the
new tourism season, three months ago, a feat that tourist business stakeholders
attribute to peace, security and highly motivated marketing strategies.
The number of tourists visiting the northern wildlife parks rose sharply
between June and August, pushing bookings in leading tourist lodges ahead to
January next year.
Executives of various tourist companies in Arusha have attributed the
increasing number of visitors to aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns
overseas, which have been coordinated by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), and
key departments in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, led by
Minister Zakia Meghji, in collaboration with private business stakeholders.
As a result of the current flow of tourists into Tanzania, almost all hotels
inside the wildlife parks are fully booked while additional, luxury tented camps
have been moved to offer more accommodation to the visitors.
Five out of 11 lodges and hotels inside key wildlife parks are reported fully
booked for the rest of this year. Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and
Serengeti wildlife parks form the core of Tanzania’s tourism industry,
attracting over 80 per cent of visitors a year.
Northern Tanzania has a tourist capacity of 13,400 rooms in leading hotels and
lodges. New tourist lodges and resorts are springing up in northern Tanzania to
add more rooms for the holidaymakers visiting the wildlife parks and Mount
Kilimanjaro.
Leading hotels and safari lodges that accommodate most safari makers are Lake
Manyara Hotel and Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (outside Lake Manyara National
Park), Tarangire Sopa Lodge (Tarangire National Park) and Ngorongoro Wildlife
Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Ngorongoro Serena
Lodge (inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
Other prominent lodges are Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Serengeti Safari Lodge
(Seronera), Serengeti Serena Lodge and Lobo Lodge, which are operating in
Serengeti national park. Each lodge are fitted with 65 to 75 double bed rooms.
Big hotels in Arusha Municipality are Mount Meru, the Arusha Hotel, Equator,
Impala, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge and Hotel Seventy-Seven (Hotel 77). These hotels
have rooms ranging between 100 and 200 with single and double beds.
The managing director of Unique Safaris Ltd., a specialist tour operator for the
American and British tourists, Hussein Hamisi, said his company was driven to
establish more camping sites and introduce additional facilities to accommodate
its clients who are currently visiting northern Tanzania.
“We need more lodges and camping sites that would help to accommodate more
visitors in future,” he said.
The executive secretary of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO)
Mustapha Akunaay told The Express that the increasing number of tourists was a
result of marketing and promotional strategies outside Tanzania.
He said that his association members are well informed of the global challenges
in tourism, and have been working hard to market Tanzania as the best tourist
destination in Africa.
“We in the tourism industry know what to do, and we ensure our clients get the
attractions promised as well as quality services from us,” Akunaay added.
Akunaay said the on-going tourist flow has indicated market competitiveness,
which suggests a positive growth for Tanzania’s tourism industry and the quality
of services offered to high-class visitors.
“I think it is time all stakeholders think of putting more investments in hotels
and lodges to meet the accommodation requirements of our visitors,” he told this
paper.
Chief Tourism Manager for Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) Bernard
Murunya said: “In Ngorongoro, things are good. Tourism is very good here. There
are a growing number of tourists visiting this site everyday.”
TATO has projected the number of tourists visiting Tanzania will rise from
575,235 in 2002 and 595,000 tourists last year, to 700,000-plus visitors by the
end of this year.
Likewise, Tanzania is the fastest growing tourist destination in Africa,
competing hard with South Africa, Botswana and Kenya after a tourism slump hit
Zimbabwe – the once leading destination in Southern African region.
Tanzania is still considered a relatively expensive destination, but has been
getting high-class visitors from the world’s leading travel markets – the United
States and the United Kingdom.
TPDF 40 years climax
By Kizito Makoye
The 40th anniversary celebrations of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF)
reached their climax with the welcoming of the 14-day military demonstration by
the Infantry and Air defence soldiers from Msata in the Coast Region.
The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Benjamin Mkapa, gave a
hero’s welcome to the camouflaged troops, who also displayed heavy weaponry and
artillery.
The National Stadium was packed with excited Dar es Salaam residents,
entertained by four military fighter jets and the President who arrived at four
p.m. in a military car before he inspected the guard of honour.
Special medals were presented to the widow of the Late Mwalimu Nyerere, Mama
Maria Nyerere, retired president Ali Hassan Mwinyi and the widow of the late
president of Zanzibar, Mama Fatma Karume, in recognition of the valuable roles
played by the legendary leaders.
The President also presented medals to various personalities, who have made
their mark in the national defence and security over the years.
Addressing the commanders and fighters, President Mkapa congratulated the TPDF
for successfully completing 40 years. He insisted that security of the country
is the responsibility of all citizens and that nobody should lag behind in the
initiative.
The President further said that Tanzania will continue to fight poverty and that
the war against poverty depends on cooperation among all citizens and military
commanders.
“It is obvious that the journey is still too long…the fate of this nation is
still on our hands,” he stressed.
Present at the ceremony were the chief of defence forces, General George
Waitara, and other TPDF officers, ministers and senior government officials and
representatives from several foreign armies.
TPDF was established in September 1964, following the disbandment of Tanganyika
Rifle, which mutinied in January 20, 1964.
Children and youth involved in
media
By Timothy Kitundu
Representatives of children and youths from various media bodies in Tanzania
have initiated and formed an organization known as Young People’s Media Network
in Tanzania (YOMNET) with the primary objective of fully involving young people
in the media.
YOMNET President Dotto Athumani told The Express that the initiative came as a
result of the 4th World Summit on Media for Children held in Rio de Janeiro in
April 2004 where Tanzania was represented.
He said, before the summit, the children and youth organizations requested the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to facilitate the participation of
children and youth to the summit.
“In response, UNICEF convened a preparatory meeting with the Rio participants
together with representatives of children and the youths from various media
outlets including print, electronics, producers and film makers,” Athumani said.
According to him, the network was formed in June 2004 with the objective of
increasing, strengthening and coordinating children and youth activities and
participation in the media.
He said that, it’s a fact that youth and children are the majority consumers of
media products. Much reportage in the media concerning them is biased, lack
appreciation of their potentials and apprehended facts that would have given
them life.
“In regard to this, young people and children need to be consulted and involved
in the delivery of messages and information concerning them rather than being
solely recipients of such messages,” he said.
Brela marks technology day
By Kizito Makoye
The Business Registration and Licensing Agency (Brela) in collaboration with the
Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) will mark the 5th African
Intellectual Property and Technology day next month.
According to Thomas Kadushi of Brela all the innovators, inventors, authors of
literature and creators of artistic works will get the opportunity to exhibit
their works during the event.
He said during the day, cash prizes, shields and certificate will be offered to
the best three inventions and three creative works will be awarded.
“This will be an opportunity to advertise inventions/creative works for possible
market access as well as acquire knowledge on how to protect inventions and
creative works, thanks to a workshop on intellectual property right,” Kadushi
stressed.
He said the exhibition will be held between 12th-13th September at Mnazi Mmoja
grounds and the workshop will be held at the same dates at the Dar es Salaam
Institute of Technology conference hall.
Number of illegal firearms
troubles govt
By Jacqueline Mujuni
Despite the success of combating the smuggling of illegal small and light arms
in the country, the situation is still a thorn to the government.
Since 1960s northwestern Tanzania has been receiving refugees fleeing from
various neibouring countries in the Great Lakes regions; sometimes crossing
borders with illegal arms.
The situation has worsened in the Regions of Kigoma and Kagera, which have
witnessed a high number of cases of armed robberies, murders, and hijackings
where small arms have been used, according to President's Office, Regional
Administration and Local Government (PORALG) Deputy Permanent Secretary, Damian
Foka.
“About one million small arms are estimated to be in people’s hands in the East
African Countries,” Foka said.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP), Dominic Hayuma confirmed the
gravity of the smuggling of firearms in the country through unprotected borders
saying: “The situation has become our main problem and the number of illicit
firearms has been on the increase since 1995.”
Firearms recovery has decreased slightly since 2001 when 1,743 were recovered
compared to 667 collected in 2002 and 850 collected last year.
On the other hand, ammunitions recovered in 2001 were 3,111 up from 2,095
collected in 2000.
According to SACP Hayuma, the statistics for reported number of armed robbery
cases tells the following: 57 and 232 in 2000, 158 and 122 (2001), 126 and 130
(2002) and 82 and 118 (2003) in Kagera and Kigoma respectively.
Countries from the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa met in Nairobi in
2002 and declared to resolve the problem of illicit possession and use of small
arms and light weapons, ammunition and other related materials, affecting each
state and the sub-region.
Subsequently, Tanzania established the National Action Plan, National Focal
Point Committee and National Action Plan for Arms Management and Disarmament
with the aim of involving grassroots communities in combating the situation.
Minimising the supply of small arms and light weapons into the region, demanding
reduction, public awareness and lessening of harmful effects have been the
objectives of the country’s government in collaboration with United Nations
Development Fund (UNDP).
WLAC’s clients increase
By Timothy Kitundu
Over 600 women and children presented their cases related to divorce and
matrimonial disputes for legal aid to the Women’s Legal Aid Centre (WLAC)
between January and August 2004.
WLAC Executive Director, Scolastica Jullu said in a statement early this week
that most of the cases were associated with family problems, divorce,
inheritance, land, child custody and affiliation disputes.
“This shows that women are still discriminated and denied of their
rights…otherwise we would not have had all these cases,” Jullu said.
The centre, according to Jullu handles between 20 and 30 persons a day, which is
an increase from less than 20 clients previously, with the possibility of the
figures further rising. WLAC lawyers out of court amicably resolved some cases
while some cases were taken to court.
“The centre dispatched lawyers to represent clients in courts as it is an
indisputable truth that most clients cannot afford private lawyers,” she added.
Missing documents delay
payments
By Kizitto Joseph
Some teachers in Dar es Salaam Region who the government owes money, will loose
their right to payments following the failure of the commission formed to solve
the issue of long-term indebtedness.
Some commission members told The Express last week that it is difficult to
justify payments indebted from 1995 onwards because during this period Dar es
Salaam City Commission issued the payments.
The abolition of the City Commission and introduction of Municipal Councils
which are now responsible for paying teachers has led to the loss of some
documents, which would be used to justify these payments.
“There are no documents to justify this payments, and up to now it is difficult
to determine if these debts will be cleared or not,” said a source within the
Commission.
Documents missing are particularly those concerning promotions, upgrading,
shifts and leaves.
The government has formed different commissions to solve the issue payments. A
commission formed by the Local Government and Regional Administration (TAMISEMI)
has been set up, as well as another commission formed by the Prime Minister,
Frederick Sumaye.
In total, Tsh. 18 billion should have been paid to teachers all over the
country.
PSRP unveils tender recipients
By Kizito Makoye
In an effort to show transparency and good governance, the Public Reform
Commission has unveiled the names of firms, which were awarded supply contracts
from October 2003 to todate.
According to the President’s Office, Ministerial Tender Board’s Secretary,
George Mashauri the move is geared towards eliminating grievances and reminding
the tender boards at all government levels to abide by the Public Procurement
Regulations.
Among the 19 firms being awarded contracts are D. T. Dobie, Quality Group,
Micronix System, Palray Limited, Flint & Best, SatCom Network Africa Ltd., Soft
Tech Consultants and ESRF.
Selected others include Kaxuga Associates Ltd., Land Plan Icon and Business
Machine Ltd.
In accordance with section 47 (3) of the Public Procurement (Selection and
Employment of Consultants) Regulations 2001 and section 22 (i) of the Public
Procurement (of Goods and Works) Regulations 2001 every ministerial tender board
are supposed to make public all tenders given to consultants.
“Frankly speaking, this act has not been followed by most tender boards. As you
know, people always like shortcuts … the announcement we have made is an example
and a reminder,” said Mashauri.
Mashauri further said that the Central Tender Board (CTB) under the Ministry of
Finance is currently overall in-charge of executing and monitoring tender
matters. He however said the Board finds it difficult to monitor trends.
He said the forthcoming Regulatory body is pending parliamentary approval.
MISA highlights Zimbabwe
By Angela Mazula
The Managing Editor of Habari Corporation has been appointed the new Regional
Chairman of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
Speaking to the press at yesterday Salva Rweyemamu said that the appointment
took place at MISA Regional annual meeting in Lesotho last month.
Rweyemamu added under his chairmanship, MISA would discuss a new bill in
Zimbabwe, which appears to be introduced as an excuse for clamping down and
closing critical Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in the country.
“The impeding NGO legislation will not enhance democracy in Zimbabwe but serve
to further severely curtail people’s civil and political rights,” he explained.
Furthermore he said, “We call for repeal of all repressive legislations, namely
the Public Order and Security Act, Access to Information and Protection of
Privacy Act, and the Broadcasting Services Act.”
Rweyemamu added that MISA resolves to support MISA-Zimbabwe and its partners in
their struggle for the realization of the ideals spelt out in the Windhoek
Declaration and African Broadcasting Charter.
ADB gives 15m/- to health
sector
By Beldina Nyakeke, Musoma
The African Development Bank (ADB) has provided assistance amounting to Tsh. 15
million for improving and enhancing the health sector in three regions of
Tanzania.
Ministry of Health Executive Director, Aloyce Mushi revealed this information
recently in Musoma Town, when presenting a paper at a health seminar held at
Afrilux Hotel hall.
Every region has been provided with Tsh. five million, said, Mushi which will be
used to improve the health sector, including planning strategies for eradicating
poverty and ignorance.
Adding, the funds will also be used to eradicate outdated traditions of female
genital mutilations (FGM) and extracting baby plastic teeth, which are source of
many children’s deaths in the country. The concerned
regions are Mara, Mtwara and Tabora.
Mara Regional Administrative Secretary, David Mfwangavo, who also attended the
seminar, admitted that there were shortages of inputs and doctors in the Region,
contributing to declining health services.
The two-day seminar incorporated various administrative officers from the five
districts of Mara Region.
SUA adds degree programmes
By Ashton Balaigwa, Morogoro
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has made changes in its academic
curricula for various degrees.
Following the changes, new degrees have been added to satisfy the needs of the
communities, in consonant with contemporary opportunities and globalisation
thinking.
SUA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Msola said introduction of new
degrees aim at satisfying the needs of the community following changes which
occur in various fields at present.
New degrees include First Degree in Bookkeeping, Computer Science, Planning and
Use of Land and Agriculture and Meteorology.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor added that the university is also planning to
increase the student intake from the present 2,279 to 4,000 in 2005/2006
academic year.
More than 5,000 students have graduated in various fields from SUA since its
inception in 1984.
Presently, the University has strengthened its research programmes by including
participation of farmers. Research result will immediately be given to farmers
so that they can apply them on their farms.
UNICEF provides bicycles
By Balensi Alkadi, Bunda
Bunda District in Mara Region has received 110 bicycles worth Tsh. 7,150,000
from the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) for use
by village health service providers, to hasten campaigns of the Child Survival
and Security Development Programme (CSDP) that is being conducted in the
district.
The bicycles were handed over to programme service providers last weekend, at
the inauguration of the CSDP held at Mariwanda Village, Hunyari Ward, Chamriho
Division in Bunda District.
Bunda District Council Vice-Chairman, Ngasara Mapesa requested Village
Government leaders to make strict supervision, so that service providers
accomplish the intended work.
Programme District Coordinator Aduda Odindo said, in the two divisions of
Chamriho and Serengeti, out of the 16,541 children under five years who were
registered in the programme, 14,182 were examined and treated while 1,824
children were provided with Vitamin A drops.
Sanane Island for improvement
By Sebastian Gabunga, Mwanza
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism expects to improve and modernize
Sanane Island, on Lake Victoria in the outskirts of Mwanza City, to attract
tourists and investors in Mwanza Region.
Director of Tourism in the Ministry, Saleh Pamba revealed this information when
contributing at Mwanza Region Investor's workshop, which ended last week in
Mwanza City.
After increasing wild life, he said, the Ministry will rent the Island to
individual investors to provide food outlets and other tourist services.
The Department of Tourism in the Ministry, he said, is continuing with
procedures of implementing the plan. When the plan is completed, they will
advertise in the media to invite investors.
RC stresses attitude change
By Kim Aidan, Morogoro
Communities in the divisions of Mgeta, Mvuha and Bwakila in Morogoro Rural
District, have been requested to change their views regarding various
vaccinations for women.
Mvomero District Commissioner Samwel Kamote, when reading a speech on behalf of
the Morogoro Regional Commissioner Stephen Mashishanga, at the inauguration of
Mother and Child Day at the headquarters of Gomelo Kisaki Division in Morogoro
Rural District said that the vaccinations do not aim at hurting women.
According to Kamote, some people believe that sending women for vaccination
(believed particularly to harm women’s ovaries) is a European strategy of making
them sterile thus reducing population growth.
Kamote urged people to abandon these views as they hinder the government’s
efforts of protecting and guarding children and pregnant mothers, together with
eliminating unnecessary deaths of mothers and children.
‘Census results a concern for
all’
By Emmanuel Lazaro, Dodoma
District Planning Officers countrywide have been directed to make sure that the
2002 Population Census results reach all stakeholders and are well explained to
enable maximum benefits.
The call was made last week by Dodoma Regional Administration Secretary, Daines
Senyangwa in her speech read on her behalf by Germana Orol (member of the
Regional Secretariat) at a seminar dealing with distribution and usage of census
statistics.
Senyagwa said the objective of conducting the census exercise was to provide the
community with correct information on how to use the statistics in planning for
social development at all levels.
To realise this objective, the Census Headquarters’ Office, decided to organize
training for district planning officers concerning distribution and usage of
census statistics.
The training is important, she said, and it is expected that the district
planning officers will extend the training from district to village levels.
All regions invited to Kigoma
trade fair
By Damas Ayuke, Kigoma
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Environment, Arcado
Mtagazwa, is expected to be the official guest of honour at the opening of
Central Zone Trade Fair, to be held in Kigoma from September 17-20 this year.
The Small Industries Development Organisations (SIDO) Technical Officer for
Kigoma Region, Claudian Mihayo, revealed the information in Kigoma last week,
when addressing reporters on preparations being made for trade fair.
Mihayo said, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma and Kigoma regions are the hosts of the
Trade Fair and have invited all regions in Tanzania to participate in the Fair.
Besides the regions, Mihayo said, neighbouring countries such as Burundi and
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have also been sent invitation letters, to
come and get first hand information of the products displayed.
Products to be exhibited will include engineering goods, food processing
equipment, traditional apparel, technical inventions, pottery products,
environmental protection gear and traditional medicines.
Villagers’ views needed
By Nestory Ngwega, Tanga
Journalists have been urged to pay more interest to people in villages when
writing articles on HIV/AIDS.
The Tanga Aids Working Group (TAWG) coordinator, Dr. Samweli Mturu gave the
challenge.
Journalists should also encourage people to test their blood to determine their
status.
Mturu said people in the media should go to villages and ask people what they
know and think about AIDS in order to get their views which in turn would help
in campaigns against the disease. Currently, too many activities are concerned
with urban areas, he stressed.