Taking into consideration Tanzania’s poverty and other problems facing the nation, do you think it was necessary for the government to buy a Tsh. 40 billion Presidential Jet?

YES. I see the necessity of having a better Presidential Jet as regards reliability when our president is in the course of executing his duties. The recently procured jet though expensive will play an important role towards the implementation of various cores abroad by the President. Buying such a jet does not mean luxury or prestige but it is a working tool for the President just like any other tool. Additionally, I believe that the jet will guarantee Tanzanians safety and security for the President and other government officials using the plane.
Permena Malimbu - Civil Engineer.

NO. Taking into consideration the problems confronting Tanzania, I am of the opinion that a much cheaper jet could have been purchased. Tanzanians are in great need of education; some of the young people of this country are without education because of the inability to pay for it. Part of the funds could have gone to pay fees for children whose parents are too poor to afford them. In fact, more children could have benefited hence building tomorrow’s intellectuals. I think we should not forget the policy of cost cutting which was introduced by the late Mwalimu Nyerere.
Wilfred Amos Mezza – Researcher.

NO. I think for Tanzania it was too early for the government to buy such an expensive jet. I am not opposing the procurement but there are other crucial issues that could have been taken care of first. Two of them are the pathetic condition of the roads and the medical services. Also, the last budget indicated that more than 50 per cent was sourced from donors. I do not know how these ‘development partners’ feel when they note such a thing. At least for the time being the government could have purchased a much cheaper plane.
(James Mwanambate – Agriculturalist).

YES. After all the years of having no better jet for the President and other top officials, the time has come for Tanzania to have one. What I believe is that having better working tools makes the work easier. A good example is a car which was a luxury in the 1960s and 70s but now it is an important tool. The same goes with aircraft. What was regarded as a luxury a few years ago is no longer a luxury today with the ever changing technology. I therefore think that the government made a wise decision.
(Amon Kiiza – Retired Engineer).

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.