ZEC
gives green light to Hamad
By Kizito Makoye
CUF Secretary General, Seif Shariff Hamad was yesterday allowed to
register in the permanent voters’ register having appealed to the Zanzibar
Electoral Commission after he was refused registration on grounds that he was
not a permanent resident.
Sources in Zanzibar said the procedure was not complicated this time around for
Hamad; he was ordered to present voter’s identification documents for his wife
Awena and his Daughter Salma to authenticate his eligibility.
ZEC admitted that the election law No 11 which was amended in 2000 had been
interpreted wrongly by civic leader Hadji Abdulrahman Baya. It is a certain
section in Zanzibar’s electoral laws which has brought about the controversy. It
demands that a person must have lived for 36 consecutive months in a
constituency before registering as a voter.
Earlier Hamad claimed that some CCM officials, including its Publicity
Secretary, Omar Mapuri, the Minister in Prime Minister’s Office (Information and
Politics), Seif Khatib had registered in Zanzibar although they are living in
Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to The Express yesterday Mapuri admitted that he was registered in
Zanzibar but that there were no ambiguities.
Political tensions in Zanzibar have signalled the likelihood of possible
troubles in the run-up to the elections in October. Despite the 2002 signed
‘Muafaka’ peace accord between CUF and CCM, relations have continued to be
tense.
As the registration exercise in the permanent voters’ register officially ended
on Monday, CUF has come out with fresh allegations that thousands of its members
in Zanzibar were denied their constitutional rights to register.
In an interview with The Express on Monday CUF National Chairman, Ibrahim
Lipumba said, over 30,000 CUF members were turned down at registration centres
with officials questioning their eligibility to vote.
He said: “Some members of our party have been badly beaten as they queued for
registration. It is deliberate intimidation by CCM.”
Hamad’s previous denial to register was preceded by an attack against 12 people
who queued for registration at Kinuni and Chumbwini registration centres in
Zanzibar.
According to Zanzibar Urban West Regional Police Commander, George Kizuguto, the
criminals were young people carrying crude weapons. He admitted that the
attackers outnumbered the police officers at the scene. CUF believes that CCM
was behind the attacks.
Lipumba said that CCM has made the implementation of the ‘Muafaka’ accord
impossible and that his party will not remain silent whenever its members are
intimidated. “We embrace the accord but if the government of CCM does not
implement it, do you think it is easy?”
CCM has condemned the violence in Zanzibar. The party’s Secretary General,
Philip Mangula refused the claims. He said the violence was pure banditry and
that his party has no tradition of criminal behaviour.
Remarking on the Hamad saga, Mapuri said he is not in the position to give any
comment because he is not the one who denied him registration. “To me the
registration exercise went on very well … about Seif you should ask those who
denied him registration not me” he said.
As the general elections are approaching fear is rising in Zanzibar for possible
bloodshed due to mounting tension between the political rivals. The police in
Zanzibar however, say they will do everything they can to curb the wave of crime
activities. In an interview with The Express on Monday, Kizuguto vowed to
contain any person or group of people with the intention of disrupting the
coming elections.
’Pope Benedict XVI good choice’
By Fatima Grace Bapumia
and agencies
Following Tuesday’s election of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as
the new Pope, Bishop Method Kilaini from the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam said:
“We are happy that we have a pope whom we know what he stands for. He follows
the right teachings of the church and is a good theologian.”
The Bishop is glad that Tanzania’s Cardinal Pengo did not get elected. The
Bishop was praying for Pengo’s return to the country, even though a Tanzanian
Pope would make him proud and would boost Christianity in Tanzania, he told The
Express earlier this week.
“I told Pengo that I would not like him to become pope,” said Kilaini. Being a
pope would increase the workload on Cardinal Pengo, he said. “He would have 1.1
billion followers together with other non-Catholics. It’s too much. I wouldn’t
want that for a friend,” he said.
The Bishop was also not too disappointed that the pope remained a European. Late
Pope John Paul II gave many responsibilities to the Africans during his term.
For example, the former cardinal for the Ivory Coast was the head of the
congregation of bishops and Cardinal Arinze from Nigeria is the head of the
congregation of Liturgy, Kilaini said.
Pope Benedict XVI will be inaugurated as the 265th Pope on Sunday and is set to
celebrate a private Mass with his cardinals at the Vatican to mark the start of
his pontificate.
His papacy is sure to continue John Paul II's strongly traditional
interpretation of the Catholic faith, including opposition to abortion,
homosexuality, priestly marriage and women priests.
Pope Benedict XVI, who is the oldest man to become pope for more than a century,
was born in 1927 into a traditional farming family in Bavaria, Germany, although
his father was a policeman.
He served briefly and unwillingly as a 14-year-old member of the Hitler Youth in
his native Bavaria and then in the German army as a teenager in an anti-aircraft
battery towards the end of the Second World War. He deserted in 1944.
In 1977 he was made Archbishop of Munich and became a cardinal a few months
later. Soon after Pope John Paul II made him the Vatican's guardian of
Orthodoxy. From the outset, Cardinal Ratzinger moved to stamp out liberation
theology, a trend in Catholic thought mainly in Latin America which mixed
Catholic theology with Marxist analysis of capitalism. Where John Paul II, with
his Polish background, had some sympathy with the movement and its critique of
the cruelties of capitalism, the German theologian had none. He decided to stamp
it out. After the death of Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger, as Dean of the
College of Cardinals, took charge of the formal morning meetings of cardinals
during the nine days of mourning. As one of only two cardinals who was not
appointed by John Paul - his red hat having been awarded by Pope Paul VI - he
had a knowledge of the running of a conclave which was not shared by the rest.
Although the new Pope is in good health, his elder brother Georg, 81, was quick
to point out the possible problem of his age. "At age 78 it's not good to take
on such a job which challenges the entire person and the physical and mental
existence," he said. "It's no longer guaranteed that one is able to work and get
up the next day."
Women despair as CCM is
without female presidential candidates
By Danny Eliah, Dodoma
Several women in Dodoma Region have aired their discontent over the fact that no
woman picked the presidential nomination forms to contest on Chama cha Mapinduzi
(CCM) ticket.
The women said they were anxiously waiting for their fellow women to show up and
collect the forms. Time has come for women to contest for various positions in
the government, they argued.
Asha Abdallah, a resident of Mbwanga area in the outskirts of Dodoma
Municipality, said she expected the President of Pan African Parliament,
Gertrude Mongela to collect the nomination forms. If she is the President of Pan
African Parliament, how can she fail to lead the country with all the
experience, she questioned.
“I am confident that if she took the forms, she would win, for the way I see
her, she is hard working and she is respected on the African continent and in
Tanzania in particular,” Asha observed.
Thirteen men (only) have collected and returned the nomination forms on CCM
ticket.
Coastal cities
a threat to coast and marine environments
By Angela Mazula
The treatment of sewage generated from Dar es Salaam, currently treated through
waste stabilization ponds, lack adequate handling capacity and are poorly
maintained due to insufficiently resources.
This according to City Director, Wilson Mkama when opening an international
meeting discussing activities causing environmental degradation on coasts and
waters this week.
Mkama said that looking at this state of affairs it is high time that
contemporary sewage treatment system is considered for some of our coastal
cities and towns like Dar es Salaam, Mombasa and Maputo.
“We very much await the advice from experts as to how these treatment works can
be acquired at low costs and operated cost effectively,” he explained.
He added that coastal cities and towns face a serious challenge of ensuring a
safe environment that safeguards public health and attracts economic tourism.
“It is our duty to ensure the protection of the marine environment from the
likely impacts of sewage and associated wastes, but this will be achieved
through the engagement and participation of the private sector and local
communities, especially in the municipalities,” he said.
Civic
education programme launched
By Angela Mazula
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the importance of civic
education programmes for the success of the coming general elections.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launching of Elections Basket 2005 in Civic
Education, John Hendra UN Resident Coordinator said that learning about
participation in democratic and development processes are crucial. Such learning
empowers people and brings to attention principles of transparency,
participation, responsiveness, accountability, empowerment and equity.
Professor Rwekaza Mukandala, Programmer Coordinator, said the programme would
educate voters on their power as voters, critical evaluation of candidates and
adverse effect of corruption in elections.
Students
denied access now admitted
By Heri Said Kilongo
About 900 students out of the 1,100 who passed their standard seven examinations
but were not admitted to secondary schools in Mpwapwa District have been given
new hopes.
Thanks to efforts by the Mpwapwa District Council, more students will now be
able to continue with their education. A total of eight new schools are expected
to accommodate the students together with increased intake in other schools.
The chairman of Mpwapwa District Council, Godwin Mkanwa told The Express that
the municipal decided to step up the efforts to avoid a possible fall in
education standards.
He said they held meetings with stakeholders where they resolved to expand some
schools so that more students could be accommodated. He said that upon
completion of the construction exercise, student nomination will follow in two
weeks time.
He added that those students who will be nominated will have to immediately
start classes in order to catch up with the other students.
back to headlines
Misused grants
can stir conflicts
By Damas Ayuke, Kigoma
People have been urged to be careful with grants and ensure that money do not
fall in the hands of wrong people.
Coordinator of Peace and Justice in Kigoma archdiocese, Michael Bisima said this
when presenting a paper at a training workshop on capacity building. It is
imperative that society is careful with grants to avoid social unrest, he said.
He said grants given by various organizations might contribute to conflicts,
causing division in the society.
An official from the Horn of Africa Social Programme, Millicent Otieno from
Kenya said in most countries conflicts arise because of mismanagement of grants.
She added that most grants do not adequately suit the needs of the recipients;
as a result they bring conflicts to communities.
The training workshop was organized by the Commission for Peace and Justice in
Kigoma archdiocese in collaboration with non-religious organizations.
TACARE
starts environmental school
By Damas Ayuke, Kigoma
The Jane Goodall Institute through the TACARE project has embarked
on a plan to start an environmental field school in Kitwe forest reserve, which
will offer environmental training.
According to the forest officer with TACARE, Aristides Kashula the construction
of the school on the shores of Lake Tanganyika will add value to the existing
environmental training institute situated in Mwika in Kilimanjaro.
TACARE took over the forest reserve in Kigoma from the government in 1995.
The project has hitherto earmarked three areas for natural growth, reforestation
and animal keeping. Kashula stressed the importance of protecting the forest
particularly against tree cutting and wild fires.
Kigoma Region has two forest reserves: Gombe and Mahale with endangered animals
like chimpanzees.
The Jane Goodall Institute has disbursed Tsh. 180 million to implement various
water and environment programmes in 23 villages in Kigoma District.
The project’s coordinator, Julius Ishabakaki told reporters that the
implementation of the water projects started in 2000; water sources for Kalinzi
and Mukingo villages have now been secured.
RC urges
broader healthcare
By Heckton Chuwa, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Hida Ngoye has urged for a
broader health service in the country. She said this during her visit to the
Acquire Project stand at an exhibition commemorating World Health Day, last
week.
Ngoye, who was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Hussein Mwinyi,
gave special praises to the Acquire Project, which sponsored the exhibitions.
Northern Zone Project Assistant of the Acquire Project Lilian Shoo, said the
main mission of the institution is to improve the maternity health services,
especially the comprehensive post abortion care.
She said during the exhibitions many women were provided with services whereby
others were subject to referral services to different institutions as directed
by staff.
According to Shoo, the Project provides services in Kilimanjaro, Arusha,
Manyara, Iringa, Rukwa, Dodoma, Kigoma, Tabora, Mwanza and Shinyanga regions.
Confusion
reigns as school construction stops
By Damas Ayuke, Kigoma
Construction of Mwenge Primary School has come to a halt following claims that
the area used is the property of two individuals, possessing a title deed, Hamad
Kiranda, Locality Chairman of the area, told The Express.
The idea to build the school came after it was found that Kitubuka Primary
School was overcrowded. Parents argued that children would be better off in a
new school.
The parents’ committee, through the Ward Development Council which sat in 2000,
asked the residents in the area if they could agree to build the school,
something which they agreed to.
North Mwanga Ward Executive Officer (WEO) was asked to see Kigoma Ujiji Town
Council Executive Director before construction commenced. But the Director
directed them to the National Housing Corporation (NHC), as the area did not
belong to the Town Council.
NHC manager in Kigoma Region asked for a written request but up to date no
answer has been received.
To add to the confusion, Kigoma Ujiji Town Council, who said the area was not
theirs, later allocated the area to Gaspar Nyamwelu and Juma Kibingira.
The parents refused to give up and took the matter to Kigoma District
Commissioner.
As the area remained empty, the district administration told the parents to
start construction of the school. Contributions were made (Tsh. 5,000 per
household) and work begun.
Now the two occupants are stopping the project, claiming they were given the
title deed by Kigoma Ujiji Town Council. Upon request to present Kigoma North
Divisional Secretary with the documents, the two refused, and the plot remains
idle.
Value
vocational training, municipals told
By Damas Ayuke, Kigoma
District and regional municipals of Shinyanga, Tabora, and Kigoma
have been challenged to earmark special areas for youths who have completed
vocational training.
The challenge has been thrown by the Deputy Registrar of Vocational Training
Centres Authority of the West Region, John Gassomi at the first graduation
ceremony of a vocational training centre for refugees at Kanembwa camp in
Kibondo District.
He insisted that by helping the youth to practise their skills, the councils
will be acknowledging the efforts made by vocational training centres.
Earlier the Principal of the College, Michael Ibrahim said the college is also
planning to provide vocational training to Tanzanians who are living nearby
refugee camps.
He said the initiative will be implemented under the programme coordinated by
TCRS, a Christian NGO responsible for refugees in Kibondo District. The
objective is to improve the lives of Tanzanians who live close to refugees. The
training will include bee keeping, farming, cattle and goat keeping, plumbing
and soap making.
Will
Association prevent bogus security firms?
By Kizito Makoye
Following the formation of private security firms in the country, criticism have
been raised as to the accountability of the firms and the people they employ.
Rumours have it that some employees use their firms to acquire firearms for
criminal activities.
Tanzania Association of Private Security Companies (TAPSCO) was officially
inaugurated two weeks ago by the Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Capt. John
Chiligati who strongly warned that the Association must live up to its
responsibility, adding that all firms which will not adhere to ethics will be
punished.
Many people interviewed by The Express have their doubt that the Association
will clamp down on dishonest firms, rather they think it will be easier for
firms to continue criminal activities if protected by an association.
The Association has so far recruited 70 members leaving 230 reluctant to join.
In his inaugural speech the Minister ordered all security firms to ensure
systematic recruitment of personnel, including taking finger prints to prove
that the recruits have not been involved in criminal activities.
Analysts however believe that finger print analysis might be extremely difficult
provided that the police force does not have a network of modern technology to
keep and verify criminal records.
“Absence of recruitment standards might possibly lead to the recruitment of
people with criminal records. I do not think the government will be effective in
scrutinising finger prints provided that there is no modern security in place,”
said Security Consultant Melik D’Souza.
Poor payment has been cited as one of the reasons for employees being attracted
to the criminal world. The Minister warned that any security firm paying
salaries below the minimum monthly wage of Tsh. 48,000 risk stern measures.
In recent years the country has witnessed robberies where guards from private
security companies were said to have been involved in the plot. In May last
year, the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) Moshi branch, was robbed by armed
bandits who threatened customers and employees.
In an interview with The Express last week, the Interim Chairman of TAPSCO
Rafael Geras proved beyond any doubts that the Association would scrutinise
firms. Employees who for some reason or the other have to leave a firm should
not be allowed to be absorbed by another company within the organisation.
He added that in absence of the association it was difficult for the companies
to maintain any professional standards.
TPDF’s health services
strengthened
By Kizitto Joseph
Minister for Defence and JKT, Philemon Sarungi, has said a 15 year plan to
strengthen Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces is underway. The plan aims at
improving TPDF’s health service.
A statement by the Ministry over the weekend said the priority goes to building
or rebuilding hospitals and health centres in the camps together with
distribution of experts, equipment and transport facilities to these centres.
Sarungi said the Ministry has received aid from the German government through
Germany’s Ministry for Defence for the plan to start with aid had been
channelled to Lugalo regimental hospital and the zonal hospitals of Mbeya,
Mwanza, Arusha, Monduli.
Earlier this month, the Ministry for Defence entered into a contract with their
German counterparts for the building of Bububo regimental hospital in Zanzibar.
Work is expected to begin May this year.
Other hospitals to be built under this plan are Tabora, Songea, Morogoro, Kibaha
and Navy of Kigamboni.
Art classes
spot talented students
By Joshua Mshana
Arts should be taught in primary and secondary schools as a subject so that
students who have talents in arts can be identified and their talents developed.
This, according to Christine Kahale, Administrative Assistant of Tanzania
Culture Trust Fund (TCTF) speaking at the Art and Craft Exhibition at the
Academic International Secondary School in the city earlier this week.
“When arts will be taught as a subject in the schools, it will enable students
to be competent in arts and therefore be able to draw various pictures which
will be sent abroad and this will help to promote our national culture all over
the world,” she said.
Last week the school opened the art and craft exhibition, hoping to encourage
students to do other activities apart from studies. Bima Ramgopal, the principal
of the school said drawings made by students are sent to India and Japan to
compete for awards.
“We go for exhibition elsewhere. This helps our students to show what they have
done and see what other students have done and therefore they get exposure,” she
said.