Members of Parliament recently ruled that Net Group Solutions, who are the managers of TANESCO, should quit when their contract expires in December next year. Will the government cope without Net Group Solutions?

YES. I am sure the government could do very well in preparing TANESCO for divestiture without the presence of Net Group Solutions. What I see here is nothing other than good planning and implementation. If as it used to be, the government utilizes its experts in managing the power utility firm, everything could go well. The only difference is that Net Group has increased the burden as they are paid a lot of money.
Zakie Morris – Planning Officer.

NO. I think if TANESCO is being prepared for privatization, Net Group Solution management is necessary. I say this because statutory companies that once performed well became bankrupt simply because of poor management. A good example is Mgololo Paper Mills in Mufindi. It was sold at a throwaway price because it had deteriorated and could not retain its previous value. We can let the South African Company prepare TANESCO for privatization.
E.N. Michael – Economist.

YES. I am of the opinion that at this juncture, I support the MPs for deciding that Net Group should go upon the expiry of their contract. This is because in the first place, they are paid billions of money yet they have completely failed to change the power utility company. Power cuts are rampant and consumers are now suing the firm because of losses incurred due to power cuts. On the other hand, I think TANESCO should not be privatized due to its indispensability as a service.
Emmanuel Marko – Clergy.

YES. I think the Group should go after the contract has expired. I am saying this because experts have already warned us that water and power utility firms are not for divestiture. So I see no point in having these around if the firm is not to be privatized. Secondly, the presence of Net Group, according to me, has slowed down the programme of rural electrification. Their emphasis has been on urban areas, where consumers can pay tariffs without hassles. I am afraid they are also profit orientated. The firm makes profits while serving the whole country.
Kyogolo Mike - Medical Assistant.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.