Tovuti Rasmi ya Rais

Mhe. Mohamed Othman Chande, Jaji Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya

 Muungano wa Tanzania;

Balozi Ombeni Y. Sefue, Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi wa Jamhuri ya

 Muungano wa Tanzania;

Ndugu Makatibu Wakuu na Makatibu Tawala wa Mikoa;

Wakuu wa Vyombo vya Ulinzi na Usalama,

Ndugu Wenyeviti wa Bodi wa Taasisi Mbalimbali;

Ndugu Watendaji Wakuu wa Taasisi Mbalimbali;

Ndugu Wenyeviti wa Vyama vya Wafanyakazi;

Ndugu Watumishi Wote.

Shukrani

Nakosa maneno ya kutosha ya kubeba na kuelezea furaha yangu ya kujumuika nanyi leo kwa wingi wenu kwenye hafla hii ya kuniaga. Mmenigusa sana kwa ishara hii ya upendo mliyoionyesha kwangu. Si jambo la kawaida kwa Rais kuagwa na watumishi wa umma, wala si jambo la lazima. Hii ni ishara kuwa tumeishi vizuri na tunaachana vizuri. Nawashukuru sana kwa zawadi mlizonipatia, maana pia mmenipatia katika kuzichagua zawadi zenyewe. Zitanifaa sana katika maisha ya ustaafu.

Nakushukuru sana Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi na viongozi wenzako kwa kuandaa hafla hii na kwa maneno yako ya kunikaribisha kuzungumza. Umeeleza kwa ufasaha yale mambo ambayo kwa pamoja tumeweza kuyafanikisha katika utumishi wa umma, na yale ambayo hatukuweza kuyakamilisha lakini tumeyafikisha mahala penye muelekeo wenye matumaini ya kukamilika siku zijazo.

Nawashukuru sana watumishi wa umma kwa risala yenu nzuri. Nimeisikiliza kwa umakini mkubwa na nimeipokea kwa mikono miwili. Ndani ya risala yenu yako maombi, ushauri na mapendekezo. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa nimeyapokea na nitayajumuisha katika Taarifa yangu ya Makabidhiano (Hand Over Notes) nitakayomkabidhi Rais ajaye ili ayazingatie na kuyapatia majawabu.

Shukrani kwa Watumishi wa Umma

 Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nitakuwa mchoyo wa shukrani nisipowashukuru na kuwapongeza sana watumishi wa umma kote nchini kwa kazi kubwa mliyoifanya katika kipindi cha miaka 10 ya awamu ya nne. Ni uungwana kukiri kuwa, mafanikio na sifa ninazozipata, zimechangiwa kwa kiasi kikubwa na jitihada zenu. Jukumu langu kama Rais, ilikuwa ni kutoa uongozi na maelekezo wa nini kifanyike. Ninyi kwa kiasi kikubwa ndio mlioshauri, mliotafsiri na mliotekeleza maagizo na maelekezo niliyowapatia ambayo imezaa matokeo tunayojivunia nayo. Nawashukuru na kuwapongeza sana kwa kujitoa kwenu na kutekeleza kwenu wajibu wenu kwangu kama kiongozi mkuu na wajibu wenu kwa taifa.

Umuhimu wa Utumishi wa Umma

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Umuhimu wa Watumishi wa Umma katika nchi yetu ni jambo lisilohitaji mjadala, ingawa ni jambo linalopaswa kusemwa ili lieleweke vizuri.  Kumekuwepo na uelewa finyu juu ya umuhimu wenu na mchango wenu mkubwa katika ujenzi wa taifa letu. Ipo haja ya kuendelea kuelimisha umma na wanasiasa kuwa ninyi ni chombo cha umma, kwa ajili ya umma na mnautumikia umma wote mkiongozwa na uweledi, uzalendo na viapo vyenu kwa taifa. Serikali za Vyama zinapita, ninyi mnaendelea kuwepo ndio maana masharti yenu ya ajira ni masharti ya kudumu na pensheni.

Mafanikio ya Kujivunia

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Katika miaka 10 iliyopita, ukiachilia mbali mafanikio makubwa ya kiuchumi na kijamii, kumekuwepo na mafanikio makubwa ndani ya utumishi wa umma. Awamu ya nne imejenga juu ya msingi mzuri ulioachwa na awamu zilizotangulia na kuboresha zaidi maslahi na utendaji kazi wa utumishi wa umma.

Mtakubaliana nami kuwa tumepiga hatua za kuridhisha katika kuongeza ufanisi serikalini kwa kuboresha mifumo ya utendaji na ufuatiliaji wa kazi za serikali, ushirikishwaji wa watumishi katika maamuzi na uendeshaji wa serikali na uendelezaji wa maslahi ya watumishi wa umma.  Kwa upande wa uboreshaji wa mifumo ya kazi tumefanya yafuatayo:

a)                 Kuanzishwa kwa mfumo wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa (BRN). Mfumo huu wa usimamizi na ufuatiliaji umeongeza uwazi na ufanisi kwa kushirikisha wadau wote katika sekta husika;

b)                Kuanzishwa kwa Serikali Mtandao (e-government) ambapo tumewezesha kuanzishwa kwa Mfumo wa Ajira kwa Njia ya Kielektroniki (e-Recruitment), mfumo shirikishi wa utoaji wa huduma za serikali kwa njia ya simu za mkononi; ukusanyaji wa maduhuli kwa njia ya mtandao; na tovuti ya wananchi kwa ajili ya kupokea maoni ya wananchi;

c)                 Kuanzishwa kwa Mfumo wa Taarifa Shirikishi za Kiutumishi na Mishahara mwaka 2012 ambao umewezesha ufanisi katika uhifadhi na uchakataji wa  Taarifa za kiutumishi na mishahara ya Watumishi. Mfumo huu umetuwezesha pia kubaini Watumishi hewa.

d)               Kupitia Sheria ya Majadiliano ya Pamoja katika Utumishi wa Umma Sura ya 105, tuliunda Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi katika Utumishi wa Umma, Baraza la Majadiliano ya Pamoja ya Kisekta (Sekta ya Utumishi Serikalini, Sekta ya Elimu, Sekta ya Afya na Sekta ya Serikali za Mitaa).Tulianzisha pia Tume ya Usuluhishi na Uamuzi (CMA) kwa lengo kutatua migogoro ya kazi.

          Mafanikio haya katika uboreshaji wa mifumo ya kazi, umewezesha pia uboreshwaji wa maslahi ya watumishi wa umma. Katika eneo hili ningependa kutaja kwa uchache yafuatayo:

a)                Kuundwa kwa Tume ya Kuboresha Maslahi ya Watumishi wa Umma mwaka 2006 ambayo mapendekezo yake yaliwezesha kuhuishwa kwa Sera ya Malipo ya Mishahara na Motisha katika Utumishi wa Umma ya mwaka 2010, na kuundwa kwa Bodi ya Mishahara na Maslahi katika Utumishi wa Umma mwaka 2012.

b)                 Kupandishwa kwa kima cha chini cha mshahara mwaka hadi mwaka kutoka shilingi 65,000 kwa mwezi mwaka 2005/2006 hadi shilingi 300,000 mwaka 2015/16 (ongezeko la mara 5).  Wakati huo huo kushusha Kodi ya Mapato (PAYE) kutoka asilimia 18 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi asilimia 11 mwaka 2015/16.

c)                 Kutolewa kwa Waraka wa Watumishi wa Serikali Na. 3 wa mwaka 2011 unaowawezesha Watumishi wa umma kukopa fedha taslimu za kununulia samani, vyombo vya usafiri au matengenezo ya vyombo vya usafiri. Kutokana na ufinyu wa bajeti, Serikali pia imeweka utaratibu wa mabenki na taasisi za fedha kukopesha Watumishi wa umma.

d)               Kuboresha mfumo wa Bima ya Afya kwa Watumishi wa Umma kwa kuondoa madaraja katika utoaji wa huduma. Aidha, tumepitia upya na kuboresha mafao ya kustaafu ya watumishi wa umma. Naipongeza sana Mamlaka ya Mifuko ya Hifadhi ya Jamii (SSRA) kwa kazi nzuri waliyoifanya katika eneo hili.  Nafahamu kuwa bado yapo masuala machache ambayo yako mezani kwa majadiliano.

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Ninachoweza kusema ni kuwa, jitihada hizi kwa pamoja zimefanya Utumishi wa Umma kuwa ni mahala pazuri pa kufanya kazi na kimbilio hata la wafanyakazi walioko katika sekta binafsi. Ni ukweli ulio wazi kuwa, watumishi wa umma wanaopokea kima cha chini cha mshahara wana nafuu kimaisha kuliko wale wa sekta nyingine.  Natambua bado tunahitaji kuboresha zaidi katika eneo hili. Mimi binafsi, nimetumia madaraka yangu ya urais kuhakikisha kuwa nyongeza na nafuu inapatikana kila mwaka kwa watumishi wa ngazi za chini wa Serikali. Naamini Rais ajaye aye atafanya hivyo, muhimu tu mchague vizuri.

Pamoja na ukweli kuwa jitihada hizi hazijatatua changamoto zote zilizopo, kilicho wazi ni kuwa tumeweka msingi imara wa kuzipatia majawabu ya uhakika changamoto za utumishi wa umma. Ni bahati mbaya kwamba dhamira yetu njema imekuwa ikielemewa na uwezo mdogo wa mapato ya Serikali.  Utatuzi wa changamoto nyingi  unategemea sana upatikanaji wa fedha za kutosha jambo ambalo halina jawabu la mkato. Tunapaswa tuendelee kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kuongeza tija, ukusanyaji wa maduhuli ili hatimaye tujenge uwezo wa serikali kutoa maslahi mazuri zaidi kwa watumishi wa umma.

Mambo Mengine ya Kujivunia

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mambo Mengine ninayojivunia ninapoagana nanyi ni kule kuwapa nafasi za uongozi wanawake na vijana; na kuimarisha ushirikiano na sekta binafsi. Tuliingiza katika Kipengele cha 12 (4) cha Kanuni za Utumishi wa Umma za 2013 kisemacho, “Inapotokea mwanamke na mwanaume wametimiza vigezo sawa kwa kulingana, basi kipaumbele atapewa mwanamke”. Kila zilipotokea fursa za uteuzi sikuacha kuwateua wanawake katika nafasi za juu zikiwemo za Makatibu Mkuu, Naibu Makatibu Mkuu na Wakuu wa Taasisi za Serikali. Tulifanya hivyo kwa nia njema ya kurekebisha kasoro za kihistoria zilizowanyima wanawake fursa za uongozi ndani ya Utumishi wa Umma.

Nimeteua pia vijana wengi katika utumishi wa umma kadiri fursa ya kufanya hivyo ilipojitokeza. Lengo kubwa ilikuwa ni kuandaa na kuwalea vijana walioonyesha ari kuwa viongozi wa baadae. Utumishi wa Umma lazima utambue vipaji mbalimbali na kuviendeleza na si kuvizima. Nimefanya hivyo pia kwa kuteua vijana kutoka sekta binafsi na kuwaingiza serikalini. Lengo langu ni kuleta serikalini changamoto mpya na mitazamo mipya ya utendaji kazi.

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Tulipo sasa na huko tuendako, tunapaswa kujenga uelewa wa kufaya kazi kwa ushirikano na sekta binafsi ambayo ni muhimili muhimu wa ujenzi wa nchi ya uchumi wa kati. Ndio sababu, nimejitahidi kuileta sekta binafsi karibu na kuwashirikisha na hivyo kuwafanya kuwa sehemu ya suluhisho badala ya wao kuwa sehemu ya tatizo. Tumewashirikisha katika uundaji wa maabara za BRN na tumefanya hivyo pia kupitia Baraza la Taifa la Biashara (TNBC) na kwa kuweka Sheria ya Ubia kati ya Sekta Binafsi na Sekta ya Umma (PPP). Sasa tunawashirikisha katika mapambano dhidi ya rushwa ambako sasa nao watasaini Hati za Uadilifu kama zile zitakazosainiwana viongozi wa umma na watumishi wa umma. Haya ni mambo ambayo nitafurahi kuona mkiyaendeleza.

Changamoto Mpya kwa Sekta ya Umma

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Utumishi wa Umma wa leo unapita katika kipindi chenye changamoto tofauti na huko tulikotoka. Mabadiliko katika mazingira ya kidunia, kisiasa na rika/demografia (demography) yanaathiri sana utamaduni na utendaji kazi katika utumishi wa umma. Wadau wa serikali wameongezeka na madai yao yamepanuka sawia. Kumekuwepo na mahitaji makubwa ya ufanisi, uwazi na uwajibikaji katika maamuzi ya serikali, mapato na matumizi ya serikali na ushirikishwaji wa wananchi na sekta binafsi katika maamuzi na shughuli za serikali.

Hamna budi kujitazama upya na kuchukua hatua za kufanya maboresho na mageuzi kuendana na mazingira mapya. Ukiritimba usio na lazima, usiri usio na lazima na uhafidhina katika uendeshaji wa mambo hauna nafasi tena sasa na huko tuendako. CAG ametusaidia sana kuona mapungufu yetu. Nawapongeza kwa kuzifanyia kazi Taarifa zake kiasi cha yeye kukiri hivyo katika Taarifa ya CAG ya Ukaguzi ya mwaka ulioishia 30 Juni, 2014. Tumejitahidi kuondokana na hati chafu, sasa ongezeni juhudi kuondokana na hati zenye mashaka.

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mnapaswa pia kuangalia namna mpya ya kuboresha mfumo wa mawasiliano wa serikali na umma. Awamu ya nne tumefanya mambo mengi makubwa lakini tumekuwa wazito katika kuyaelezea kwa kile tulichojizoesha kuwa ‘Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza’. Nawakumbusha kwamba zama hizo zimepita na hazitarudi tena.  Kufanya mambo mazuri ni jambo moja, na kujulikana kwa mambo hayo mazuri ni jambo lingine, ambalo ndio muhimu zaidi. Hili ni jambo la kulifanyia kazi huko tuendako.

Wosia

Mabibi na Mabwana;

 Nimesema mengi, lakini ningependa nimalizie kwa kuwakumbusha machache ambayo naona yana umuhimu wa kipekee kwa ustawi na uhai wa utumishi wa umma. Kwanza, nawaomba sana muheshimu viapo vyenu. Pili, zingatieni miiko na maadili ya utumishi wa umma ambayo ndio msingi na uhai wa utumishi wa umma. Hakuna serikali duniani isiyo na miiko au usiri wa masuala nyeti ya uendeshaji wa serikali. Uvujaji wa siri ni kielelezo kikubwa cha kuporomoka kwa maadili ya utumishi wa umma popote duniani. Mkifika hapo, maana yenyewe ya kuwa na serikali inakuwa ni kama haipo. Tatu, mtii sheria, kanuni na taratibu za utumishi wenu ili kuleta ufanisi na kuondoa migogoro na manung’uniko yasiyokuwa ya lazima.

Hitimisho

Mabibi na Mabwana;

          Namalizia kwa kuwashukuru tena kwa hafla hii mliyoniandalia na zawadi mlizonipatia. Kwa nama ya kipekee, Nawashukuru Makatibu Wakuu Viongozi niliofanya nao kazi Mheshimiwa Balozi Marten Lumbanga, Mheshimiwa Philemon Luhanjo na Mheshimiwa Balozi Ombeni Sefue.  Nawashukuru pia Makatibu Wakuu, Naibu Makatibu Wakuu, Makatibu Tawala wa Mikoa na Wilaya, Makamishna, Mabalozi, Wakurugenzi, Wakuu wa Taasisi na Mashirika ya Serikali na watumishi wote wa umma kwa mchango wenu mkubwa ulioniwezesha kutimiza wajibu wangu kwa watanzania kwa mafanikio makubwa.

Nafurahi kuwa, niliupokea utumishi wa umma kutoka kwa Rais wa awamu ya tatu, Mheshimiwa Benjamin William Mkapa ukiwa imara na katika hali nzuri. Nafarijika kwamba nitamkabidhi Rais ajaye utumishi wa umma ulio katika hali nzuri zaidi ya kuweza kumsaidia kutekeleza malengo yake na Ilani ya uchaguzi ya Chama chake.  Nitapenda sana awe mwana CCM maana naamini mnamjua na hampatapa tabu ya kuendana nae na kutekeleza Ilani ya CCM ambayo ndio iliyo bora katika uchaguzi mkuu huu.

Nachowaomba, mpeni Rais mpya ushirikiano wenu kama au hata zaidi ya ule mlionipatia mimi. Muwe tayari kumsoma na kumuelewa matakwa yake, aina yake ya ufanyaji kazi na kasi yake. Msije mkasema, ‘Rais Kikwete alikuwa hafanyagi hivi”. Kumbukeni ule msemo wa Mzee wetu Rais Ali Hassan Mwinyi kuwa ‘Kila Zama na Kitabu Chake’. Nawatakia kila la kheri katika utumishi wenu. Nawaaga rasmi, kwaherini!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika,

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania.

Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza!

Mheshimiwa Mizengo Peter Pinda, Waziri Mkuu,

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Ahmed Mohammed Al Furaisi, Waziri wa Mawasiliano na Uchukuzi wa Oman;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano

wa Tanzania mliopo;

Mheshimiwa Eng. Evarist Ndikilo, Mkuu wa

Mkoa wa Pwani;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa mliopo;

Dkt. Florens Turuka, Katibu Mkuu, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu na Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Pamoja ya Utatu, Mradi wa Eneo Maalum la Kiuchumi Bagamoyo;

Makatibu Wakuu mliopo;

Dkt. Hu Jianhua, Makamu wa Rais wa China

Merchants Group;

Mheshimiwa Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, Afisa Mtendaji

Mkuu wa SGRF;

Col. Joseph Simbakalia, Mtendaji Mkuu wa EPZA;

Ndugu Awadhi Masawe, Mkuu wa Mamlaka ya Bandari;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Lv Youqing, Balozi wa China

Nchini Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Sheikh Saud Al Ruqaishi, Balozi wa Oman

Nchini Tanzania;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi mliopo;

Watendaji Wakuu wa Taasisi mliopo;

Mheshimiwa Majid Hemed Mwanga, Mkuu wa

Wilaya ya Bagamoyo;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya mliopo;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana.

         Ni furaha na heshima kubwa kwangu kushiriki katika tuko hili la kihistoria la kuweka jiwe la msingi la ujenzi wa bandari mpya na wa Eneo Maalum la Kiuchumi (Special Economic Zone) hapa Mbegani karibu na mji wa Bagamoyo. Nawashukuru sana wajumbe wa Kamati ya Utatu, chini ya Mwenyekiti wake Dkt. Florence Turuka, Katibu Mkuu, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu kwa kazi nzuri mliyoifanya kuwezesha mradi huu mkubwa na wa aina yake kuanza kutekelezwa. Pia tunawapongeza kwa maandalizi ya sherehe hizi. Kama mjuavyo, mradi huu unatekelezwa kwa ubia wa mashirika ya nchi tatu za China, Oman na Tanzania.

Kwa namna ya kipekee napenda kutumia nafasi hii  kuwakaribisha wawakilishi wa Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Watu wa China na Kampuni ya China Merchants Holdings International Ltd (CMHI) na wa Serikali ya Oman na Shirika lao la State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) katika uzinduzi huu. Kufika kwenu kunatupa faraja kubwa sana na kuashiria mwanzo mzuri na mwisho mwema wa utekelezaji wa Mradi wa Eneo Maalum la Kiuchumi na Bandari la Bagamoyo.

Salamu za Rambirambi

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mwanzoni uzinduzi wa mradi huu ulikuwa ufanyike jana, lakini tukalazimika kuahirisha hadi leo hii kutokana na kuingiliana na shughuli za mazishi ya marehemu Dkt. Abdallah Omari Kigoda, aliyekuwa  Waziri wa Viwanda na Biashara aliyefariki dunia tarehe 12 Oktoba, 2015. Katika hali ya kawaida, marehemu Mheshimiwa Kigoda angekuwa nasi hapa leo hii kwani Wizara yake ndiyo inayohusika na uendelezaji wa eneo maalum la kiuchumi. Alishiriki kwa ukamilifu katika hatua zote za matayarisho ya mradi huu. Nasikitika kuwa hakuweza kuishuhudia siku hii ya leo. Mchango wake utakumbukwa daima.

Chimbuko la Mradi wa Bandani ya Bagamoyo 

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Wahenga wanasema usione vinaelea, vimeundwa. Napenda kumtambua muasisi wa mradi huu Mheshimiwa Mizengo Pinda, Waziri Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Alipokuwa ziarani nchini China Oktoba, 2013 ndipo alipokutana na Serikali ya China na Kampuni ya China Merchant Holdings na kubuni wazo la kuwa na mradi huu. Alipokuja kunisimulia kuhusu wazo la kuwa na mradi huu, lazima nikiri kuwa nilipata taabu kuamini kwa vile ni mkubwa mno. Mradi wa Dola bilioni 10, kweli unawezekana? Lakini alifanikiwa kunifanya niamini. Nikakubali.

Baadaye wakaja wajumbe wa China Merchant Holdings kunielezea na wakati wa ziara ya Rais wa China nchini makubaliano ya ushirikiano wa ujenzi wa miradi hii yakatiwa saini. Hapo ndipo hofu ikanitoka. Baadaye nikapokea ujumbe kutoka Serikali ya Oman kuniambia kuwa na nchi yao inajiunga katika utekelezaji wa mradi huu ndipo nikaamini zaidi kuwa huu ni mradi muhimu na kwamba utawezekana. Nilipotembelea China mwaka Oktoba, 2014 kule Shenzhen makubaliano ya kuijumuisha SGRF yakatiwa saini hivyo kuliongeza rasmi Shirika la Oman katika mradi.

Baada ya hapo ndipo maandalizi yakapata kasi kubwa. Wenzetu wa China na Oman wamekuwa na msukumo mkubwa wa kutaka kuanza na kuna nyakati nadhani walikuwa wanahisi kama vile upande wetu unachelewa. Hata wiki iliyopita Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Oman alinipigia simu kuelezea wasiwasi wake kwa nini uzinduzi umecheleweshwa. Nikamhakikishia kuwa hakuna mabadiliko.

Bahati nzuri miradi yote miwili katika mradi mkubwa wa Eneo Maalum la Kiuchumi la Bagamoyo ni sehemu ya miradi ya kimkakati kitaifa. Kwa mfano, Mradi wa Bandari ya Bagamoyo ni kati ya miradi iliyoainishwa na Mamlaka ya Bandari Tanzania (TPA) kama mradi wa kipaumbele kwenye Mpango Kabambe wa Miaka 20 wa Kuendeleza Bandari Nchini (Tanzania Ports Master Plan 2008-2028).  Mradi wa Ujenzi wa Bandari ya Bagamoyo ulianishwa baada ya uchambuzi kuonesha kwamba Bandari ya Dar es Salaam itafikia ukomo wa upanuzi wake baada ya miaka michache ijayo.

Sambamba na mpango wa TPA, Mamlaka ya Uzalishaji Bidhaa kwa Mauzo ya Nje (EPZA) nayo ilikuwa na mpango mkakati wa kuanzisha eneo la kujenga viwanda vya kuzalisha bidhaa za kuuza nje ya nchi hapa hapa. EPZA ilianisha eneo la Hekta 9,800 kwa ajili ya ujenzi wa Mji wa Viwanda Wilayani Bagamoyo ikijumuisha eneo la Hekta 800 kwa ajili ya Ujenzi wa Bandari mpya ya kisasa. Aidha, zitajengwa barabara na reli kuiunganisha bandari hiyo na barabara na reli nchini.

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Utekelezaji wa miradi hii miwili ulihitaji  mtaji mkubwa kwa maana ya rasilimali fedha na teknolojia ya kisasa ambavyo kwetu ingetuchukua muda mrefu kupata. Hii ilitulazimu kutafuta marafiki wenye ujuzi, uzoefu na uwezo wa kutekeleza miradi ya aina hii. Kama nilivyokwisha eleza, Waziri Mkuu alilipatia ufumbuzi suala hili alipotembelea China. Lilikamilika wakati wa ziara ya Mheshimiwa Xi Jinping Rais wa China alipofanya ziara hapa nchini mwaka 2013, tuliposhuhudia utiaji saini wa Mkataba wa Ushirikiano wa Kimkakati (Framework Agreement on Strategic Partnership).

Kama nilivyokwisha dokeza, rafiki zetu wa Serikali ya Oman nao wakajiunga kwenye Mradi huu kupitia Mfuko maalum wa Uwekezaji wa Serikali ya Oman (SGRF). Kitendo hicho kimeupa mradi uwezo mkubwa wa kutekelezwa. Kwa kweli kilichochelewesha mradi kuanza ni pamoja na kutaka kuwa makini katika mazungumzo ; na kukawia kwetu kukamilisha fidia na uhamishaji wa wananchi wanaopisha mradi.

Fidia kwa Wananchi

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Taarifa kutoka Mamlaka ya Usimamizi wa Bandari Tanzania zinaonesha kuwa asilimia 94.1 ya Wananchi wanaodai fidia wamelipwa. Jumla ya Wananchi 2,211 ndio watakaopisha mradi huu na kati ya hao, 2,081 wamelipwa fidia. Eneo mbadala la makazi lenye ukubwa wa hekta 296 limepatikana katika eneo la Kidagoni. Taratibu za kupima na upatikanaji wa hati zinaendelea kufanywa na Mamlaka husika.

Hata hivyo, zipo taarifa za manung’uniko za watu kutolipwa fidia inayostahili kwa ardhi yao na mazao yao. Nataka jambo hili lihakikiwe vizuri ili wananchi walipwe stahili zao. Serikali haiwezi kudhulumu wananchi wake. Kikosi kazi maalum kiundwe kwa ajili hiyo. Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu iongoze na kazi ifanyike mara moja ili tusichelewe zaidi.

Shabaha ya Serikali ni kuhakikisha kwamba Wananchi wanaopisha mradi wanakuwa na hali bora zaidi ikilinganishwa na hali yao kabla ya mradi. Tunategemea pia kuwa wananchi hao hao ndio watanufaika na miradi hii moja kwa moja ikiwa ni ajira na shughuli za kibiashara.

Mafanikio ya Sera za Uchumi Jumla na Uwekezaji

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Utekelezaji wa mradi huu wa ni matokeo ya Sera zetu rafiki za uchumi jumla na uwekezaji zinazochochea ukuaji wa uchumi na kuvutia uwekezaji mkubwa.  Kutungwa kwa Sera na Sheria kuhusu ubia kati ya serikali na sekta binafsi (Public Private Partnership) ndiko kulikotufikisha hapa. Hatua hizo pamoja na uwekezaji mkubwa tuliofanya kwenye miundombinu, nishati na huduma kumeweka mazingira mazuri ya kuvutia uwekezaji nchini. Ndio maana marafiki zetu wa China na Oman  wameweza kuamua kuwekeza mradi huu mkubwa wenye thamani ya dola za kimarekani milioni 10 hapa nchini.

Safari ya Kuelekea Uchumi wa Viwanda

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Uzinduzi wa mradi huu ambao ujenzi wake unakadiriwa kuchukua miaka 3 kukamilika, unafanyika wakati ambapo nchi yetu inaanza safari ya ujenzi wa uchumi wa viwanda  ambao ni daraja la kutufikisha kwenye nchi ya uchumi wa kati ifikapo mwaka 2025. Kama mnavyofahamu, kuanzia mwaka wa fedha 2016 - 2020, Serikali itaanza kutekeleza Mpango wa Pili wa Miaka 5 wa Maendeleo unaojikita katika kuchochea mapinduzi ya viwanda.

Habari njema zaidi ni kuwa, Tanzania ni moja ya nchi tatu zilizochaguliwa na China barani Afrika  katika mpango  wake wa kuendeleza viwanda barani Afrika unaotarajiwa kuanza mwaka 2016-2018. Nchi nyingine zilizochaguliwa ni Msumbiji na Ethiopia. Hivyo, utekelezaji wa mradi huu umeanza wakati muafaka kabisa. Pia Bandari itafaidika na fursa ya kuwepo kwa soko kubwa la mizigo kufuatia ujenzi wa reli mpya ya upana wa kimataifa unaotarajiwa kuanza wakati wowote kutokea sasa. 

Mradi wa Eneo Maalum la Uchumi Bagamoyo

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mradi huu wa Eneo Maalum la Uchumi utaigeuza Bagamoyo kuwa Jiji la Viwanda (Industrial City) ambapo Eneo Maalum la Viwanda (Portside Industrial Zone) lenye ukubwa wa Hekta 1,700 lina uwezo wa kujengwa viwanda  zaidi ya 1,000. Bandari ya Bagamoyo itatuwezesha kuitumia vyema fursa yetu ya kijiografia na kuongeza ushindani wa kiuchumi katika ukanda wa Afrika Mashariki na Kusini. Bandari ya Bagamoyo itaifanya Tanzania kuwa lango kuu la biashara ya kimataifa na kuwa kichocheo cha mageuzi ya kiuchumi kwa Tanzania na nchi nyingine za Ukanda wa Mashariki, Kati na Kusini mwa Afrika. 

Tafiti mbalimbali za Mwenendo wa Uchumi wa Dunia na Biashara za Kimataifa zinaonesha kwamba kwa miaka ijayo zaidi ya asilimia 60 ya biashara ya kimataifa itakuwa kwenye Bahari Kuu ya Hindi. Hivyo, Bandari ya Bagamoyo inakuja wakati muafaka kwa kuzingatia kwamba Bandari ya Dar es Salaam itafikia ukomo wake wa upanuzi miaka michache tu ijayo. Ule umaarufu wa Bagamoyo uliovuma kati ya karne ya 14 na 15 utarudi tena. Historia inajirudia lakini kwa sifa njema.

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kwa sasa hivi uwezo wa kuhudumia mizigo katika bandari zetu tatu yaani Dar es Salaam, Tanga na Mtwara ni tani milioni 11.49 na kontena 600,000. Jumla ya wafanyakazi wa kudumu 3,240 wameajiriwa na vibarua kwa kazi za kutwa ni wastani wa 1,520. Kama ilivyoelezwa bandari hii ya Bagamoyo tunayoizindua leo ujenzi wake unategemea kuongeza uwezo wa kuhudumia mizigo kwa tani 600,000 na makasha 1,000,000 (Tani milioni 6). Inategemewa kuajiri wafanyakazi wapatao 1,000. Haya yote yamepangwa kutokea katika awamu ya kwanza inayoishia mwaka 2030. Uwezo wetu utaongezeka na kufikia tani 12.09 milioni na makasha 1,600,000.

Uendelezaji wa Bandari Zilizopo

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Serikali inaendelea pia kuchukua hatua za kuongeza uwezo wa bandari zetu katika upande wa kuhudumia mizigo na makasha kufikia kiwango cha juu kabisa katika miaka mitano ijayo.   Hatua tunazochukua kwa kushirikiana na wadau kadhaa wa maendeleo na kwa kutumia pesa zetu wenyewe zinategemea kuongeza uwezo wetu kufikia takribani tani milioni 65 katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo. Kwa Dar es Salaam pekee tutaruka mara 3 ya uwezo uliopo sasa hivi.  Lakini pia kwa Mtwara tunategemea kuongeza tani 500,000 na makasha 300,000 baada ya maegesho manne yanayotegemewa  kujengwa kukamilika. Vilevile ile jeti ya Dangote itakuwa na uwezo wa kuhudumia tani milioni 4.

Ushindani wa Bandari Nyingine

Wageni waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Ujenzi wa bandari hii na upanuzi wa bandari zetu tatu za Mtwara, Dar es Slaaam na Tanga utakapokamilika utaiweka nchi yetu kwenye nafasi nzuri ya ushindani mkubwa katika mwambao wa Afrika Mashariki ikizingatiwa kuwa tofauti na wenzetu, jiografia imetupendelea sisi zaidi kwa kupakana na nchi nyingi zisizo na bandari.

Wito kwa Watanzania

Mabibi na Mabwana;

         Wito wangu kwa Watanzania ni kufanya mambo makubwa mawili. Kwanza, kudumisha amani na utulivu maana uwekezaji wote huu na utakaokuja baada ya kukamilika miradi hii kunategemea sana utulivu na amani ya nchi yetu. Hii itategemea pia na namna tutakavyochagua katika uchaguzi mkuu huu.  Tuchague Chama na kiongozi ambaye hatavuruga utulivu wetu na ule wa Sera zetu za uchumi. Pili, tujiandae kuitumia fursa nyingi zitakazokuja kwa sababu ya uwekezaji katika Eneo Maalum la Kiuchumi la Babamoyo. Tujiandae kuwa washiriki na wadau kikweli kweli. Sekta binafsi nchini ichangamkie fursa za kuwekeza kwenye miradi ya viwanda na huduma kwa viwanda vitakavyowekezwa hapa.  Pia kutajengwa mji mkubwa hivyo mjiandae kwa ujenzi wa majengo ya ofisi na makazi yatakayohitajika. Wananchi hamna budi kujiendeleza kwa elimu na stadi za kazi ili muweze kupata ajira na kuanzisha shughuli zitakazonufaika na kuwepo kwa bandari na mji wa viwanda, biashara na huduma nyinginezo.

Ahadi ya Serikali

Mabibi na Mabwana;

         Serikali inaahidi kutekeleza wajibu wake kama ulivyo kwenye mkataba wa uwekezaji huu. Tutaendelea na azma yetu ya kuleta miundombinu katika eneo hili kuwezesha ujenzi wa bandari na viwanda kwenda kwa pamoja na kukamilika kwa wakati.  Milango yetu iko wazi na tutafanya kila lililo ndani ya uwezo wetu kufanikisha mradi huu kwa wakati.  Pale itakapobidi tutashirikiana na wabia wetu kuona uwezekano wa kugharamia ujenzi wa miundo mbinu kwa ubia. Sekta binafsi inakaribishwa katika uendelezaji wa mradi chini ya utaratibu wa Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Hitimisho

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Napenda kuwashukuru tena wabia wetu wa kutoka China na Oman katika utekelezaji wa Mradi. Ni matumaini yangu kwamba utekelezaji wa mradi utazingatia mgawanyo wa majukumu wenye tija kwa pande zote. Ni matarajio yangu pia kwamba utekelezaji wa Mradi utachangia kwa kiasi kikubwa kukuza uhusiano wa kidugu, kidiplomasia na wa kihistoria uliodumu kwa miaka mingi kati ya Tanzania, Jamhuri ya Watu wa China na Oman. Nastaafu kwa amani na furaha kuwa kwa kuanza kwa miradi ya kusafirisha gesi asilia, uzalishaji wa umeme kwa kutumia gesi asilia, ujenzi wa bandari ya eneo maalum la kiuchumi la Bagamoyo, mradi ya makaa ya mawe wa  Mchuchuma na mradi wa chuma kule Liganga na miradi kadhaa ya miundombinu ya barabara, reli na viwanja vya ndege, ninaiacha nchi katika hatua ya kuwa tayari kupaa kuelekea kwenye uchumi wa kati.

Baada ya kusema maneno hayo mengi, sasa natamka kuwa ujenzi wa bandari ya Bagamoyo na ukanda maalum wa kiuchumi umezinduliwa rasmi.

Asanteni sana kwa Kunisikiliza.

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Fenella Mukangara, Waziri wa Habari,

       Vijana, Michezo, Utamaduni na Michezo;

Mheshimiwa Zainabu Omar Mohamedi, Waziri wa Uwezeshaji, Ustawi wa Jamii, Vijana Wanawake na Watoto – Zanzibar;

Mheshimiwa Chiku Gallawa, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dodoma;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri na Naibu Mawaziri;

Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Wajumbe wa

         Baraza la Wawakilishi;

Ndugu Mwenyekiti  wa CCM Mkoa wa Dodoma;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa Kutoka Tanzania

        Bara na Zanzibar;

Makatibu Wakuu Kutoka Wizara Mbalimbli Tanzania

      Bara na Zanzibar;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi na Wawakilishi wa Mashirika

ya Kimataifa;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi wa Vyama Mbalimbali vya Siasa;

Viongozi Wetu wa Kiroho Kutoka Katika Madhehebu

Mbalimbali;

Vijana Wetu;

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nawashukuru Mawaziri wetu Mheshimiwa Fenella Mukangara wa Serikali ya Muungano na Mheshimiwa Zainabu Omari Mohamed wa Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kwa kunialika kuja kushiriki katika sherehe za mwaka huu za kilele cha Mbio za Mwenge wa Uhuru.  Napenda pia kutumia nafasi hii kumpongeza na kumshukuru Mheshimiwa Chiku Galawa, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dodoma na viongozi wenzake na wananchi wote wa Dodoma kwa kukubali kuwa mwenyeji wa sherehe hizi na kwa maandalizi mazuri.  Tunawashukuru kwa mapokezi mazuri na kwa ukarimu wenu mkubwa.

Pongezi kwa Wizara na Wananchi

Pia, nawapongeza Mawaziri, Makatibu Wakuu, viongozi waandamizi na maafisa wa ngazi mbalimbali wa Wizara zetu hizi mbili husika kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri waliyofanya ya kuandaa na kusimamia utekelezaji wa programu ya Mbio za Mwenge wa Uhuru mwaka 2015. Kwa namna ya kipekee pia napenda kuwatambua, kuwashukuru na kuwapongeza Wakuu wa Mikoa, Wakuu wa Wilaya, Wakurugenzi, Watendaji wa Halmashauri na viongozi wa Majimbo, Kata, Shehiya, Vijiji na Mitaa kote nchini kwa kuziwezesha Mbio za Mwenge mwaka huu kufanyika kwa usalama katika maeneo yao.

Nawapongeza na kuwashukuru wananchi wote kwa jinsi walivyoupokea na kuukimbiza Mwenge katika maeneo yao.  Nafarijika kuona hamasa ya wananchi juu ya Mwenge iko juu sana na kuwanyima wale wote wenye fikra hasi kuhusu Mwenge. Mwaka huu, Mwenge umekagua, kuzindua na kuweka mawe ya msingi kwa miradi yenye thamani ya shilingi bilioni 463.5.  Haya ni baadhi tu ya manufaa ya Mwenge wa Uhuru. 

Pongezi kwa Wakimbiza Mwenge

Ndugu wananchi;

Nawapongeza kwa namna ya pekee vijana wetu waliokimbiza Mwenge wa Uhuru kitaifa chini ya uongozi mahiri na makini wa Ndugu Juma Khatibu Chum. Nawapongeza kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri ya kukimbiza Mwenge kwa siku 168 kupitia Mikoa yote, Wilaya zote, Vijiji vingi na mitaa mingi kote nchini.  Jukumu hili ni zito na lina changamoto nyingi. Linahitaji watu wenye moyo wa uvumilivu, ustahamilivu na kuwa tayari kujitoa na kulitumikia taifa. Kwa uzalendo wenu na mapenzi kwa nchi yenu  hamkukata tamaa na kuweza kumaliza mbio hizi na kuufikisha Mwenge mikononi mwangu salama salmini. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tumeona uongozi ndani yenu na uzalendo mkubwa. Majina yenu yatabaki katika historia ya nchi yetu.

Nawashukuru pia, kwa Risala yenu na kwa kunikabidhi Kitabu kikubwa chenye Risala za Utii za wananchi wa Tanzania.  Tutazisoma zote na tutayafanyia kazi yale yenye kuhitaji hatua za kuchukua.

Umuhimu wa Mwenge katika Taifa letu

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Umuhimu wa Mwenge wa Uhuru katika Taifa letu ni jambo linalolopaswa kurudiwa kuelezwa mara kwa mara bila kuchoka. Hatupaswi kubweteka maana kazi ya ujenzi wa moyo wa uzalendo na mapenzi ya raia kwa taifa lao haina ukomo.  Kama nchi kubwa ambazo zimejitawala kwa zaidi ya karne moja zinaendelea na kazi hiyo seuze sisi nchi yenye umri wa nusu karne?

Ndugu wananchi;

Mwenge wa Uhuru uliwashwa kwa mara ya kwanza tarehe 9 Desemba, 1961 kwenye kilele cha mlima Kilimanjaro kutimiza ahadi ya Hayati Baba wa Taifa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere wakati wa kudai uhuru wa Tanganyika kwamba: “Sisi tunataka kuwasha Mwenge na kuuweka juu ya mlima Kilimanjaro, umulike hata nje ya mipaka yetu, ulete tumaini pale ambapo hakuna matumaini, upendo mahali palipo na chuki na heshima palipojaa dharau”. 

          Baada ya Uhuru ndipo utaratibu wa Mbio za Mwenge wa Uhuru ulipoanzishwa na kuendelea hadi sasa. Kimsingi mbio hizo zimeendelea  kueneza ujumbe wa amani, umoja, mshikamano, utu na moyo wa uzalendo na kujitolea miongoni mwa Watanzania. Mambo hayo yamekuwa Tunu zinazolitambulisha nchi Tanzania na watu wake.  

Ni mambo yasiyokuwa na chama wala itikadi. Sote yanatuhusu, kutugusa na kutunufaisha.  Pamoja na kusema tunu hizo kila mwaka kumekuwepo na ujumbe maalum unaoakisiwa katika kauli mbiu. Mwaka huu kwa mfano kauli mbiu ni “tumia haki yako ya kidemokrasia na  kupiga kura katika uchaguzi wa mwaka huu 2015”.  Mtakubaliana nami kuwa ni ujumbe muafaka. Aidha katika Mbio za mwaka huu pia Mwenge hueneza ujumbe kuhusu mapambano dhidi ya UKIMWI, malaria, dawa za kulevya na rushwa. Masuala hayo yamekuwa yanazungumzwa kwa miaka kadhaa sasa kwa sababu ya umuhimu wake, bado yapo na kwamba mapambano yanastahili kuendelea dhidi ya changamoto hizo. Haya ni masuala ya kutafakari tunaposherehekea Mwenge wa Uhuru, kutafakari maisha na wosia wa Hayati Baba wa Taifa, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere na kuamua juu ya mwelekeo na hatma ya nchi yetu kupitia sanduku la kura katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao.  

Kumbukumbu ya Baba wa Taifa

Ndugu Wananchi;

 Kama mjuavyo, katika siku ya leo, sambamba na sherehe za kumaliza Mbio za Mwenge wa Uhuru, ni siku ya kumbukumbu ya maisha ya Baba yetu wa Taifa, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere aliyeaga dunia siku kama ya leo miaka kumi na sita iliyopita.  Hivyo leo ni siku ya kusherehekea maisha yake na kujikumbusha mchango wake na urithi uliotuachia kama taifa na kama Watanzania. Hayati Baba wa Taifa alikuwa ni mwalimu wetu. Katika maisha yake ya uongozi hata baada ya uongozi ameendelea kuwa alama ya ushujaa, umoja wetu, uadilifu na uongozi uliotukuka. Jambo linalotia faraja ni kuwa, sote tunakubaliana kuwa Mwalimu Nyerere ndio kipimo cha uongozi bora katika nchi yetu.

Bahati nzuri, kumbukumbu ya Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere mwaka huu inaadhimishwa siku 10 tu kabla ya Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Rais na Wabunge, Wawakilishi na Madiwani nchini kwetu. Hivyo ni wakati muafaka sana kutafakari kwa wosia wake kuhusu uongozi na uchaguzi katika nchi yetu.       

Baba wa Taifa Mwalimu Nyerere ametuachia wosia muhimu kuhusu watu wanaofaa kuchaguliwa kuongoza nchi yetu katika hotuba zake na maandishi yake mbalimbali.  Kimsingi alitutaka Watanzania tutambue kuwa hatima ya nchi yetu inategemea aina ya viongozi tulionao.  Alisisitiza umuhimu wa kuwa na viongozi watakaojenga umoja wa taifa letu na uadilifu. Kwa ajili hiyo alituusia kuchagua viongozi watakaodumisha Muungano wetu na kuwawezesha Watanzania kuishi pamoja kidugu wakiwa na mshikamano na ushirikiano licha ya tofauti zao za dini, rangi, kabila au mahali watokako.  Alisisitza sana uadilifu wa viongozi kwa ajili hiyo alituasa bila kumung’unya maneno kuwaogopa kama ukoma watu wanaotaka kwenda Ikulu kwa kutumia agenda za utanganyika na uzanzibari, udini, ukabila, ubaguzi wa rangi na kwa kutumia rushwa.

Ndugu zangu, Watanzania wenzangu;

Leo hii baada ya zaidi ya wiki sita za kampeni za uchaguzi na zinapoingia katika siku 10 za mwisho tumeshapata nafasi za kuwasikiliza watu wanaoomba kutuongoza na vyama vyao.  Bila ya shaka tunawatambua nani ni nani? Naomba tuutumie Uchaguzi Mkuu huu kumuenzi Baba wa Taifa kwa vitendo kwa kuwakataa viongozi ambao wamekiuka wosia wake. Badala yake  tuwachague viongozi watakaosaidia kuziba zile nyufa kuu nne za taifa letu alizozizungumzia kabla ya uchaguzi wa mwaka 1995. Kwa kufanya hivyo, tutakuwa si tu tumemuenzi bali tumejinusuru sisi wenyewe na nchi yetu dhidi ya laana na majuto yanayoweza kutupata tukiupuuzia wosia wake.  Wapo wagombea wanaodiriki kuomba kuchaguliwa kwa sababu ya kuwa dini fulani au madhehebu fulani. Wapo wapiga debe wa mgombea fulani waliothubutu  kuomba watu wa kabila fulani kumpigania na kumpigia kura mgombea fulani ati kwamba wanamaslahi na mgombea huyo. Hatuchagui mgombea wa kunufaisha kabila bali Watanzania wote. Wapo wagombea ambao wameshindwa kukemea rushwa je tunawaelewaje? Wako tayari kupambana na rushwa?  Hapana. Bila ya shaka wao ni sehemu ya tatizo. Bila ya shaka pia wao wanatumia rushwa kupata uongozi. Tarehe 25 Oktoba, 2015 tuwakatae.Watu wa aina hii ni balaa na janga. Tuliepushe taifa na watu wa aina hiyo.

Uchaguzi Mkuu

Ndugu wananchi;

Jukumu lililo mbele yetu sote tuliojiandikisha ni kujitokeza bila ya kukosa kupiga kura tarehe 25 Oktoba, 2015 tukiwa na vitambulisho vyetu vya mpiga kura mkononi. Bila ya hivyo hutapiga kura yako. Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwakumbusha kutunza vitambulisho vyenu kwani bila kuwa navyo hutapiga kura. Nasikitishwa sana na taarifa kuwa wapo watu wanaouza vitambulisho vyao.  Natamani habari hiyo iwe ni uvumi tu. Lakini kama ni kweli nawashangaa sana watu hao. Kwa nini ukubali kupoteza haki yako ya msingi ya kuchagua kiongozi wako umtakae? Nawashangaa zaidi wale wanaonunua.  Hivi hiyo ndiyo maana ya kudumisha demokrasia huko?  Naomba wajue kuwa wanatenda kosa la jinai. Vyombo vya dola vinawasaka watakapopatikana watafikishwa mbele vya vyombo vya sheria.  Na hili litawahusu wote waliouza na kununua.  Kipengele cha 2.3.1 (e) kinasema; “kila chama cha siasa kinachoshiriki katika uchaguzi kina wajibu wa kufuata na kutekeleza maamuzi na maelekezo ya Tume”.

Amani na Usalama wakati wa Uchaguzi Mkuu

Ndugu wananchi;

Napenda kuwakumbusha kuwa zoezi la uchaguzi linasimamiwa kwa mujibu wa Katiba na Sheria za nchi ambazo zinaelekeza kuwa Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi (NEC) na Tume ya Uchaguzi ya Zanzibar (ZEC) ndizo pekee zenye mamlaka ya kuendesha na kusimamia uchaguzi.  Nawaomba ndugu zangu tuheshimu kauli na maelekezo ya tume hizo.  Hivi karibuni baadhi ya viongozi wa vyama vya upinzani wametoa maelekezo kwa wafuasi wao kutaka wakishapiga kura wakae mita mia kulinda kura zao. Tume ya Uchaguzi imetoa tamko kwamba kufanya hivyo ni kinyume cha sheria.  Wameeleza kwa usahihi kabisa kwamba wanaosimamia na kulinda kura za wagombea na vyama vyao kwa mujibu wa sheria ni mawakala wa wagombea na si mtu mwingine yeyote.  Wao wapo ndani ya vyumba vya kupigia kura kwa ajili hiyo. Hivyo basi wafuasi wa vyama vya siasa msikubali kuchuuzwa na viongozi wenu kwa kuwaambia msiondoke vituoni kwa madai ya kulinda kura zenu. Kwanza mnazilindaje, kura zinazopigwa na kuhesabiwa ndani ya chumba cha kupigia kura.

Hapana shaka wenzetu wana dhamira mbaya na wanachotaka ni kuhamasisha uvunjifu wa sheria. Wana lao jambo lenye shari ndani yake. Hebu tujiulize, hivi ikiwa wapiga kura 22,751,292 wa bara na 503,193 wa Zanzibar watabaki kituoni kulinda kura za vyama vyao, je patatosha?

Narudia kusisitiza: Unailindaje kura yako ukiwa umbali wa mita mia moja wakati kura zinapigwa na kuhesabiwa ndani ya vituo vya kupigia kura?  Mlinzi wa uhakika wa kura ni wakala wa Chama chake aliyeko ndani ya chumba cha Kupigia Kura. Tume imeshaelekeza kuwa aliyekwishapiga kura aondoke kituoni, naomba agizo hilo liheshimiwe. Anayekaidi hatavumiliwa, hatua za kisheria zitachukuliwa dhidi yake bila ya kusita. Msilazimishe Serikali kufanya yale ambayo yasiyopendeza. Lakini hapana budi na kwa maslahi ya taifa hatutoacha kutimiza wajibu wetu.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Hizo ni njama za kuleta vurugu na kutaka kuwazuia watu wengine kupiga kura. Nataka kuwahakikishia kuwa njama zao na nia yao ovu zimeshajulikana na katu hazitofanikiwa. Sisi kwa upande wetu wa vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama tumejipanga vizuri kuhakikisha kuwa agizo la Tume linatekelezwa kwa ukamilifu. Wale wanaotaka kufanya fujo watadhibitiwa ipasavyo bila ajizi wala kuonewa muhali. Upo usalama na ulinzi wa kutosha kuhakikisha kuwa kila mmoja mwenye sifa ya kupiga kura atapiga kura bila ya bughudha. Wale wenye nia ya kufanya fujo na kukaidi maelekezo halali wana hiyari ama ya kutiii sheria na taratibu au kukabiliana na mkono wa sheria kwa nguvu ile ile watakayoitumia wao. Kamwe hatutaruhusu, demokrasia kutekwa nyara. Kamwe hatutawapa nafasi ya kuivuruga nchi yetu. Wahalifu hawana kinga.  

Mapambano dhidi ya UKIMWI

Ndugu Wananchi;

Ujumbe wa Mwenge umeendelea kusisitiza mapambano dhidi ya UKIMWI. Mwaka huu, kauli mbiu ni “Vijana wa leo na UKIMWI- Wazazi Tuwajibike”.  Ni ujumbe unaokumbusha wajibu wa wazazi na walezi katika vita dhidi ya maambukizi mapya. Katika kipindi cha miaka 10 ya uongozi wangu, tumepata mafanikio ya kutia moyo katika vita dhidi ya UKIMWI. 

Maambukizi ya VVU/UKIMWI yamepungua kutoka asilimia 7 mwaka 2007 hadi asilimia 5.1 mwaka 2012. Tumeongeza uwezo wetu wa kupima na kutambua virusi vya UKIMWI ambapo leo tuna vituo vya upimaji wa hiyari na ushauri nasaha (VCT) 2,929 ikilinganishwa na 96 mwaka 2005. Watu waliopima VVU/UKIWMI kuanzia 2005 mpaka sasa wamefikia 25,048,908.  Hali kadhalika idadi ya wanaofaidika na huduma ya dawa za kufubaza (ARVs) nayo imeongezeka kutoka 16,167 mwaka 2005 hadi 1,904,000 mwaka 2015. Huduma ya kuzuia maambukizi ya mama kwenda kwa mtoto imeongezeka kutoka vituo 544 mwaka 2005 hadi 5,361 mwaka 2015. 

Ndugu wananchi;

Mafanikio haya hayatupi sababu ya kubweteka maana maambukizi mapya bado yapo na yanaathiri zaidi vijana na hasa vijana wa kike. Inakadiriwa kuwa tunao wagonjwa wa UKIMWI milioni 1.4 nchini.  Wito wa ujumbe huu wa mwaka huu ni kuwakumbusha wazazi na walezi wajibu wenu. Mnapaswa kuvunja ukimya na kuzungumza na vijana wenu kuhusu hatari inayonyemelea ujana wao, kuwaelemisha juu ya kujitunza na kuepuka mitego ya maisha inayoweza kuwaingiza katika tatizo hili. Huu ni wajibu ambao hamna mtu mwingine wa kumkasimisha, maana vijana wetu wanaishi katika kaya zenu.

Vita dhidi ya Malaria

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Tuliendesha Mapambano dhidi ya malaria kwa nguvu kubwa na mafanikio ya kutia moyo katika miaka 10 ya uongozi wangu. Nafurahi kuwa kutokana na jitihada zetu tulizofanya na hatua tulizochukua zikiwemo usambazaji wa vyandarua vyenye dawa; kupulizia dawa ukoko majumbani  na matumizi ya dawa mseto tumeweza kupunguza maambukizi ya malaria kutoka asilimia 18 mwaka 2007 hadi asilimia 10 mwaka 2012, na vifo vitokanavyo na malaria kutoka watu 41 kwa vizazi hai 100,000 mwaka 2004 hadi  watu 12 kwa vizazi hai 100,000  mwaka 2014. Kwa upande wa Zanzibar, kutokana na jitihada kama hizo, haswa ila ya kupulizia mazalia ya mbu, wameweza kutokomeza malaria ambako sasa kiwango cha maambukizi ni asilimia 0.2.

Ndugu wananchi;

          Jambo muhimu tulilofanya ambalo litatupa ushindi wa kudumu dhidi ya malaria ni kujengwa kwa Kiwanda cha Kutengeneza Madawa ya Viuadudu pale Kibaha. Kiwanda hiki kitazalisha madawa ya kupulizia kwenye mazalia ya mbu na hasa kuua viluviluvi vya mbu. Tutang’oa mzizi wa fitina wa malaria kwani hatimae mbu hawatakuwepo.

Vita Dhidi ya Dawa za Kulevya

Ndugu Wananchi;

Tunaendelea kupata mafanikio katika mapambano dhidi ya dawa za kulevya. Haya ni mapambano makali ambayo hatuna budi kupambana kweli kweli mpaka tushinde. Dawa hizi za kulevya zinaathiri zaidi vijana wetu na kudhoofisha nguvu kazi muhimu ya taifa la leo na kesho. Aidha, ni kichocheo kikubwa cha vitendo vya uhalifu.

Ndugu wananchi;

Bahati nzuri, tofauti na ilivyokuwa huko nyuma, sasa walioathirika na dawa za kulevya wanaweza kupata matibabu na kupona. Nafurahishwa na kauli mbiu ya Mwenge mwaka huu isemayo, “Uteja wa Dawa za Kulevya Unazuilika na Kutibika; Chukua Hatua”. Inahamasisha watumiaji wa dawa za kulevya kuchukua hatua na kupata tiba. Hali kadhalika, inakumbusha wajibu wetu sote kuwasaidia wale walioathirika kwa kuhakikisha kuwa wanapata ushauri nasaha na tiba ambazo zinatolewa katika vituo vya serikali tena bila gharama yoyote.

Serikali imeendelea kutoa huduma katika vitengo vya afya ya akili vilivyopo Mirembe na Lutindi. Vitengo kama hivi vimeanzishwa pia katika hospitali Muhimbili, Mwananyamala na Temeke. Sasa tunajenga Kituo cha Matibabu cha kisasa cha Waathirika Madawa ya Kulevya  hapa Itega, Dodoma ambacho kitakuwa kituo kikubwa kuliko vyote nchini. Kutokana na juhudi hizi, nchi yetu imekuwa nchi ya kwanza Kusini mwa jangwa la Sahara kuanzisha huduma hii kwenye mfumo wa afya ya jamii (public health).

Ndugu wananchi;

  Upande wa pili wa mapambano dhidi ya biashara ya dawa za kulevya yaliendelea kwa nguvu.  Huku nako tumepata mafanikio ya kutia moyo. Kati ya mwaka 2010 mpaka 2014  jumla ya kesi za dawa za kulevya 40,930 zilitolewa taarifa polisi. Kati yake kesi 22,167 zilifikishwa Mahakamani,  kesi 18,763 zinaendelea kufanyiwa uchunguzi na kesi 1,082 zimekamilika.  Kati ya mwaka 2005 na 2014 tumefanikiwa kukamata watuhumiwa 1,704 wa cocaine,  wahutumiwa 2,149 wa heroine na watuhumiwa 5,462 wa mirungi. Mafanikio makubwa kuliko yote ni yale kukamatwa kwa kilo 211 za heroine mkoani Lindi mwaka 2012 kikiwa ni kiasi kikubwa zaidi kuwahi kukamatwa Barani Afrika.

Ndugu Wananchi;    

Tumekwenda mbali zaidi kukabiliana na mtandao wa uuzaji na usafirishaji wa dawa za kulevya.  Naweza kusema kuwa tumewadhibiti kwa kiasi kikubwa mtandao huu na sasa wamebanwa kweli kweli. Tumeongeza uwezo wetu wa kupambana na biashara ya madawa ya kulevya kwa kuipitia upya na kuibadili Sheria ya Kudhibiti Biashara ya Dawa za Kulevya ya mwaka 1995 na kutunga Sheria mpya ya Kudhibiti na Kupambana na Dawa za Kulevya Namba 5 ya mwaka 2015, iliyoanza kutumika rasmi tarehe 15 Septemba, 2015.  Sheria hiyo pamoja na kuongeza makali ya adhabu ya makosa ya madawa ya kulevya, imeanzisha Mamlaka mpya yenye uwezo wa kupeleleza, kupekua na kukamata watuhumiwa wa dawa za kulevya. Awali, Tume kwa muundo wake, ilitegemea zaidi ushirikiano wa Polisi na mamlaka nyingine kutekeleza wajibu wake. Serikali itaendelea kuiwezesha Mamlaka hii kufanya kazi yake ipasavyo. Tunachoomba kutoka kwenu ni ushirikiano wenu. Vita hii tutashinda.

          Mapambano Dhidi ya Rushwa

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Tumeendelea na mapambano dhidi ya rushwa na mafanikio yameendelea kupatikana katika kipindi cha miaka 10.  Hatua za kisera na kisheria tulizochukua ikiwemo kubadilisha Sheria iliyokuwapo ya Kupambana na Rushwa, kuongeza idadi ya makosa kutoka 4 hadi 24, kujenga uwezo wa Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU) kwa mafunzo, rasilimali watu na vitendea kazi kwa pamoja zimeongeza kasi ya kupambana na rushwa.  Katika kipindi cha miaka 10, zimefunguliwa kesi 2,185 Mahakamani, watuhumiwa 611 wametiwa hatiani na fedha kiasi cha shilingi  bilioni 93, 410,572, 117 kimeokolewa na kesi 658 zinaendelea Mahakamani. 

Nafurahi kuwa nimejenga msingi mzuri wa vita dhidi ya rushwa. Sina mashaka kuwa katika awamu ijayo vita hii itashika kasi zaidi hasa ikiwa mgombea wa Chama changu atashinda kwani amezungumzia kupambana na rushwa na kuahidi kuunda Mahakama Maalum ya Rushwa. Sina mashaka kuwa, uchaguzi huu tutachagua wale wagombea wanaozungumza lugha ya kupambana na rushwa kwa maneno, nyuso zao na vitendo. Viongozi wasioionea rushwa haya. Hii ndio siri ya kuikabili rushwa. Inawezekana, timiza wajibu wako tarehe 25 Oktoba, 2015.

Wiki ya Vijana

Ndugu Wananchi;

          Nimepata fursa ya kutembelea mabanda ya maonyesho ya shughuli za vijana katika viwanja vya barafu. Nimeguswa sana na ubunifu wao na ari yao ya kujikwamua kwa kujiajiri badala ya kungoja kuajiriwa. Mahitaji yao makubwa ni kuwezeshwa tu ili waweze kupanua shughuli zao na kuajiri vijana wenzao.

          Katika kipindi cha miaka 10 iliyopita tumejitahidi kutoa fursa kwa vijana na kuchochea maendeleo yao kupitia Mfuko wa Maendeleo ya Vijana. Mwaka 2005 Mfuko huu ulikuwa na kiasi cha shilingi milioni 100,000,000 mwaka 2005 na sasa bajeti yake imefikia shilingi bilioni 6,000,000,000 na umefaidisha vijana 10,241. Mwaka jana katika sherehe za Mwenge kule Tabora, nilizikumbusha Halmashauri zote za Wilaya na Miji kutekeleza kwa ukamilifu agizo la kutenga asilimia 10 ya mapato yao kwa mwaka kwa ajili ya shughuli za maendeleo ya Vijana na Wanawake.  Nafurahi kuwa zimejitahidi kufanya hivyo na mwaka huu wa fedha zilitengwa kiasi cha shilingi bilioni 1.5 kwa ajili ya mfuko huo. Natambua kuwa mahitaji ya fedha yameongezeka sana kutokana na mwamko ulioko sasa. Nina imani serikali ijayo italipa jambo hili kipaumbele zaidi. Muhimu vijana msikilize wagombea na vyama vyao kwa makini kisha mfanye maamuzi sahihi.

Hitimisho

Ndugu Wananchi;

Sherehe hizi za Mwenge ndizo zitakuwa sherehe za mwisho kwangu kushiriki nikiwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Nafurahi kuwa katika kipindi chote cha uongozi wangu, Mwenge wa uhuru umeendelea kuwa na mafanikio na kuleta nuru zaidi, mshikamano zaidi matumaini zaidi na maendeleo zaidi kote ulikopita. Ninapoondoka rai yangu kwenu ni kuwa namna moja ya kumuenzi Baba wa Taifa Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, ni kuudumisha Mwenge huu wa Uhuru ambao aliuasisi yeye mwenyewe.

Nitumie pia fursa hii kuwasisitiza tena kujitokeza kupiga kura ili kuchagua viongozi mnaowataka.  Narudia kuwahakikishia kwa mara nyingine tena usalama katika kipindi chote cha uchaguzi. Kila mmoja na atimize wajibu wake wa kulinda amani ya nchi yetu katika kipindi hiki.

Nawatakia kila la kheri katika shughuli zenu za kila siku.

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

            Ahsanteni sana kwa kunisikiliza.

Mheshimiwa George Boniface Simbachawene, Waziri wa

Nishati na Madini,

Dkt. Mighanda Manyahi, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya

Wakurugenzi wa TANESCO,

Mhandisi Felchesmi Mramba, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa

TANESCO,

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana.

Nawashukuru Mheshimiwa Waziri na uongozi wa TANESCO kwa kunialikana na kunishirikisha katika hafla hii muhimu ya uzinduzi wa Kituo cha Kufua Umeme cha Kinyerezi I. Natoa pongezi nyingi kwa TANESCO kwa kukamilisha mtambo huu mkubwa wa kufua umeme kwa kutumia gesi asilia nchini. Kuzinduliwa kwa kituo hiki baada ya uzinduzi wa kituo cha kuchakata gesi asilia kule Madimba, Mtwara, juzi tarehe 11 Oktoba, 2015, ndiyo uthibitisho wa kukamilika kwa uwekezaji mkubwa tulioufanya wa kujenga bomba la gesi kutoka Mtwara na Songosongo hadi Dar es Salaam.

Nilipokuja hapa 8 Novemba, 2012 wakati wa kuweka jiwe la msingi la ujenzi wa bomba la gesi asilia nilieleza kwamba, uamuzi wa kujenga bomba hilo lenye gharama kubwa uliotokana na matatizo ya uhaba mkubwa wa umeme tuliyopata mwaka 2006 na 2007. Chanzo chake kilikuwa mabwawa kukosa maji ya kutosha kwa sababu ya ukame mkali. Tuliridhika kuwa umeme wa nguvu ya maji hauaminiki hivyo tuelekeze nguvu kwenye vyanzo vingine vya nishati. Hali imejirudia.

Kama mlivyosema, kwa kawaida tunaingiza katika gridi ya taifa kiasi cha megawati 561 kutoka vyanzo vya maji. Lakini, kwa sasa vyanzo hivyo vinatoa MW 105 tu na kufanya upungufu wa Megawati zaidi ya 456. Kwa ajili hiyo mmelazimika kufunga mitambo ya bwawa la Mtera na mabwawa mengine ya Kidatu, Kihansi, Nyumba ya Mungu na New Pangani Falls yapo hatarini kufungwa kwani maji ni kidogo sana. Yapo kwenye kiwango kisichozidi mita moja juu ya viwango kinachoruhusiwa kuendesha mitambo ya kufua umeme.

Siku ile nilielekeza kuwa wakati bomba likiendelea kujengwa, kazi ya ujenzi wa vituo vya kufua umeme kwa kutumia gesi nao ufanyike. Shabaha yangu ilikuwa kwamba wakati bomba likifika Dar es Salaam mitambo ya kuzalisha umeme iwe inawashwa na umeme unapatikana majumbani, viwandani, maofisini na sehemu nyinginezo.

Ninafurahi kuona mmetekeleza maagizo yale na leo ninazindua mradi wa kufua umeme wenye uwezo wa hadi MW 150. Hata hivyo, bado ni chini ya matarajio yetu ya kuzalisha takribani MW 900 na ushei hapa Kinyerezi kama mlivyosema wenyewe. Kama mjuavyo katika Mpango wa Kwanza wa Maendeleo wa Miaka Mitano inatakiwa ifikapo mwaka 2015/16  Tanzania iwe na umeme wa MW 2780. Hivi sasa tunao uwezo wa kuzalisha MW 1490 na kuacha pengo la MW 1390. Hivyo basi kama hapa Kinyerezi tungepata hizo MW 900 na kuongeza umeme unaotarajiwa kuzalishwa pale Somanga Fungu na kwingineko tungefikisha lengo. Leo tunapata MW 150 hivyo bado MW 750 ambazo sijui zitapatikana lini?

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Mwenyetiki wa Bodi;

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji;

Mimi kama walivyo Watanzania wengine tungependa kupata majibu ya uhakika kuhusu jambo hili muhimu kwa ustawi wa nchi yetu na watu wake. Nini kilichotufanya hivi sasa tusiwe na vituo vingine vya kufua umeme zaidi ya hii?. Au kwa nini hatuoni ujenzi wa vituo vingine ukiwa unaendelea. Jambo gani linalowatatiza? Nani anayewachelewesha? Kama halipo na kama hayupo je tatizo liko kwenu TANESCO. Waingereza wamesema: “Procrastination is an enemy of development”. Kwamba kuchelewa kufanya uamuzi ni adui wa maendeleo.

Mnaona sasa athari za kuchelewa kuamua? Ni hali ya wasiwasi tuliyonayo sasa kuhusu upatikanaji wa umeme. Naomba Bodi ya TANESCO ikae kwa dharura leo muizungumze hali hii na mtengeneze mpaka wa haraka wa kujenga vituo vingine. Ningependa kesho kutwa mnipe maelezo. Tukutane tarehe 16 Oktoba, 2015. Waziri endelea na kampeni. Bodi, Katibu Mkuu na Kamishina wa Nishati wanatosha.

Kama tungeongeza kasi ya ujenzi wa mitambo tusingekuwa na hofu tuliyonayo sasa.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Upatikanaji wa umeme nchini ni jambo ambalo tumelipa kipaumbele cha juu kwa sababu ya kutambua kuwa umeme ni kichocheo kikubwa cha kuleta maendeleo. Kwa ajili hiyo, tumefanya uamuzi wa kuongeza uzalishaji na usambazaji wa umeme nchini. Ujenzi wa bomba la gesi na uendelezaji wa miradi ya makaa ya mawe ya Mchuchuma na Kiwira ina lengo la kuongeza uzalishaji wa umeme.  Katika kipindi hiki kupitia miradi mbalimbali pamoja na ile inayotekelezwa na Wakala wa Umeme Vijijini (REA) kazi kubwa ya kusambaza umeme mijini na vijijini imefanyika. Kwa kipindi hiki Watanzania wanaoweza kupata umeme wameongezeka kutoka asilimia 10 mwaka 2005 hadi asilimia 40 mwaka 2015.  Tumeunganisha umeme kwa vijiji 5,336 kati ya vijiji 12,423 nchi nzima. Hali kadhalika miji mikuu ya Wilaya 13 zimeweza kupatiwa umeme. Miji hiyo imepatiwa umeme wa gridi ya Taifa au miradi ya jenereta za kutumia mafuta.

Mabibi na mabwana;

Nchi za Afrika bado zina uwezo mdogo sana wa uzalishaji wa umeme ukilinganisha na nchi zenye viwanda na uchumi mkubwa. Takwimu za uzalishaji umeme duniani za mwaka 2013 zilizotolewa na Macro Economy Meter, zinaonyesha kuwa uwezo wa Dunia ni MW 5,250,000. Nchi tano kubwa  zinazalisha kiasi cha asilimia 55.3 ya uwezo wa dunia. Nchi hizo ni China MW 1,146,000, Marekani MW 1,039,000, Japan MW 287,000, Russia MW 223,100, na India MW 208,100.

Kwa upande wa Bara la Afrika, Afrika Kusini ndiyo inayoongoza ikiwa na MW 44, 260, ikifuatiwa na Misri MW 26,910, Algeria MW 11,330, Libya MW 6,766, Morocco MW 6,620, na Nigeria MW 5,600. Jumla ya uwezo wa nchi hizi kubwa barani Afrika ni MW 101,786 tu ambapo haufikii hata nusu ya uwezo wa India. Kwa Afrika Mashariki uwezo wetu bado mdogo sana, Kenya inazalisha MW 2,295, Tanzania MW 1,498, Uganda MW 850 na Rwanda MW 110.

Hali hii inatuonyesha kuwa bado tuna kazi kubwa ya kufanya na safari ni ndefu mpaka tufikie kukidhi mahitaji yetu ya umeme. Kwa nchi yetu ambayo imebahatika kuwa na vyanzo vingi vya kuzalisha umeme hii ni fursa ya aina yake ya kuzalisha umeme mwingi na kuwapatia majirani. Kenya na Rwanda wanapenda kununua umeme kutoka kwetu. Tena ni maombi ya siku nyingi na nimeshawaambia. Sijui ni nini kinachofanya muwe wazito wa kuamua kutumia fursa hiyo. Tafadhalini amkeni na mchangamkie fursa hizo.

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nawapongeza tena TANESCO na Wizara ya Nishati na Madini kwa kukamilisha mradi huu wa kituo cha kufua umeme wa gesi. Ni matumaini yangu na ya Watanzania kuwa mtakamilisha, mapema iwezekanavyo kazi ya kuingiza MW 80 zilizobakia ili mgao upungue makali yake. Ongezeni kasi ili pengo lililopo mlizibe mapema iwezekanavyo. Shirikianeni na mamlaka husika ili tupate ufumbuzi wa kudumu wa tatizo la umeme nchini. Mimi naamini kila mtu akitekeleza ipasavyo wajibu wake na mkishirikiana tatizo la umeme litakuwa historia muda si mrefu.

Sasa ninayo furaha kubwa kutangaza kuwa Mtambo wa Kufua Umeme kwa Kutumia Gesi Asilia hapa Kinyerezi, Maarufu kwa jina la Kinyerezi 1, Umezinduliwa Rasmi!

Ahsanteni sana!

Mheshimiwa George B. Simbachawene, Waziri wa Nishati na Madini,

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri,

Mheshimiwa Halima Dendego, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mtwara,

Waheshimiwa, Wakuu wa Mikoa ya Lindi, Pwani na Dar es Salaam,

Mheshimiwa Balozi wa China Nchini Tanzania,

Waheshimiwa Viongozi kutoka Jamhuri ya Watu waChina, CNPC, EXIM Bank na CPTDC,

Viongozi wa Kata ya Madimba na Vijiji vya jirani,

Waandishi wa Habari,

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana!

          Leo ni siku ya furaha tele. Hayawi hayawi yamekuwa.  Hatimaye mradi umekamilika.  Mradi huu una umuhimu wa aina yake.  Unatuhakikishia kumaliza tatizo la uhaba wa umeme.  Umeme wa maji sasa haukidhi haja tunategemea vyanzo vingine.  Gesi asilia kikiwa chanzo kimojawapo.  Mungu ametujalia gesi nyingi.  Tuna wajibu wa kuitoa aridhini na kuisafirisha gesi.

Tunayo kila sababu ya kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu, mwingi wa rehema, kwa kutujaalia uzima na kutuwezesha kuishuhudia siku hii adhimu katika historia ya nchi yetu na hasa katika masuala ya uendelezaji wa sekta ndogo ya mafuta na gesi asilia. Kama mnavyofahamu utafutaji wa mafuta na gesi asilia hapa nchini ulianza mwanzoni mwa miaka ya 1950 na hatimaye Gesi Asilia iligunduliwa huko kisiwani Songo Songo mwaka 1974 na baadaye hapa Mnazi Bay mwaka 1982. Ugunduzi huu ulifanywa na Kampuni ya Agip ya Italia ambayo ilikuwa na Mkataba na Serikali ya Tanzania kuhusu Utafutaji wa mafuta.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Ugunduzi wa rasilimali kama hii unakuwa na tija pale inapotolewa ardhini na kutumika ipasavyo, na hivyo kuchangia kuleta maendeleo ya Taifa. Miaka ya 1970, rafiki zetu wa Italia walipoigundua gesi hii waliondoka na kuiacha kwa sababu za kibiashara kwa madai kuwa kiasi cha gesi kilichogunduliwa kilikuwa ni kidogo. Pamoja na madai hayo, Serikali yetu haikukata tamaa.  Kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Utafutaji na Uzalishaji wa Mafuta ya Mwaka 1980, Serikali ililipatia Shirika la Maendeleo ya Petroli Tanzania (TPDC) jukumu la kuendeleza utafiti na utafutaji rasilimali hii kwenye maeneo yaliyoachwa na Kampuni hiyo kutoka Italia.

Matokeo ya shughuli za TPDC yakawa ni ugunduzi zaidi kwa kuchimba visima vya uendelezaji huko Songo Songo na baadaye Mnazi Bay. Matumizi ya gesi asilia ya Songo Songo yalianza Oktoba, 2004 na ya Mnazi Bay yalianza Mwaka 2006. Juhudi zaidi za utafiti zimekuwa zikifanywa na TPDC katika maeneo mbalimbali yakiwemo yale ya Bahari Kuu.  Kuanzia Mwaka 2010 hadi sasa, umefanyika ugunduzi wa gesi nyingi baharini na hadi  kufikia mwezi Juni, 2015 jumla ya kiasi cha gesi kilichogunduliwa kilifikia takriban futi za ujazo Trilioni 55.24 (Gas Initially in Place).  Kiasi hiki kinajumuisha gesi iliyogunduliwa baharini na nchi kavu.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Kama mnavyofahamu, kihistoria ufuaji wa umeme nchini umekuwa ukitegemea kwa kiasi kikubwa, maporomoko ya maji kwenye mito ya Ruaha, Kihansi, Pangani na mingineyo. Kuanzia miaka ya 1990, Mito hii iliathirika na ukame hivyo kutoweza kukidhi mahitaji ya kufua umeme na kupelekea nchi yetu kutegemea umeme unaozalishwa kwa kutumia mafuta mazito na gesi kwa kiasi kidogo. Taifa lilitumia fedha nyingi sana kugharamia mafuta hayo mazito.

Changamoto ya kutumia gesi asilia ya kutosha kwa kuzalisha umeme ilikuwa ni udogo wa miundombinu iliyokuwepo, kwani baada ya miaka minne tu tangu ianze kutumika, mitambo ya Songo Songo ilikuwa haikidhi mahitaji ya kusafisha na kusafirisha gesi. Ili kutatua tatizo hilo, Serikali iliona ni busara kujenga mitambo na bomba jingine kubwa zaidi ili liweze kukidhi mahitaji yetu ya sasa na ya baadaye. Leo ninayofuraha kuzindua mitambo hii ikiwa ni miaka miwili tangu nilipoweka jiwe la msingi kwa ujenzi wa Miundombinu hii na ile ya kufua umeme pale Kinyerezi, Dar es Salaam. Na nimeambiwa kuwa leo hii ninapofanya uzinduzi tayari gesi imeishaanza kuchakatwa, kusafishwa na kusafirishwa kwenda Dar es Salaam ambako umeme umeanza kufuliwa.  Kitendo hicho kitakuwa ni ukombozi mkubwa kwa taifa.  Kukamilika kwa miundombinu hiyo na kuanza uzalishaji wa umeme kwa kutumia gesi ni hatua kubwa sana ya maendeleo kwa nchi yetu.  Tumeanza safari ya uchumi wa gesi kwa uhakika.  Wale wote waliokuwa wanabeza na kutilia shaka mipango na juhudi za serikali kwa hakika sasa wamepatwa na aibu.  Hatua hii italeta mapinduzi makubwa katika shughuli za uzalishaji mali na upatikanaji wa huduma muhimu za kijamii.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Miundombinu hii imejengwa kwa ushirikiano wa Serikali yetu na Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Watu wa China. Napenda kuishukuru sana Serikali ya China kwa mchango wake katika kufanikisha mradi huu. Kuna usemi usemao ‘Akufaaye kwa dhiki ndiye rafiki’ au kwa lugha ya wenzetu Waingereza wanasema‘A Friend in need is a Friend indeed’.

Ndugu zetu wa China wamekuwa na ushirikiano  wa kidugu na Tanzania kwa muda mrefu, kuanzia enzi za ukombozi wa Bara letu la Afrika toka kwa Wakoloni.  Wametusaidia katika mambo mengi ya maendeleo ikiwemo ujenzi wa Reli ya TAZARA, ujenzi wa viwanda vya nguo, kutupatia nafasi za elimu katika nyanja mbalimbali na mambo mengine mengi ambayo siwezi kutaja na kuyamaliza kwa wakati huu. Kwa kifupi nasema asante sana kwa wananchi wa China na Serikali yao kwa kuendeleza ushirikiano nasi ikiwa ni pamoja na kukubali kushirikiana nasi kujenga miundombinu hii muhimu tunayo ifungua leo. Kama mtakumbuka, baadhi ya marafiki zetu walipinga zoezi hili lakini China ilisimama kidete kulitetea na kuruhusu taasisi zake kutoa mikopo nafuu na Kampuni zake kujenga miundombinu hii kwa bei nafuu ikilinganishwa na gharama za ujenzi wa miundombinu kama hii kwingineko duniani.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Napenda kuwashukuru na kuwapongeza wenzetu wa Mikoa ya Lindi na Mtwara ambako gesi asilia iligundulika, wameonesha ushirikiano mkubwa licha ya kusumbuliwa na shughuli za mfumo mzima wa utafutaji, uchimbaji na hata ujenzi wa bomba. Wamekuwa wavumilivu na wenye subira katika kuunganishiwa umeme utokanao na gesi asilia au kunufaika na matumizi ya gesi yenyewe majumbani au kwenye viwanda linakopita bomba. Waswahili husema: Mvumilivu hula mbivu.Wataalamu wetu wanatueleza kuwa katika bomba hili pamewekwa matoleo ya gesi (viunganishi) katika maeneo mbali mbali ilikukidhi haja ya kuendeleza maeneo hayo kwa kutumia gesi hii. Pamoja na matumizi ya gesi majumbani, maendeleo makubwa yataletwa na mapato yatakayotokana na ajira zitakazopatikana kwenye viwanda kwa wananchi kutokana na kutoa huduma zinazohitajika katika shughuli za uendelezaji gesi asilia na malipo ya kodi ya huduma yatakayolipwa na Kampuni kwa Serikali za Mitaa ambayo kwa pamoja vitafanya uchumi wa maeneo husika kukua.

Napenda pia niwapongeze ndugu zetu wa Mikoa ya Pwani na Dar es Salaam ambako bomba la mwanzo na la sasa yanapita. Wamekuwa walinzi na watunzaji wa miundombinu hiyo muhimu kwa niaba yetu sote.  Kwa ajili hiyo napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwasihi kuendelea na moyo huo.

Aidha,natumia fursa hii kutoa rai kwa wananchi wote, na hasa wale wa Mikoa ya kusini, kuitunza na kuithamini miundombinu hii, na muwe tayari kutoa taarifa kwenye vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama endapo vitaonekana viashiria vyovyote vya hujuma kwenye miundombinu hii.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Kipekee nampongeza sana Mkandarasi China Petroleum and Technology Development Corporation (CPTDC) pamoja na kampuni ilizozihusisha China yaani Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPP) kwa ujenzi wa Bomba na China Petroleum Engineers (CPE), kwa ujenzi wa Mitambo ya Kuchakata gesi asili, kwa utaalamu na umahiri wa hali ya juu, pamoja na kujitahidi kuukamilisha mradi kwa muda uliopangwa. Vilevile napenda kumpongeza Mshauri, Kampuni ya Worley Persons ya Jamhuri ya Afrika ya Kusini, ambaye amesimamia vema utekelezaji wa mradi hadi kukamilika kwake.

Ndugu wananchi,

Nimeona pia ni vyema kutumia fursa hii kutoa tahadhari kwa kauli za matumaini zinazotolewa na watu wa kada mbalimbali kufuatia ugunduzi huu; hususani matamshi ya kuwa sasa Tanzania si masikini tena, au kuwa kila mwananchi atajazwa mapesa au sasa tumeukata; ama wadau wengine wanashauri eti sasa tuache kwanza shughuli za utafutaji. Ndugu zangu, ni vizuri tukaelewa kuwa pamoja na ugunduzi huu mkubwa wa gesi, itachukuwa muda wa takribani miaka 10 kwa nchi kuanza kufaidi mapato yatokanayo na gesi hii, hasa ile inayopatikana kwenye kina kirefu cha bahari. Kwa sasa gesi tunayotumia ni ile iliyogundulika nchi kavu na matumizi yake makubwa ni kwa ajili ya uzalishaji wa umeme na uendeshaji wa mitambo mbalimbali ikiwemo viwanda vya hapa nchini. Kwa hiyo ni vema pamoja na shughuli za kuendeleza gesi tukafanya kazi zinazotuzunguka kwa bidii kwenye sekta nyingine muhimu. Ni wazi kwamba ili uchumi wa gesi uwe na manufaa ni lazima uhusishe shughuli za sekta nyingine.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Hivi karibuni Serikali imepitisha nyenzo muhimu katika usimamiaji wa sekta ndogo ya mafuta na gesi kwa manufaa ya taifa.  Ili kuhakikisha kwamba rasilimali hiyo inatumika ipasavyo, Serikali imepitisha Sera ya Gesi Asilia, Sera ya Petroli, Sera ya Usimamizi wa Mapato yatokanayo na shughuli za Mafuta na Gesi na Sera ya ushirikishwaji wa Wazawa. Baada ya Bunge kupitisha Sheria ya Petroli ya 2015, Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mapato yatokanayo na shughuli za Mafuta na Gesi pamoja na Sheria ya Uwajibikaji na Uwazi kwenye Sekta ya Uziduaji, tarehe 04/08/2015 nilisaini sheria hizi pale Dar es Salaam. Sheria hizo zitaanza kutumika baada ya Mawaziri husika kutengeneza Kanuni zinazotakiwa.Waziri wa Nishati na Madini atatengeneza Kanuni za Sheria ya Mafuta na Gesi na Waziri wa Fedha atatengeneza Kanuni za sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mapato yatokanayo na shughuli za Mafuta na Gesi. 

Pamoja na mambo mengine mazuri, sheria hizo zimeliboresha zaidi Shirika letu la Maendeleo ya Petroli (TPDC) kwa kulipa hadhi ya kuwa Shirika la Taifa la Mafuta (National Oil Company).  Lakini vile vile sheria imeanzisha Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Mkondo wa Juu (PURA)na kuiachia EWURA mamlaka ya kisheria ya kusimamia na kudhibiti Shughuli za Mkondo wa Kati na wa Chini. Kwa mabadiliko hayo TPDC sasa inabaki na majukumu ya kibiashara na hivyo kufanya kazi kibiashara zaidi na kuendelea  kukua na hatimaye lifanane na Mashirika mengine makubwa ya kimataifa ya mafuta na gesi kama vile Statoil, Sonangol, Petronas na Petrobras na mengineyo.  

Pia nitumie fursa hii kuwahakikishia wananchi kuwa kuwepo kwa Sera na Sheria madhubuti na kukamilika kwa miundombinu kutaboresha usimamizi wa raslimali hiyo na si vinginevyo.  Napenda niwatoe hofu kwa wale wanaoambiwa kuwa Sera na Sheria hizo hazitaleta mageuzi katika sekta hii kama watu kadhaa wanavyojaribu kupotosha.  Hiyo siyo kweli.  Serikali ina nia ya dhati kabisa katika kulinda na kuendeleza raslimali zake kwa manufaa ya taifa.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Napenda kuipongeza TPDC kwa kazi kubwa ambayo imeifanya katika kutimiza majukumu iliyopewa na Serikali ya Utafutaji na Uzalishaji wa Mafuta/Gesi. Matunda yake ni kama haya tunayoyaona leo. Mtakumbuka kwenye nyakati za misukosuko kama vile vita ya Kagera, TPDC walitoa mchango mkubwa kuhakikisha mafuta yapo nchini. Kwa wakati huu mnalojukumu la kusimamia mfumo mzima wa gesi asilia. Serikali haina budi kuhakikisha TPDC mnafanikisha utafutaji na Uendelezaji wa mafuta/gesi kwa kushiriki kikamilifu kwenye utafutaji (Upstream); kusimamia miundombinu ya usafishaji, uchakataji na usafirishaji (midstream), kama mradi tunaozindua leo hii, pamoja na usambazaji (Downstream).

Nimalizie kwa kusema kuwa tukio hili la uzinduzi wa miundombinu hii linanipa furaha sana kwa sababu ni ushahidi mojawapo ya kazi kubwa tulizozifanya kwa kushirikiana nanyi wananchi nikiwa Kiongozi mkuu wa nchi.  Kazi tuliyoianza tunaimaliza vizuri!  Kwa hakika ni zawadi mojawapo kubwa kwangu ya kustaafu.

Baada ya kusema hayo machache napenda sasa nitamke rasmi kuwa Mitambo ya Usafishaji gesi asilia ya Mtwara na Songo Songo pamoja na Bomba la kusafirisha Gesi hadi Dar es Salaam imezinduliwa.

MUNGU, IBARIKI TANZANIA NA WATU WAKE!

Ahsanteni Sana!

His Excellency Honourable Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta,

the President of Republic of Kenya;

Honourable Justin Muturi, Speaker of the National

General Assembly;

Honourable Ekwe Ethuro, Speaker of the Senate;

Honourable Members of the Parliament;

Honourable Senetors;

Honourable Ministers;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I thank you Honourable Speaker for availing me with this rare opportunity to address this esteemed Parliament of Kenya. It is an honour and a privilege I will always remember. You have availed me this opportunity at a very opportune moment indeed. Three weeks from  office as directed by the constitution of my dear country. So to me, this is an opportunity to bid farewell to this House and through you to my brothers and sisters of the Republic of Kenya.

When H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta invited me to visit his great county. I did not hesitate to accept the invitation. This was because of the importance of Kenya in Tanzania’s foreign policy. Kenya is a very important neighbour of ours. Kenya is a great friend of Tanzania and an ally. Our political and diplomatic relations are strong. We see eye to eye on many bilateral, regional, continental and global issues.

We have been working together very well and support each other at regional, continental and global fora.

We have also supported each other at the bilateral level as well. To me and to Tanzania, Kenya’s problems are our problems.

It is in this spirit that during 2007 and 2008 crisis I did not wait to be invited, I came to lend a helping hand. Fortunately, God was kind enough to the people of Kenya, you were able to navigate safely out of the crisis. It is in the same spirit also we have not only grieved with our Kenyan brothers and sisters whenever there was a terrorist attack, but we have supported Kenya’s efforts in fighting terrorism. Our Intelligence services and Police Forces have been working closely. They have been sharing intelligence and arrested suspected terrorists who flee to Tanzania after committing crimes in Kenya.  We never hesitated to send them back to Kenya to face justice.

The Purpose of the Visit

Honourable Speaker;

         We also have robust and longstanding cooperation in the fight against narcotic drugs and cross border crime. This way, we have been able to deal with criminal gangs operating in our two countries. Recently, we have began to develop cooperation in fighting poaching and illegal trade in wildlife. This cooperation has worked well for our two countries. What is required of us going forward is to strengthen and advance this cooperation. Lets make it clear to criminals that if they cause trouble in any of our countries there is nowhere to hide and nowhere to run to.

Honourable Speaker;

On the social-economic front there has been vibrant cooperation as well. Our two countries have been undertaking joint infrastructure projects. Take for example, the Althi-River-Namanga-Arusha road which was completed in 2012. Currently, we are now doing the Mwatate – Taveta – Holili – Moshi- Arusha road. As you know, my first function in my visit to Kenya this time was at Taveta, where together with President Uhuru Kenyatta we inaugurated the construction of this road on the Kenyan side. We are working on a suitable date to do the same on the Tanzanian side.

Other important infrastructure projects are in energy. In the electricity subsector we have been doing two things. One, whenever one of our countries has electricity and the other doesn’t, the people on the other side of the border are connected. This is what we have done at Namanga where power from Kenya has been extended to Namanga and Longido on the Tanzanian side. We did the same between Sirari (Tanzania) and Isbania Kenya. Secondly, we are building a power transmission line from Tanzania to Namanga where the Tanzania electricity grid will be connected to the Kenyan grid. This way power from Tanzania will be made available to Kenya and vice versa. Our two countries are discussing how to extend the gas pipeline from Tanzania to Kenya so as to enable Kenya produce more electricity from a cost effective source.

Honourable Speaker;

On investment and trade our two countries have been able to develop strong bonds of cooperation. For us in Tanzania, Kenya is not a competitor but a strategic partner. Kenya ranks 5^th in the Top Ten list of countries with the largest investments in Tanzania. Kenya comes after only United Kingdom, United States, China and India. Actually, in that Top Ten List, there are only two African countries namely Kenya and South Africa, on which Kenya is the leader. Kenya’s investments in Tanzania account for 518 projects with the total value of 1,685.47 million USD and have created about 55,762 jobs.

Kenya is Tanzania’s largest trading in East Africa. Trade between our two countries is growing fast and in the last five years there was a 40 percent increase.

 Tanzania’s exports to Kenya have increased from 179.3 million USD in 2009 to 227.1 million USD in 2013 and imports have increased from 301.5 million USD to 333.6 million USD in 2013.  I am told trade between our two countries account for over 80percent of trade in East Africa. It demonstrates in no uncertain terms how much our two countries contribute to the East African integration agenda. Also its how important it is for our two countries to forge closer and stronger cooperation in investment and trade.

As a matter of fact, what we have accomplished now is simply a tip of an iceberg in relation to what we can do together. This morning when speaking at the Kenya-Tanzania Business Forum I assured the Kenyan business men and women that Tanzania is ready to do more business. We can absorb more investments and opportunities are plenty in oil and gas, energy, mining, transport, agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, health care, education and many more. Moreover, the business environment is both conducive and permissive. Investments are safe. No nationalisation, and it is allowed to repatriate profits and dividend.

Tanzania and EAC

Honourable Speaker;

         To us in Tanzania, regional integration is a matter of both principle and policy.  We have always remained believers in African Unity and the East African economic and political integration.  We hold strong belief that, a divided East Africa will not be able to claim its rightful place and compete effective in the regional and global marketplace, therefore, that Tanzania commitment to the East African integration and its flagship the East African Communities. We will do everything within our power to see the East African integration agenda is implemented to   the letter and spirit. It is pleasing to note that the same understanding is shared by you our brothers and sisters in Kenya.

Conclusion

Honourable Speaker;

I will leave office fully satisfied I leave behind strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between of two countries and two people. I would like to assure you that Tanzania’s policy towards Kenya will remain the same even after I have left office. If anything there will be  stronger and closer cooperation in the coming years.

I know there is a lot of anxiety and speculation about what will happen after the elections. Have no worries have peace. I don’t see any change or shift of policy. And, if the candidate of my party wins that is completely assured. I am not only hopefully but confident that he will emerge victorious. By the way he sends his greetings to you all. He has asked me to assure you that if elected President he will strengthen and advance our bilateral relations to the greatest heights possible.

With these many words, I thank you once again Honourable Speaker and Members of this House for your kind attention, and for the honour given to me to address and bid farewell to this Assembly.

Ahsante sana!

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I thank you President Uhuru Kenyatta for including this meeting in my itinerary and for what you have just said emphasizing the importance of promoting business relations between our two countries. I thank Mr. Kiprono Kittony the Chairman of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising this important forum.   It will surely go a long way towards strengthening the overall relations between our two countries.

Doing Business in Tanzania

Ladies and Gentlemen;

We are gathered here this morning to discuss issues of bread and butter: Kenya – Tanzania investment and business opportunities and relationships.  Honestly, I don’t know what to tell you about the business opportunities in Tanzania or the business environment in Tanzania because some of you, if not many, are already doing business in Tanzania.  Our records show that Kenya is the fifth largest investor in Tanzania and the leading in Africa followed by South Africa.  There are 518 investment projects from Kenya worth USD1,685.49 million, employing 55,762 Tanzanians.     

Manufacturing accounts for 45 percent of the total value of Kenya’s investment while real estate accounts for 13 percent, tourism 12 percent and transport and logistics 11 percent. The remaining 19 percent is distributed in small portions among other sectors.

With regard to trade between our two countries, records show that we have been doing very well. Kenya’s exports to Tanzania increased from USD 301.5 million in 2009 to USD 333.6 million in 2013. During the same period Tanzania’s exports increased from USD 179.3 million in 2009 to USD227.1 million in 2013. I am told at this level of trade volume that our two countries account for nearly 90 percent of intra East African trade. This demonstrates in empirical terms how much our two countries need each other and how significant we are in the East African integration agenda. 

Mr. President;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Let me state clearly and loudly that our two countries can do better than what we are doing at the moment. Tanzania can absorb more investment from Kenya sell more and vice versa. There are, in Tanzania, plenty of opportunities in oil and gas, energy manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism, real estate, transport, ICT, hearth care, education and several others which you may know better than me. Our two countries enjoy cordial relations which is good for business. Also, we are members of the East African Community one of whose main objectives is to promote trade and investments between member states. The EAC arrangements under the Customs Union, the Common Market and Monetary Union have opened the borders, for trade which is constantly making life easy for business in the East African region.

Since the socio–economic reforms which began in the mid 1980’s, Tanzania has been pursuing sound economic policies. As a result, there is strong macro-economic performance and stability for over two decades now.  On the average Tanzania’s economy grow at around 7 percent over the last decade and we expect a 7.3 percent growth this year. The GDP has trebled from USD 14.1billion in 2005 to USD 49.1 billion in 2014. And so, has the GDP per capita from USD 375 in 2005 to USD 1,066 in 2014.  The population of Tanzania is estimated to be around 48 million with a sizeable and a growing middle class. With more than 50 percent of the people below the age of 30 who have better access to primary and tertiary education there is an assured labour force and a market. Moreover, Tanzania’s membership of SADC and Kenya’s membership of COMESA, gives the Kenyan investor an extended market beyond the East African Community and COMESA. I gather only 4 of the 14 SADC member states are in COMESA.   

Mr. President;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

As we all know, Tanzania has enjoyed peace and stability since independence. We are a vibrant democracy and committed to advancing good governance, rule of law and human rights. The fight against corruption, terrorism, narcotic drugs, and other vices in society is unrelenting. We espouse friendly business policies and investments are safe. No more nationalization and investors are allowed to repatriate profits and dividends. The government stands ready to take more measures to improve the business environment. We are doing exactly that and more. There is regular consultation between the government and private sector under the auspices of the Tanzania National Business Council which I chair. This has proven to be very useful. Issues are discussed openly freely discussed and solutions found. 

Conclusion

Mr. President;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I could go on and on since I have a lot to say, but allow me to conclude by expressing my sincere gratitude to the business community in Kenya for being valuable partners. I believe the discussions here today will further encourage Kenyan private sector to do more business with Tanzania. I whole heartedly welcome you to do so. Tanzania is more than ready to do business with you.

Please   come one, come all.

Thank you very much, Asanteni sana.

Your Excellency, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the General Assembly;

Your Excellency, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General;

Excellencies Heads of State and Government;

Distinguished Delegates;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I join those who spoke before me in congratulating you, on your well-deserved election to preside over the 70^th Session of the General Assembly. Your election is a fitting tribute to your distinguished political career, having served as a Finance Minister, Foreign Minister and recently as Speaker of the Danish Parliament. It is also a reflection of the high regard this august Assembly has for your great country, Denmark. I would like to assure you of my country’s full support and cooperation in discharging your duties and responsibilities.

Mr. President;

I wish to pay glowing tribute to your predecessor Hon. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda for the outstanding manner in which he steered the affairs of the sixty-ninth session of the Assembly. Indeed, this great son of the African soil has done us proud. A deserving word of appreciation also goes to our illustrious Secretary-General His Excellency Ban Ki Moon and his staff, for their dedicated service and efforts in promoting the ideals and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. President;

I also commend you, your predecessor and the Secretary General for the excellent work which has culminated into the adoption of the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their 169 targets. We sincerely hope that there will be reliable mechanisms of ensuring availability of means of implementation and follow-up. It was failure to have such mechanisms which was responsible for the short falls in the implementation of the MDGs.

Mr. President;

My delegation welcomes the theme designated for this general debate, namely “The United Nations at 70: the road ahead for peace, security and human rights”.  Indeed, at 70 years the United Nations has not only withstood the test of time but has evolved and become a stronger organization. I am glad we all agree that a lot has been achieved in the past 7 decades. Equally, we agreed that not everything that the founding fathers envisaged the UN would do has been done satisfactorily.

The United Nations has succeeded to prevent another world war but challenges of preserving world peace and security remain. Interstate and intrastate conflicts and wars are many and on the increase. Terrorism has become a serious global threat. There are still too many people who live under conditions of abject poverty, squalor and depravation in a world of unprecedented wealth.

The Partnership Between UN and Regional Organization

Mr. President;

Unlike 70 years ago, today there is better understanding, cooperation and partnership between countries and organizations in preserving peace and security.  It is easier today for the world to come together for a course of peace than it was before.

As a matter of fact most of the conflicts we are witnessing today are being handled, first and foremost, by   regional and sub-regional organizations. The UN, therefore,   must seek to forge strategic partnership with these organizations. By taking advantage of the knowledge these organizations have of the history and nature of the crises, the key players and culture of the people, it would be easier to manage and resolve the conflicts. Where and when appropriate, the   United Nations should invest in strengthening the capacity of these organizations and their member states, in anticipating, detecting, preventing, managing and resolving conflicts. I am of the view that this capacity is urgently needed in Africa.

The Security Council Reform

Mr. President;

We highly commend the President of the Sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly and the Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on reform of the Security Council, for efforts made. It is the wish of member states to see an acceleration of the negatiation process during this 70^th Session. For the UN Security Council to remain what it was 70 years ago is incomprehensible and, to say, the least, unacceptable. It is high time the demands of the majority of the membership of the United Nations are heard and heeded too. 

We must be mindful of the fact that the credibility of the UN depends on a more agile, representative and responsive Security Council. Let all of us muster political will and accomplish this long overdue task, for the sake of our Organization.  In the mean time we must continue to support the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly.

Peace Keeping Operation

Mr. President;

Peace keeping operations remain one of the most dependable instruments of promoting world peace and security. I believe it will remain so for many years to come. I am told there are about 125,000 men and women deployed in 16 peacekeeping missions across the world. Tanzania is proud to have contributed 1,322 of these gallant people who often times serve under challenging conditions. Sometimes they are compelled to serve in places where there is little or no peace to keep. Tanzania stands ready to contribute more whenever requested to do so.

Combating Terrorism

Mr. President;

We can not talk about security challenges of today without mentioning terrorism. This is the security challenge that the United Nations and the entire international community must remain vigilant in the coming decade. While reiterating our strongest condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, we believe there is an urgent need to bolster efforts at all levels for fighting the scourge. Collectively, we must aspire to improve our preparedness, collaboration and response to the threat we face.

Global Epidemics

Mr. President;

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa last year is a stark reminder of how dangerous epidemics can be and how vulnerable we are as nations and people. More than 11,000 people lost their lives including citizens of the US and Spain and about 28,000 were infected. The economies of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone were devastated. Economic activities and services almost ground to a halt thus causing gigantic losses to the economies of the three countries. The World Bank estimates that they lost about USD 2.2 billion of their GDP as a result. There were about 7,000 children who lost their parents and about half a million people who became food insecure. More than 5 million children lost valuable schooling and skills-development time.  It requires mammoth recovery efforts to get these economies and societies back to where they were before the outbreak. Unfortunately, many countries in Africa also, suffered irrespective of how far a country is from the three affected countries. The tourist industry has been affected the most.

Mr. President;

The biggest lesson from the handling of this Ebola outbreak in West Africa is that the world needs to be better prepared to prevent and respond to epidemics in future. This was not the case unfortunately. It is in this regard that, we should all commend the Secretary General for the wise decision he took of establishing a High Level Panel on Global Health Crises to come up with recommendations about how the world can respond better to public health emergencies of global concern in future.

I was given the honour of chairing the panel. It is premature for me to report anything substantive now to this august Assembly. We will complete our work in December, 2015 and I am sure our report will be brought before this Assembly for information and action. We look forward to your support.      

US/Cuba Relations

Mr. President;

Tanzania welcomes the historic and momentous decision taken by the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies of the two countries in Washington D.C. and Havana.  We join the people of Cuba and the United States in celebrating this landmark achievement.  

We commend President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro for their bold and courageous leadership. The two leaders and countries have proved to all of us, the power of dialogue in finding solutions, even to deep rooted difference and long standing conflicts. We extend best wishes to our US and Cuban friends as they open a new chapter in their bilateral relations. We hope and appeal to the United States to lift the economic embargo which has condemned the people of Cuba to untold socio-economic hardships, poverty and misery for the last 50 years.

Palestine

Mr. President;

In the same vein, it is our wish that Israel and Palestine would resume the dialogue so that their long standing conflict can be resolved peacefully. It is high time the pain and suffering endured by the people of Palestine over the many decades was put to an end. Also, it is about time the people of Israel lived peacefully and harmoniously with their neighbours.

It is regrettable that we are celebrating seventy years of the founding of the United Nations this conflict remains unresolved. Tanzania subscribes and supports the two states solution, with the state of Israel and a sovereign, contiguous and viable state of Palestine living side by side, in peace, security, harmony, mutual recognition, trust and cooperation. We believe it is possible and achievable. We must double our efforts.

The Question of Western Sahara

Mr. President;

         Another outstanding matter which this organisation has to ensure that it does not continue to be left unresolved is the issue of Western Sahara. The lack of movement on the side of the United Nations to implement its decisions on the matter is both regrettable and incomprehensible.  The people of Saharawi have waited for far too long to get the opportunity to determine their fate and future. Let this esteemed Organisation of ours muster political will and pluck up courage to do what it had long decided to do. At seventy years the United Nations is old enough and has accumulated a lot of wisdom and experience to put this matter to rest. Please do it.

A Farewell Message

Mr. President;

On September 20^th, 2006, I stood on this very podium, for the first time and addressed this august Assembly as the newly elected fourth President of my dear country: the United Republic of Tanzania.  Today, I am standing here to bid farewell to you all as I am about to leave office at the completion of my two term mandate, as provided for in the Tanzania Constitution.

I thank all of you for the invaluable support and cooperation extended to me, my administration and my country in the past ten years that we have worked together.  Kindly be assured that I will always value each and every one’s contribution. I feel proud to have had the opportunity to work with all of you in promoting the ideals of the United Nations and contributed to the pursuit of world peace, security, stability and development.

As I take leave of you, I would like to assure you that Tanzania shall remain a faithful member and an unwavering supporter of the United Nations’ Organisation.  I am confident that you will find in my successor, a likeable and dependable friend and ally. Please accord him or her the necessary support and cooperation in fulfilling his or her duties and responsibilities.

Conclusion

Mr. President;

The road ahead for peace, security and development remains challenging but worthy the journey. It requires our renewed resolve and reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals, values and principles laid down by the founding fathers of the United Nations seven decades ago in San Francisco.  All nations, individually and collectively, should endeavour to promote them as we have been doing in the last seventy years. It can be done, play your part.

I thank you.

Honorable Saada Mkuya, Minister for Finance;

Honorable Mathias Chikawe, Minister for Home Affairs;

Honorable Celina Kombani, Minister for

Public Service Management;

Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Chief Secretary;

Your Excellencies Ambassadors;

Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries;

World Band Country Director for Tanzania,

Uganda, and Burundi;

Head of International Organizations based in Tanzania;

Representatives from CSO and Private Sector;

The Media;

Members from Mass Media;

Distinguished Delegates;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am pleased to get the opportunity to grace the first ever Open Data Africa Conference in the history of our dear continent. The fact that it’s the first ever, conference signifies the dawn of a new era in Africa’s transformation towards knowledge based development. It gives me great pride that my country has been chosen to host this first conference. To us, it is a gesture of acknowledgment and appreciation for the strides we are making to embrace openness in governance through open data. I thank the organizers for the trust you have reposed on my country. In a special way, I thank the World Bank for partnering with us in the preparations of this conference.

I thank you Honourable Mathias Chikawe, Minister for Home Affairs for your introductory remarks. I commend you and your team for the excellent facilitation of this conference. Please continue to do the good work so that all delegations stay happy and the conference concludes successfully. I am told delegates come from governments, civil society, academia and business from 30 countries in Africa and development partners. Such a good response reflects the growing interest on open data agenda across the continent. It goes without saying that, this conference will spur more interest and make future conferences be even more successful.

Theme of the Conference

Ladies and gentlemen;

         I commend the organizers for choosing a very opportune theme for this conference namely “Developing Africa Through Open Data”. I totally subscribe to the idea that data is an important tool for development. No successful and meaningful development will take place without the use of data.  Data assists us with the diagnosis of the social and economic challenges, informs policy choices and decisions and helps us with monitoring and evaluation of progress and impact. Much as data does not in itself, change the world, it is also true however that it makes change possible.

Information technology has revolutionalized the way we collect, use and make sense of data.  I has made data open. The impact of open data has been immense in all walks of life. There is hardly anyone today who has not benefited directly or indirectly from data being open. Open data has freed science, spurred innovations and making collaboration across countries and continent in solving global challenges possible. It has brought together the researchers, policy makers, financiers, private sector and civil society across the world to work together to find solutions to world’s challenges in a manner that has never been seen before.

Africa has not been spared by this development. As a matter of fact we have no choice but to join everybody else on this planet. We cannot honestly speak of developing Africa today without improving on ways we source, process and make use of data. More importantly, we must transform ways we manage data by increasingly making public data open and shared. In that way we will enable decision makers to make informed decisions. We will also empower the public to use data to hold the public officials accountable. In that way we will enhance good governance and take Africa to the next level.

Challenges of Open Data in Africa

Ladies and gentlemen;

One teething challenge you will find across African governments today is the lack of quality data. This has made planning, policy making and policy execution become a challenge. As a result, a number of policies and interventions have failed to produce intended impact. It has all been a source of wastage of valuable resources and loss of opportunities to solve development challenges.

It is evident, therefore, that there exist in Africa a disturbing relationship between underdevelopment and underutilization of quality data (and the vice versa). In many cases, this has been a function of lack of capacity on the part of responsible government institutions to collect, process and store data. In many of our countries, budgetary constraints, poor infrastructure and lack of qualified human capital have been responsible for this sad state of affairs. At times also administrative and policy oversight or shortsightened on the importance of data are to blame. In some ways legal and institutional systems have played a part in restricting access and sharing of data within and among various institutions.

There is a need, therefore, for African governments to explore ways and means to promote open data in their countries. There is need to undertake requisite reforms in some aspects of governance to support open data. Open Data strives best where there is transparency, rule of law, and freedom of expression to mention but a few. There is a need also to strengthen national institutions responsible for data management such as bureau of statistics so that stakeholder’s demand for credible, reliable and timely data can be met.

Open Data Beyond Governments

Ladies and gentlemen;

It gives me much comfort that this Conference will discuss among many issues the role of the private sector in the open data agenda. You should consider including the civil society as well. For quite a long time, the issue of openness of data was seen as a matter of the government and public institutions alone. The private sector and civil society organizations are not only consumers of data but also important sources of data. It is about time that the demand for transparency on the side of the private sector is also heard and honoured. As governments making their data open such as revenues and expenditures; the private sector too has a share of responsibility to open their data as well, regarding revenues, tax payments and profits.  

qualified human capital have been responsible for this sad state of affairs. At times also administrative and policy oversight or shortsightened on the importance of data are to blame. In some ways legal and institutional systems have played a part in restricting access and sharing of data within and among various institutions.

There is a need, therefore, for African governments to explore ways and means to promote open data in their countries. There is need to undertake requisite reforms in some aspects of governance to support open data. Open Data strives best where there is transparency, rule of law, and freedom of expression to mention but a few. There is a need also to strengthen national institutions responsible for data management such as bureau of statistics so that stakeholder’s demand for credible, reliable and timely data can be met.

has always been about where to strike a balance between the two. It must be understood that open data does not and should not mean absolute freedom to produce, access and publish data. I subscribe to the view that, open data should not in any way jeopardize national security rather it should enhance it. It is my considerable opinion that data relating to national security issues should not be made public for obvious reasons.

Approaches to open data must, therefore, answer the following important questions: To whom the data is opened to? Which data should be made open? Why should data be open? When should data be open? And how should data be made open? Indeed, open data and data sovereignty can co-exist, and should co-exist. It is up to us to strike that delicate balance to avoid unnecessary contradictions. It requires the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders.

Tanzania’s Experience with Open Data

Ladies and gentlemen;

Tanzania embraces open data and sees in it an opportunity to consolidate and entrench democracy and good governance. We have taken measures and initiatives to promote transparency and accountability through open data. For that reasons we voluntarily joined international initiatives geared to promote open data, transparency and accountability such as Open Government Partnership (OGP), Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

We publish citizens’ budget to enhance public understanding of the government budget, and reports of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) are published and made public for every Tanzanian to see. They are also debated in Parliament. As you know Parliament sessions are broadcast live on television. Over and above that, in line with our commitment to OGP, we have put in place a government portal with information and guidance about: how one can get public services; acts and legislation; regulations; policies; speeches and other important government information.

In our resolve to improve government’s service delivery, we introduced the famous ‘Big Results Now’ model. This is a system of improving on the way we decide on priority areas of action, monitor, implementation and enhance accountability on the part of ministries, government agencies and officials. In this regard we chose water; energy; transport; agriculture; education; resource mobilization; health and strengthening of the business environment as key priorities. Through this system government implementing agencies act in an open manner, made data open thus empowering the public to be informed and able to track the progress and put the duty bearers to task. Therefore open data has been an embedded part of the BRN process with the data in those priority areas being made public. 

Our experience has taught us that, open data must be backed and supported with a facilitative legal regime to guarantee access and effective use of the open data. For that reason, we have enacted the Statistics Act of 2015 that has empowered the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as a sole autonomous body, with powers to direct Ministerial Departments and Agencies to adhere to the principles and standard of production of quality data. To complement the open data, we have initiated a process to enact the Freedom of Information Act, on which the draft has already been presented to Parliament.

Tanzania’s Commitment

Ladies and gentlemen;

Tanzania shall continue to support and live up to her commitment on open data. In January 2015, we endorsed the Guidelines for Open Data in Tanzania. The guidelines serve as a tool for Ministries, Government Departments and Agencies to provide data to the Open Data Government Portal. We are also in the process of coming up with the Open Data Policy that will put in place procedures for identifying government open data, institutional framework for open data management, establish one window where the public can access to data, and put in place procedures of uploading and updating data. This way we will enhance for public access to government data in a friendly manner that allows the use and re-use of data for socio-economic development. Ultimately our intention is to enact an Open Data Act.

These and many other steps we have taken speak volumes about our resolve to uphold open data. For us, open data is the way to go if we are to transform our country from Least Developed Country to a Middle Income Country, and ultimately to become an advanced economy. We are looking at the future of open data in Tanzania with much optimism. There is no reason or intentions of back tracking.  You can count on us.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen;

There is no doubt that Africa needs to embrace open data in her development agenda. It is an idea whose time has come. It is the way to go about achieving Africa’s Vision 2063 of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena”. Indeed, the road towards achieving open data will not be without difficulties or challenges. However, it is the best way forward to a better Africa. Africa where democracy, good governments and development reign. I believe the rewards of open data far outweigh the costs.   

I vest a lot of hope on this Conference. I believe it will provide a useful platform for African governments, private sector and civil society to create an understanding on how best we can approach open data in the African context. I am glad that, this conference will be the beginning of annual African Open Data Conferences in future. Tanzania pledges support and participation in the coming future conferences for they provide an avenue to share experiences and best practices. With these many words, I therefore wish you successful discussions and deliberations.

         I now declare the first African Open Data Conference officially open.

I thank you all for listening!

Asanteni sana!

Honourable Ministers;

Amb. Ombeni Sefue, Chief Secretary, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Tanzania National Business Council;

Mr. Abdulhamid Yahya Mzee, Chief Secretary of Zanzibar;

Dr. Reginald Mengi, Chairman of Tanzania Private Sector Foundation

and Co-chair of Tanzania National Business Council

Executive Committee;

Distinguished Members of the Tanzania National

Business Council;

Limited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I welcome you all to the 8^th Meeting of the Tanzania National Business Council (TBNC).  I thank you for responding in good numbers to my invitation. It speaks volume about the importance and commitment you have vested in this Council.

I regret that we could not meet as schedule in 2014 for apparent reasons. Apart from the exigencies of office on my part, it was bought to my understanding that the three task forces formed at the 7^th meeting that of Improving Business Environment; Tourism; and Economic Empowerment requested more time to complete the assignment given onto them. I agreed with the view that there will be more value to meet when we have a solid agenda to deliberate upon. This meeting today therefore, will dwell on examining progress, results and impact rather than concept and processes had we met last year as earlier planned.

I congratulate you Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Chairman of the Executive Committee and your team for the excellent follow-up work and the preparations for today’s meeting. I commend you on your wise decision to invite other stakeholders as observers beyond the TNBC membership in this meeting. I am told the invitees include our development partners, non-government organizations, multinational institutions and the companies and most importantly the informal sector. It is a good idea to bring on board anyone whose contribution matters in improving our dialogue and enhancing our performance.

Theme of the Year

The choice of the theme of this year “Enhancing Business Environment for Sustainable Growth” is of significant importance in reminding us of the task ahead of us. It amplifies the call for improving business environment to contribute towards sustainable development. It admits in first place that it is business that will contribute to development, and eventually check out poverty. It also reminds us that for business to play its role there must be in place a conducive business environment. And, it is government’s role to put in place such an environment through better governance, facilitative policies, regulations and laws. Certainly, government and business needs one another to ensure that conducive business environment and sustainable growth.  This is the rationale for government and private sector to have a structured dialogue like the one we have today.

Agenda of the Meeting

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The agenda of the meeting today is to carry out an evaluation of the status of the implementation of the deliberations of the 7^th TNBC meeting held in December 2013. In doing so, we shall highlight milestone we have recorded, challenges endured and proposing a way forward. We shall see by ourselves, how far we have gone in enhancing business environment and unlocking potentials in the natural resources subsector.

I am informed that TNBC, PDB and Tourism Working Group have jointly carried out the evaluation on how to improve earnings from natural resources and improving business environment. I am also told that TPSF have carried out an evaluation of effectiveness of these dialogues for the last five years.

With regard to Local Content, which was part of the 7^th TNBC meeting, I am glad that we have made encouraging progress. The draft Local Content Policy for oil and gas industry is in place. The draft has benefited from the inputs made by the TPSF and other stakeholders. Given the broadness of the subject and a need for further dialogue and consultation this agenda remains in progress for the forthcoming Business Council meeting.

State of Our Economy

Ladies and Gentlemen;

There is no doubt today that our economy is growing fast. There are dozens of review and reports to attest that. Numbers tell it better. For a decade Tanzania economy has been growing at an average rate of 7 percent per annum. The inflation has been maintained at single digit between 4-6 percent. Our GDP trebled from 14.4 billion USD from 2005 to 49.2 billion USD in 2015, and, as a result, per capita GDP has also increased nearly three-fold from 375 UDS in 2005 to 1,066 USD in 2014. It is important to note that, with the current per capita of 1,066 USD we are just short of 30 USD to attain the middle income status which starts at 1,096 USD. This rosy outlook however does not give us reason to be complacent. Our target remains to become a Middle Income Country with per capita income of at least 3,000 USD by 2025. We also need to do more and better to ensure that growth benefits all equitably. At 28.2 percent these are still too many people who live below the poverty line.  This means we still have a long ground ahead to cover to make growth inclusive and eradicate poverty.   

The macroeconomic gains we attained are a function of the contribution of the partnership between government and the private sector. And by extension, they are the product of the dialogue that has taken place through this esteemed council. It is important that I mention few which are:

1. The inclusion of Business Environment in the key sectors of the BRN initiative.
2. Kilimo Kwanza Initiative that has resulted into the increased agriculture output, the introduction of the SAGCOT initiative and the recent establishment of the Tanzania Agriculture Development Bank;
3. Land reforms covering mortgage financing for accessing finance for real estate development and Unit title for promotion of provision of decent housing.
4. Promotion of Public Private Partnership with the objective of drawing private sector resources into economic and social infrastructure development of the country.

Members of the Business Community;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I would like to reiterate continued government’s commitment in addressing challenges that negatively impacts on business environment. We have demonstrated our unwavering commitment by adding Business Environment within the BRN priorities. We are committed to implementing the six key areas identified by the stakeholders in the laboratory namely:

1. Realigning Regulations and Institutions;
2. Access to Land, and Security of Tenure;
3. Taxation, Multiplicity of Levies and Fees
4. Curbing Corruption
5. Labor Law and skills set
6. Contract Enforcement, Law and order

         I am pleased that we have taken measures to implement these recommendations. Some have already been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. These include review of our labor laws with regard to issuance of work permits; enhancement of the judiciary’s capability to address issues related to backlog of cases and the duration of handling of cases; introducing name and shame program and the integrity pledges for private sector, government officials and political leaders to add value to the fight against a corruption. The list is quite long, and the feedback will be tabled and discussed in today’s meeting.

A call for Private Sector

It is my plea that we should continue to work together as partners than as foes or adversaries. In my opinion the best way to go is to explore ways of having the dialogue rather than resorting to a blame game. I say so because in essence business environment reflects a state of relations between government and private sector. If the two see eye to eye, enjoy mutual confidence and trust, there comes no reasons of having in place too many restrictive rules and regulations. Therefore, the surest way to improve the business environment is first to improve our working relations. Let each one of us honour each obligation responsibly and live up to the other partners’ expectation. Let us uphold dialogue, engage constructively and work with one spirit with one common objective as a nation. If we are to achieve that, I believe we will have done half the work towards achieving sustainable development for our dear country and respective business undertakings.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen;

As you are aware, my term of office will come to an end after the elections on 25^th October, 2015. This, therefore, will be my last National Business Council to chair as President of our dear country. I would like to use this opportunity to bid farewell to you. I sincerely thank you for your contribution and support to my administration. We take pride in economic growth because of your tremendous efforts. My team and I, in government simply put in place policies and measures which were facilitative. It is you who were the prime movers and shakers of our economic success story.

As I leave the office, I ask you to continue to support the new administration as you did during my time. As a matter of fact strive to do more. I have all reasons to believe that the coming President shall build on the foundation we have built together. Also he shall see to it that the many agreed programs that are in the process at the moment are implementing to the letter and spirit. One thing I am sure, there will be no back tracking on the role of private sector in the Tanzanian economy.

         With these many words allow me  now to declare the 8^th TNBC Meeting Open.

Thank you all for your attention.

“Asanteni sana”

Mhe. Hawa Abdulrahman Ghasia, Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu TAMISEMI;

Mheshimiwa Kassim Majaliwa, Naibu Waziri TAMISEMI;

Mhe. Daud Felix Ntibenda, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Arusha;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa na Wilaya;

Bw. Jumanne Sagini, Katibu Mkuu Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu TAMISEMI;

Naibu Makatibu Wakuu mliopo pamoja na Naibu Katibu Mkuu Ofisi ya Rais, Zanzibar;

Makatibu Tawala wa Mikoa;

Wakurugenzi wa Halmashauri zote nchini;

Dkt. James Wanyancha, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Mfuko wa Barabara;

Wajumbe wa Bodi ya Mfuko wa Barabara;

Meneja wa Mfuko wa Barabara, Bw. Joseph Haule;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Utangulizi

Naomba kupitia kwako Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu-TAMISEMI, Mheshimiwa Hawa Ghasia nimshukuru Mheshimiwa Mizengo Pinda, Waziri Mkuu kwa kunialika kuja kushiriki kwenye ufunguzi wa mkutano huu muhimu. Nakupongeza wewe binafsi na viongozi wenzako Wizarani kwa maandalizi mazuri na kwa uamuzi wenu wa busara kuitisha mkutano huu muhimu unaojumuisha wadau wa barabara za Mamlaka ya Serikali za Mitaa. Nimekubali kuja kufungua mkutano huu pamoja na kuwepo kwa shughuli nyingi zinazonikabili siku hizi  kutokana na kutambua na kuthamini umuhimu wa mkutano huu katika kusukuma mbele gurudumu la maendeleo ya Taifa letu.

Umuhimu wa Mkutano wa Wadau

Ndugu washiriki;

Ni ukweli uliodhahiri kwamba barabara zilizo chini ya Mamlaka ya Serikali za Mitaa zina mchango mkubwa kwa ukuaji na ustawi wa uchumi wetu. Maana ili kusukuma maendeleo vijijini, hatuna budi kuunganisha Vijiji, Wilaya na Mikoa kwa mtandao wa barabara zinazowezesha vijiji vyote maeneo yote mijini na vijiji kufikika kwa urahisi wakati wote. Bila ya kuwa na barabara zinazopitika kwa uhakika wakati wa majira ya mvua na kiangazi zilizopo katika maeneo yaliyoko chini ya Serikali za Mitaa, uwekezaji mkubwa tunaoufanya kujenga mtandao wa barabara za Taifa na mikoa zinazohudumiwa na Wakala wa Barabara (TANROADS) unapoteza maana. Kwa lugha rahisi, barabara hizi zinategemeana.

Ninafurahi kuwa wadau wote muhimu wameshirikishwa katika mkutano huu. Nimejulishwa kuwa OWM-TAMISEMI, Wizara ya Ujenzi, Makatibu Tawala wa Mikoa na Wahandisi wa Sekretarieti za Mikoa; Wakurugenzi na Wahandisi wa Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa, pamoja na wadau wengine mmehudhuria.  Ni vyema sana kukaa pamoja ili mzungumze lugha moja maana pamoja na kuwa chini ya mamlaka tofauti, barabara hizi zinamhudumia mteja mmoja yule yule anayehudumiwa na wote yaani mwananchi. Mbele ya jicho la mwananchi, barabara zote ni za Serikali. Haelewi kwa nini ubora wa barabara zinazosimamiwa na Halmashauri utofautiane. Isitoshe, hata pale ambapo Halmashauri ndio iliyojenga barabara isiyo na kiwango, lawama ya mwananchi huenda kwa Serikali nzima kwa ujumla. Hivyo, mnao wajibu wa kukutana na kufanya tathmini za pamoja kama mfanyavyo katika mkutano huu.

Mafanikio katika Barabara za Serikali za

Mitaa kwa Miaka 10

Ndugu Washiriki;

Leo hii, hali ya barabara zilizo chini ya Serikali za Mitaa imekuwa bora zaidi ya ilivyokuwa miaka 10 iliyopita. Hatua tulizopiga, pamoja na mambo mengine zimetokana na maamuzi ya kisera ya kufungua fursa za uchumi vijijini na wilayani. Kwa ajili hiyo tumetenga fedha nyingi zaidi  kwa ajili ya ujenzi na ukarabati wa barabara na kuimarisha usimamizi wa miradi ya barabara kuu. Tumeongeza  fedha za matengenezo ya barabara, kwa zaidi ya mara 10 kutoka shilingi bilioni 23.8 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi shilingi bilioni 257.7.

Mtandao wa barabara za lami katika Halmashauri umeongezeka kutoka kilomita 790 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi kilomita 1,326 hivi sasa na barabara za changarawe zimeongezeka kutoka kilomita 13,000 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi kilomita 22,089 hivi sasa. Lakini hayo yote yamewezekana kutokana na kuongezeka kwa idadi ya Wahandisi waliosajiliwa (“Registered Engineers’’) kwenye sekta ya barabara katika Halmashauri hivi sasa ni 137 ulinganisha na 70 wa mwaka 2010.

Ili kuimarisha usimamizi na ufuatiliaji wa kazi za barabara kwenye Wizara ya Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa nimeridhia kukipandisha hadhi Kitengo cha Miundombinu kuwa Idara kamili. Idara hiyo ina sehemu tatu ambazo ni Miundombinu Mijini, Miundombinu Vijijini na Utafiti na Mipango.

Aidha Sekretarieti za Mikoa na Halmashauri zote nchini zikiwamo Halmashauri mpya zimekwishapatiwa magari ya usimamizi wa kazi za barabara.  Kwa wale waliopatiwa magari muda mrefu uliopita na magari hayo kuanza kuchakaa, utaratibu utafanyika ili waweze kupatiwa magari mapya.

Utekelezaji wa Kazi za Barabara katika Halmashauri

Ndugu Washiriki;

Taarifa za utekelezaji za kila mwisho wa mwaka zinaonyesha kuwa Halmashauri nyingi zimepiga hatua nzuri katika usimamizi na matumizi ya fedha za Mfuko wa Barabara. Nafurahi kusikia kuwa uwezo wa kutumia fedha za Mfuko wa Barabara umeongezeka. Pia kwamba, Sheria ya Manunuzi ya Umma inaeleweka vizuri zaidi na kuzingatiwa. Hali kadhalika, uwezo wa usimamizi wa ubora wa kazi za barabara nao umeongezeka.

Ni jambo la faraja kwamba Halmashauri nyingi nchini zimejenga uwezo wa kusanifu na kusimamia ujenzi na miradi mikubwa ya madaraja.  Niruhusuni nitoe mifano michache ya Halmashauri zenye miradi iliyotekelezwa kwa namna hiyo. Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Morogoro (daraja la Gizigizi), Bariadi (daraja la Gibishi), Kilosa (daraja la Berega), Rufiji (daraja la Mohoro), Kyela (daraja la Kyela), Manisapaa ya Tabora (daraja la Igombe) na Manispaa Arusha (Daraja la Themi). Napenda kuwapongeza wahandisi waliowezesha Halmashauri kwa kuwezesha kusanifu na usimamia ujenzi wa madaraja hayo muhimu.

Ndugu Washiriki;

Napenda pia kuipongeza Bodi ya Mfuko wa Barabara kwa kuanza mchakato wa kutafuta Mtaalam Mshauri wa kufanya uhakiki wa mtandao wa barabara za Serikali Kuu na za Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa. Zoezi hili litatupatia takwimu sahihi zitakazotuwezesha kuandaa mpango mzuri wa kuhudumia barabara hizo. Barabara hizi zikiimarishwa kwa kiwango kizuri pamoja na kuweza kupitika majira yote ya mwaka  zitasaidia watu kufika kwa uhakika katika maeneo ya uzalishaji mali, masoko na ya utoaji huduma za maisha.

Changamoto Mbalimbali katika Usimamizi wa Barabara

Ndugu Washiriki;

Najua zipo changamoto zinazokabili Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa kama vile upungufu wa wataalam wa ujenzi, uchache wa vifaa vya kupimia ubora wa kazi, uhaba na uchakavu wa baadhi ya vyombo vya uchukuzi kwa ajili ya magari ya usimamizi, upungufu wa fedha za ujenzi na ukarabati  wa barabara na madaraja na fedha za matengenezo kutokidhi mahitaji. Serikali inazitambua changamoto hizi na imekuwa inazifanyia kazi kadri rasilimali zinaporuhusu. Ninyi ni mashahidi wa namna Serikali yetu ilivyotoa kipaumbele kwenye kazi za barabara.

Ndugu Washiriki;

Zipo pia changamoto za usimamizi zitokanazo na upungufu katika ngazi ya Mkoa na Wizara hizo ni pamoja na hizi zifuatazo:

a) Ucheleweshaji wa utekelezaji wa kazi za ujenzi wa barabara kwa visingizio mbalimbali vitokanavyo na mipangilio mibovu;

b)  Kazi za barabara kufanyika kwa viwango duni zikilinganishwa na viwango vya mikataba husika;

c)   Kuteua wakandarasi wa kazi za barabara kwa upendeleo kinyume na matakwa ya sheria ya manunuzi na hivyo kupata wakandarasi wasio na uwezo;

d) Kuwepo kwa tuhuma za rushwa katika utoaji wa kazi za barabara;

e) Kuwepo kwa mgongano wa maslahi kwa baadhi ya wataalam na viongozi wa Halmashauri katika usimamizi wa kazi za barabara;

f)   Usimamizi duni wa kazi za ujenzi na matengenezo ya barabara;

g) Kupotea kwa nyaraka muhimu zinazohusiana na ujenzi na matengenezo ya barabara.

Ndugu Washiriki;

Majawabu ya changamoto hizo yako ndani ya mamlaka na uwezo wenu kuyatatua, maana yanatendeka machoni penu na katika taasisi zenu mnazosimamia. Ninawakumbusha na kuwasisitizia Viongozi na Watendaji wote wa Halmashauri kutimiza wajibu wenu. Wajibu huo ndio sababu ya ninyi kuwemo kwenye nafasi za uongozi na utendaji mlizonazo. Kama hamtekelezi wajibu huu, je ni yupi mwingine zaidi ya nyie ambaye ni muhimu zaidi kuutekeleza? Nampongeza sana Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Kinondoni, Ndugu Paul Makonda kwa kuonyesha uthubutu na uongozi. Nimefurahi kuwa Taarifa ya Kamati iliyoundwa na Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Kinondoni itajadiliwa katika mkutano huu. Kwa ujumla mkutano huu ni fursa ya ninyi kujitathimini, kujifunza na kujipanga upya.

Wadau wa Maendeleo

Ndugu washiriki;

Mafanikio ya juhudi za Serikali vimetokana pia na kuungwa mkono na wadau mbalimbali wa maendeleo. Sina budi kuwatambua na kuwashukuru wadau wafuatao kwa mchango wao muhimu kwa Serikali ya Uingereza kupitia Shirika lake la Maendeleo (DFID) kwa kusaidia katika Programu ya Uboreshaji wa Barabara Vijijini. Serikali ya Marekani kupitia shirika lake la USAID hasa programu ya Feed the Future, Serikali ya Japan kupitia shirika lake la JICA kwa “Rural Roads System Development” na   Jumuia ya Ulaya (EU) kupitia ‘’European Development Fund - Capacity Building to LGAs’’ kwa lengo la kuboresha barabara za vijijini Iringa na Ruvuma. Aidha tunawashukuru Benki ya Dunia na Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika kutokana na michango yao katika kuboresha barabara kwenye maeneo mbalimbali ya nchi yetu ikiwa ni pamoja na madaraja na kujenga uwezo wa watalaam wetu.

Hitimisho

Ndugu washiriki;

Napenda kuhitimisha hotuba yangu kwa kuwatakia majadiliano mema na mrudipo kazini mkatekeleze vyema majukumu yenu. Hakikisheni pia kwamba katika kutimiza wajibu wenu mnaheshimu na kuzingatia Sheria, Kanuni na Taratibu zilizowekwa. Lengo letu la kutaka tupate matokeo makubwa linategemea sana ushirikiano wenu wa pamoja na mchango wa kila mmoja wenu kwa nafasi yake katika kutekeleza majukumu na wajibu wake vizuri na kwa wakati.

Mheshimiwa Waziri;

Ndugu washiriki;

Hii ni mara yangu ya mwisho kukutana nanyi kabla ya kustaafu kazi ya Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwashukuru sana kwa mchango wenu, uliowezesha Awamu yangu ya uongozi kuwa na mafanikio makubwa kwenye sekta ya barabara kama ilivyo kwa nyinginezo. Sifa ninazopata katika sekta hii zimetokana na mchango wenu ninyi mliopo na wale mnaowaongoza ambao hawapo hapa. Nawashukuru kipekee Waziri Hawa Ghasia wa TAMISEMI na Waziri wa Ujenzi, Dkt. John Pombe Magufuli kwa uongozi wenu mzuri.

Nastaafu nikiwa na matumaini makubwa kuwa hatutarudi nyuma kwa mafanikio tuliyoyapata katika sekta ya barabara bali tukisonga mbele zaidi. Tumeweka msingi imara hivyo sitegemei kwamba viongozi wajao hawataona umuhimu wa kulisukuma mbele gurudumu la ujenzi na uimarishaji wa barabara nchini. Tena basi, kama Watanzania watamchagua mgombea wa CCM Mheshimiwa John Pombe Magufuli kuwa Rais wa nchi yetu nina uhakika tutapata maendeleo zaidi katika sekta ya barabara kwani yeye I mmoja wa wadau wakubwa wa sekta hii.  Mimi namtakia kila la kheri na Mwenyezi Mungu amsaidie. Inshallah Mwenyezi Mungu  atapokea dua zetu.

Baada ya kusema hayo, sasa natamka kwa furaha kubwa kwamba Mkutano Nne wa Wadau wa Mfuko wa Barabara za Serikali za Mitaa umefunguliwa rasmi.

Asanteni kwa Kunisikiliza.

THEME: Enhancing Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary: Judicial Accountability, Court Performance and Management Systems           

Justice Edward Rutakangwa, Representative of the Chief Justice of Tanzania;

Hon. Bart Kalunebe, Chief Justices of Uganda;

Hon. Justice Omar Makungu, Chief Justice of Zanzibar;

Hon. Nkwirunziza, Vice President of East Africa Court of Justice;

Hon. Ignus Kitusi, President of the Judges and Magistrate Association of Tanzania (JMAT);

Hon. Judges and Magistrates from our Jurisdictions;

Hon. President of the East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association;

Distinguished representative of the Common Wealth Magistrates and Judges Association and other Professional Associations;

Hon. Regional Commissioner for Mwanza Region;

Distinguished delegates;

Invited guests;

Ladies and gentlemen;

It is a pleasure and an honour for me  to join you and officiate the opening ceremony of the 2015 Annual Conference and General Meeting of the East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA). I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to do this twice in 5 years. As you may recall the last time was at the 8^th Annual Conference on 19^th May, 2010 in Arusha. 

Tribute to EAMJA

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I Commend the EAMJA for the outstanding achievements recorded in the past 15 years of its existence.  You have all along remained consistent and persistent to your vision and mission. The fact you have been able to meet regularly in the past 15 years, is in itself, a testimony of the strength and vibrancy of your association. It is not surprising therefore that you have increased your membership from 3 to 4 countries.  

This Association is playing an important role in advancing the East African Community’s integration agenda. Despite your observer status in the East Africa Community, the impact of your work is beyond observing.  You have gone a step further to integrate judges and magistrate in the region over and beyond the inter-governmental structures within the Community.  I commend you for always being ahead of the political leadership.   I see in the work of this Association an important building block being erected which will make it easier for EAC member states to integrate their legal systems at a later stage of integration. Indeed, the dream reflected in the theme of your first conference in 2001 titled “Towards Harmonization of the Administration of Justice in East Africa” looks possible.

Theme of the Conference

Ladies and Gentlemen;

This year’s theme “Enhancing Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary:  Judicial Accountability, Court Performance and Management Systems” resonates well with the realities of the day.  You will agree with me that the demand for better governance is on the rise. There is   mounting public pressure on accountability and transparency in public service. The Judiciary has not been spared. People’s expectations on the judiciary are equally on the rise, and at times too overwhelming or overbearing given the capability challenges facing our Courts.

I sincerely commend you for choosing such a pertinent theme. It addresses the perennial complaints of our people which threaten loss of trust and confidence in our Judiciaries. One other important thing the East Africa region needs besides economic cooperation and integration are judiciaries that observe somewhat similar standards with regards to lifespan of cases, commercial case rules of practice and procedures, punishment of offenders and compensation to victims of crime etc. 

Much as I understand that it may take us sometime more before we achieve harmonized laws or a common appellate court, I believe there are things which always form a common denominator that when put in place or done the feeling of relief will be felt across the region.  For instance,   it is good for an East African to be able to predict the duration of litigation in our Courts, the level of ethics and competence of Judicial and non-Judicial officers.

When I looked at the program of this Conference, it gave me a course of satisfaction.  I am informed, that there will be discussion on Measuring Court Performance and Case Management System, Women’s Right to inheritance and strategies of addressing case delays.  I have been made to understand that blue prints for measuring court performance are hard to come by but the fact that you have included such a topic in your program reassures some of us that Judges and Magistrates have now taken upon themselves the leading role to measure their performance.

I think I can speak with confidence that no Chief Justice wants to head a Judiciary whose judges and magistrates can choose to work or not to. We may go on to ask, is it not good for the people of East Africa to have courts that have performance standards? Is it not better for our people if these standards were Regional but at the same time benchmarking on international standards?

Our judiciaries have no choice if they are to remain relevant and enjoy public trust.  What is the use of a judiciary or a court-of law if the people who are the primary clients do not rely on it in pursuit of justice? It is not uncommon in our countries, to see people resort to mob justice and other barbaric ways to settle disputes. Indeed, such acts impact negatively in our quest to promote judiciary, peace and security but what do we make of it? It is heartwarming indeed, to note that the judiciary in Tanzania has responded in a fashionable manner by introducing benchmarks and targets to ensure timely and quality delivery of justice.

Efforts of Enhancing Public Confidence and Trust in Tanzania

Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is true that the judiciary has the primary responsibility to respond to public demands for accountability and trust.  However, Judiciary cannot achieve it alone, since the question of justice and access to justice involves equally the Executive and the Parliament.  As we know, the Judiciary is only to interprets laws encted by Parliament. It is Parliament which makes laws that promotes access to justice. Therefore, for the Judiciary to be seen to deliver justice, it must first and foremost use laws which in themselves are seen and perceived to be just. 

The share of the Executive in supporting the Judiciary to win public trust and confidence is equally unequivocal.  It is the Executive that has a role to ensure  the Judiciary get the requisitive finances, manpower and infrastructure to be able to meet public demands for timely and quality justice.  I say so having in mind that at times, the delays of cases may be a function of limited capacity than indifference and incompetence of the Judges and magistrates.

The Role of the Executive

Ladies and Gentlemen;

My administration has taken a number of measures in the past 10 years to enhance the Court’s ability to respond to the challenges of maintaining public trust and confidence through increased accountability, improved performance and management systems.  I understand that this August Assembly will receive country presentations.  Therefore, you will be presented with our Tanzania’s experience.  It suffices therefore, to mention that my government made the following interventions.

       i.                  To put in a place the Judiciary Fund in year 2011 with the idea of giving the judiciary increased ability to plan and execute its program.  We are yet to perfect the new systems of financing the judiciary, but there has been a significant increase in budgetary allocations. For example the judiciary budget has increased from 36.6 billion Tanzania Shillings in 2005 to 88.9 billion Shillings in 2015. But we need to do more.

    ii.                  To address the issue of manpower by increasing number of Judges, Magistrates and staff of the court.  The number of the Judges for the Referral Court has increased from 9 in 2005 to 16 in 2015, High court Judges from 35 in 2005 to 94 in 2015 and Resident Magistrates from 151 in 2005 to 677 in 2015.

 iii.                  The other significant thing has been the sharp increases in the number of women Judges and Magistrates. There are now 41 women judges in both Referral Court and High Court, compared to 8 in 2005. Such affirmative action has had some significant impact on winning public confidence and trust, and increasing sensitivity to women’s rights on issues such as land and inheritance.

 iv.                  Improve the remuneration packages for the Judges and Magistrates by enacting the Judges Remuneration Act No. 4 of 2007 to provide incentive for Judges and Magistrates to perform their noble duties judiciously.

    v.                  Development of the court infrastructure by embarking on a comprehensive program to build more Primary Courts, Resident Magistrates Courts and High Courts. According to this program we build High Courts in every region for the same purpose to enable people to have access to court close to where they live.  

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          As a result of collaborative efforts, the Judiciary has been able to register remarkable improvements in its performance of our Judiciary.  The Chief Justice Othman Chande and his team came with the plan reminiscence of the governments “Big Result Now” (BRN), a mechanism adopted by the government to ensure effective government delivery. In Judiciary’s BRN, they have set a benchmark for every Judge to handle at least 220 cases per year and Resident Magistrates 250 cases per year and 260 cases for primary court magistrates. They have also set a target of a period of 2 years for a case to stay at the Court.  They also undertook to deal with the huge backlog of cases with remarkable success. So far 50 percent of such cases have been cleared in the past two years.  Likewise, I am told they have rolled out new Management Information System (MIS) which enable the Chief Justice to track and know how many cases have been registered, how many files closed and how many files each Judge has from his desk.

          I am amply encouraged by the progress made and being made. I look to the future of our judiciary with a great sense of optionism. The future is very promising indeed.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen;

This Assembly offers a unique opportunity to learn from each other’s experience and best practices. I find it important that you find ways and means of forging closer for collaboration. Such collaboration will go a long way towards bringing closer our judicial systems as we walk towards deeper East Africa integration and hopefully the   Federation. I dream to see your Association rise to the occasion and take our Community to greater heights. I encourage you to keep up the good work.

As earlier said, this will be my second EAMJA Assembly to officiate.  This is also the last to officiate as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.  I will leave office after the elections in October 2015. This is therefore, an opportunity for me to bid you farewell. I will go to my retirement happily that I played my part in promoting access promoting East African integration and increased the quality of Justice for Tanzanians.  

With these many words, I declare this Assembly and conference officially opened.  

I thank you for your kind attention

The President of the SADC Lawyers’ Association, Mr Gilberto Caldeira Correia;

The President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Mr Charles Rwechungura;

The Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance in Tanzania, Hon Tom Bahame Nyanduga;

The Director of Jurisdiction, Complimentarily and Cooperation Division of the International Criminal Court, Mr Phakiso Mochochoko;

The Legal Council and Director of Legal Affairs for the African Union, Professor Vincent Nmehielle;

Presidents of the Law Societies and Bar Associations here present;

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, all protocol is observed;

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to join you and grace the 16^th Annual Conference and General Meeting (AGM) of the SADC Lawyers' Association. I welcome to Tanzania and to Dar-es-Salaam all delegates from other SADC member states in particular. I trust that you have been received well and that your hosts are taking good care of you.

Tribute to Tanganyika Law Society

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I equally commend the Tanganyika Law Society for hosting this Annual General Meeting. I congratulate you on assuming this very important responsibility and discharging it so well. It’s an honour and a pride for Tanzania. If there is any way you think we in Government can be useful don’t hesitate to let us know.

Appreciation to the SADC Lawyers

Association (SADCLA)

Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is fair to give credit where it is due. The SADC Lawyers Association deserves praise for its success in integrating lawyers and bar associations in the region. Congratulations on a job very well done. Since its establishment in 1999, the Association has been able to expand its membership to all the 15 member countries of SADC. Congratulations on remaining faithful to your mission of upholding and defending the rule of law without fear or favour.  

Indeed, this is what we mean by regional integration.  For me, there is no better way of promoting regional integration in SADC, than to see sons and daughters, institutions and nations in the SADC region, coming together in their sameness and diversity under the banner of a single profession like what the SADC Lawyers Association has done. These are important building blocks of our development endeavours. I wish other professional bodies could emulate your good example.

I am of the opinion that, such people to people contact is what precipitates and drives the integration agenda. The SADCLA will go a long way towards facilitating cross boarder legal practices when we reach the common market stage. I appreciate the fact that you have started to match and be ahead of experts and politicians. We should learn from you.

Theme for the SADCLA Assembly

Distinguished Guests;

I commend the organisers for choosing a very pertinent theme of your meeting: “Using the law to strengthen good governance practices and to facilitate social, economic and political transformation in the SADC Regions” It rhymes well with what is being done in SADC at present. As you might be aware, at the 34^th SADC Summit that was held in Zimbabwe in 2014 we agreed to focus on industrialisation in the SADC region through the development of a regional industrialisation strategy. Therefore, this theme is very befitting, timely and relevant to take us forward.

You will agree with me that, the importance of the law in social, economic and political transformation needs no further emphasis. History is full of ample examples and cases which attest to such a causal relationship. Indeed, the level of sophistication of society can be reflected in the level of development of the laws and the legal systems. Laws give life to policies and create an environment and platform on which social, economic and political transformation can take place. Laws give legitimacy, confer obligations, duties and responsibilities, harmonize roles and functions of different players and administer fairness and justice.

Laws are important in attracting investment, raising investor confidence and assuring investors on the predictability of the policy environment which is a critical pre-requisite for the growth of investment. Legal instruments such as Avoidance of Double Taxation, Protection of Investments, Mechanisms for Settlement of Disputes, Environment Protection, Labour regimes and the like must be in place for a country or region to be an investment destination of choice for investors.

More importantly, there should be harmonization of legal and fiscal regimes across the region so as to avoid unfair competition among players. It suffices to say that laws are an important instrument for the realization of SADC industrialization program. It is incumbent upon you, our lawyers, to advise governments and other state holders with regard to how best should our region approach such a transformation. This makes your gathering here in Dar es Salaam and the outcome of your deliberations to be of special interest to all of us.

Importance of Law on Tanzania Transformation

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          The importance of law in realizing social, economic and political transformation has been as well captioned in Tanzania’s transformation agenda. Tanzania is implementing three 5 years development plans with the ultimate goal of enabling our country realize the Development Vision of becoming a middle income country by 2025.

          The success of implementation of development plans demand changes in the way we do business inside the government. There is a need to improve government’s delivery and ability to track and account for the results so as to ensure effectiveness in implementation. For that reason, we instituted a mechanism and tagged it “Big Result Now (BRN)”, borrowing a leaf from the Malaysian model. One of the things we have embarked on doing, in this regard was to address problems of doing business in Tanzania.

We initiated what we called a Business Environment Laboratory where all stakeholders in the business fraternity met and held open and in depth discussions on the challenges facing the business environment. The teething issues were identified and solutions were proposed.

The laws of the land as well as legal and fiscal regimes were identified as among stumbling blocks to the growth of business in Tanzania. Issues of enforcement of contracts, conflicting laws and regulations and delay in adjudication of cases in the Courts of Law were also identified as constraints to business. The report of the Lab has resulted in the ongoing legal reform to free encumbrances in doing business.

Role of SADCLA

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I have been made to understand that one of the objectives of the SADC Lawyers’ Association at its formation was the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable and marginalised people in the region, including women and children. I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate you on this decision and urge you not to lose sight of such an important founding principles. In holding such tenets close to your hearts, as lawyers, you will also draw yourselves close to the hearts of the ordinary people in society who look up to you for protection, advise and assistance. The development and implementation of lawyer led legal aid and pro bono models through the law societies are therefore important in ensuring that lawyers have in place structured ways of providing legal services to those in need in our society.

SADCLA and SADC Tribunal

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am also aware that lawyers in the region have had a disagreement with SADC leaders regarding the decision to suspend the SADC Tribunal on 18^th August, 2010, and the eventual decision by the 32^nd SADC Summit on August 2012 to make the Tribunal an intestate court and therefore inaccessible to the citizens of SADC. I am also aware that the Tanganyika Law Society and the Law Society of South Africa have taken this disagreement before the Courts of Law in their respective countries for adjudication.

I am of the view, however, that whilst the Court processes are ongoing, the SADCLA could explore the possibility of reaching out to regional governments and have constructive engagements over the issue. I say so, fully cognisant of the fact that, this matter is not only legal but also political. Therefore, all possible avenues should be sought. A more holistic approach may be the wisest thing to do.

Africa and the ICC

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am glad also you have included, in your programme, a discussion on international criminal justice and the place of Africa in such discourses. It is common knowledge, that the Africa Union and many African leaders have not been the best of friends and partners of the International Criminal Court (ICC). There are strong feelings that African leaders are being unduly targeted while the same is not being done to leaders who commit similar or even worse crimes in other parts of the World. The Court looks selective and discriminatory, in the eyes of African leaders hence the movement to ask African Nations to withdrawal membership of the ICC. If is yet to succeed but the sustained campaign may. We look forward with great anticipation to the outcome of your discussions on the matter.  

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen;

This is the last time I will ever have an opportunity to address this august Association as President of my dear country, the United Republic of Tanzania. After the General Election scheduled for 25^th October, 2015, Tanzania will have a new leader and I will join H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi and H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa in the list of retired Presidents. This Assembly, therefore, presents me with the rare opportunity to bid farewell to you all. As I leave office, I feel proud that the future of SADC is very promising indeed. I am amply satisfied to have had the opportunity to make my humble contribution to this wonderful organization. Let all of us continue to play our part of the bargain to promote and advance the agenda for integration to the highest level possible.

Learned brothers and sisters, with these many words, it is now my singular honour and pleasure  to declare the 16^th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the SADC Lawyers’ Association officially opened. Long live SADC, long live SADCLA!

Ahsanteni sana!

Mheshimiwa George Huruma Mkuchika, Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Utawala Bora;

Ndugu Sofia Mjema, Kaimu Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mheshimiwa Balozi Ombeni Yohana Sefue, Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi;

Makatibu Wakuu Mliopo;

Ndugu Tixon Nzunda, Kaimu Kamishna wa Maadili;

Ndugu Ali Mfuruki, Mwenyekiti wa CEO’s Roundtable;

Bw. Omari Issa, Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu, PDB;

Bw. Frank Kanyusi, Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu, BRELA;

Viongozi wa Vyama vya Siasa;

Viongozi wa Serikali;

Viongozi wa Dini;

Wawakilishi wa Sekta Binafsi;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nakushukuru sana Mheshimiwa George Huruma Mkuchika kwa kunialika katika tukio hili muhimu la kuzindua Hati za Ahadi ya Uadilifu kwa Viongozi wa Umma, Watumishi wa Umma na Sekta Binafsi. Namshukuru pia Ndugu Tixon Nzunda anayemuwakilisha, Mheshimiwa Jaji Salome Suzette Kaganda, Kamishna wa Tume ya Maadili kwa maelezo yake ya utangulizi kuhusu Hati za Ahadi tunazozindua leo. Napongeza wewe, na ofisi yako kwa maandalizi mazuri ya shughuli hii.

Kuzinduliwa kwa Hati za Uadilifu leo  ni hatua kubwa,  muhimu na ya kihistoria katika safari yetu ya kuboresha na kuhuisha mifumo ya uadilifu iliyopo ili iweze kwenda sambamba na mazingira na nyakati tulizonazo. Kama mnavyofahamu, jitihada hizi za kujenga misingi na mifumo ya uadilifu zimeanza mara baada ya kupata uhuru.  Kwa ajili hiyo napenda kutambua Sheria ya Maadili ya Taifa 1962, Tume ya Kudumu ya Uchunguzi 1965, iliainisha Miiko ya Viongozi kwa mujibu wa  Azimio la Arusha 1967, Sheria ya Kamati ya Utekelezaji wa Miiko ya Uongozi Na. 6 ya 1973 ambayo baadaye ilibadilishwa kuwa Tume kwa Sheria Na. 5 ya 1987, Sheria ya Kuzuia Rushwa Na. 16 ya 1971, Sheria ya Maadili ya Viongozi wa Umma Na. 13 ya 1995 na Maboresho katika Sekta ya Umma na Mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa.

Umuhimu wa Maadili Katika Taifa

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

         Maadili ya Taifa ni moja ya tunu muhimu zinazolitambulisha Taifa na kutofautisha Taifa moja na lingine. Maadili mema ni kichocheo kikubwa cha maendeleo ya taifa, hujenga umoja, amani, upendo, uvumilivu na mshikamano katika Taifa. Maadili huchora mstari kati ya mema na maovu, mambo yanayovumilika na yasiyovumilika, yanayositirika na mambo yasiyositirika. Hivyo maadili ni nyenzo muhimu sana katika ujenzi wa taifa na huepusha taifa kuingia katika mifarakano na migogoro.

         Leo hii nchi yetu inajipambanua kuwa nchi yenye amani kwa sababu ya kazi kubwa ya ujenzi wa maadili iliyofanywa tokea uhuru na kutujengea mshikamano, kuvumiliana na kuheshimiana. Si kweli hata kidogo kuwa sisi Watanzania tumezaliwa na vinasaba vya amani au kinga dhidi ya machafuko. Amani na umoja wetu ni zao la kulinda na kuheshimu maadili yetu.  Hivyo hatuna budi nasi kuyalinda kwa uwezo wetu wote.

Chimbuko la Hati za Maadili

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

Kwa muda mrefu kumekuwepo na changamoto kubwa katika kupambana na rushwa kama moja ya tatizo kubwa la utovu wa uadilifu nchini. Tumechukua hatua kadhaa ikiwemo kutengenezwa kwa Mkakati wa Mapambano Dhidi ya Rushwa na mabadiliko katika Sheria ambayo yalipelekea kuanzishwa kwa Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU) badala ya iliyokuwa Taasisi ya Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU). Tumepata mafanikio makubwa na ya kutia moyo ingawa bado zipo changamoto na manung’uniko ambayo hatuwezi kuyapuuza.

Kwa madhumuni ya kuyaongezea mapambano haya nguvu na kasi, tukaamua Mpango wa Mapambano dhidi ya Rushwa uingizwe katika Mpango wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa (BRN) ili kutoa msukumo wa pekee katika utekelezaji wake. Ahadi ya Uadilifu ni moja ya maeneo 12 iliyo katika Mpango wa Mapambano dhidi ya Rushwa chini ya Mpango wa Tekeleza sasa kwa Matokeo Makubwa (BRN). Maeneo mengine ni yafuatayo:

1.               i.         Kuimarisha mwamko na uelewa kuhusu mapambano dhidi ya rushwa;
2.             ii.         Kuwaumbua wala rushwa (name and shame);
3.           iii.         Kuandaa Mtaala wa Maadili katika ngazi zote za elimu;
4.           iv.         Kutoa taarifa kwa njia ya mtandao;
5.             v.         Kuchukua hatua kali za kisheria dhidi ya wala rushwa;
6.           vi.         Kulinda watoa taarifa na mashahidi wa vitendo vya rushwa;
7.         vii.         Kuboresha, kuhuisha na kuweko uwiano wa maslahi katika sekta ya umma;
8.       viii.         Kupunguza mlundikano wa kesi Mahakamani;
9.           ix.         Matumizi ya mtandao katika manunuzi ya umma;
10.             x.         Kuimarisha mfumo wa taarifa, ufuatiliaji na tathmini; na
11.           xi.         Kuhakikisha utoaji wa huduma kwa wakati kwa njia ya Mkataba wa Huduma kwa Mteja.

Ahadi za Uadilifu

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

Hati za Ahadi za Uadilifu tunazozindua leo hii ni za aina tatu. Kuna Hati ya Ahadi ya Uadilifu kwa Viongozi wa Umma; Hati ya Ahadi ya Uadilifu ya Watumishi wa Umma; na Hati ya Ahadi ya Uadilifu ya Sekta Binafsi. Kwa upande wa Sekta ya Umma, Hati hizi zitasimamiwa na Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma kupitia Waraka maalum utakaotoa mwongozo wa utekelezaji wa mpango huu. Kwa upande wa sekta binafsi, Hati za Uadilifu zitasainiwa kati ya makampuni binafsi  na Wakala wa Usajili wa Biashara na Leseni  (BRELA).

Kuwepo kwa Hati za Uadilifu kunaimarisha sana mapambano ya kisheria dhidi ya rushwa na makosa mengine ya kiuadilifu. Hati za Uadilifu zinachochea utashi wa wale waliosaini hati hizo kuishi na kuenenda katika misingi ya uadilifu. Inatoa fursa kwa kujipima na kujitathimini wenyewe tofauti na mifumo ya kisheria ambayo msisitizo wake ni kutoa adhabu mara baada ya kitendo kutokea. Hati ya Uadilifu inachochea ile hali ya nadhiri ya mtu kumsuta na hivyo kumfanya atii bila shuruti. Huu ni mwanzo mzuri katika kujenga utamaduni wa kuheshimu maadili badala ya watu kushinikizwa kuyafuata maadili bila kuyaamini maadili yenyewe.

Nawapongeza pia kwa uamuzi mzuri wa kufanya tathmini kila baada ya miaka mitatu kuona namna ambavyo mfumo huu utakuwa ukifanya kazi. Ufuatiliaji ni muhimu sana ili kufanya Hati za Maadili kuwa na maana. Vinginevyo, kusaini Hati ya Maadili kunaweza kuchukuliwa kama utekelezaji wa matakwa ya mwajiri au Serikali na sio wajibu na ahadi ya kuishi na kukienzi kiapo chenyewe. Mimi naamini huu ni mwanzo mzuri sana katika safari ya kujenga uadilifu nchini.

Wito kwa Sekta Binafsi

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

Uwepo wa Hati za Uadilifu kwa sekta binafsi ni hatua ya kimapinduzi katika ujenzi wa utamaduni mpya wa uwajibikaji. Kwa muda mrefu jitihada za kujenga uadilifu na kupambana na rushwa umekuwa ukilenga sekta ya umma pekee. Ni ukweli ulio wazi kuwa, rushwa katika sekta ya umma haifanywi na watumishi wa sekta ya umma pekee. Maana ili watumishi wa umma wapokee rushwa, lazima pawepo na mtu wa sekta binafsi anayetoa. Wapo wanaotoa kwa kuombwa lakini pia wapo wanaotoa bila kuombwa ili kushawishi wapate nao upendeleo kwa tenda.  Kwa minajili hiyo, kutoshiriki kwa sekta binafsi katika mapambano dhidi ya rushwa hupunguza kasi na nguvu ya mapambano hayo. Nafurahi kuwa sasa sekta binafsi nayo imeamua kuwa sehemu ya suluhisho badala ya kuwa sehemu ya tatizo.

Ninaposema hivyo, simaanishi kuwa watu wote au makampuni yote katika sekta binafsi yanashiriki vitendo vilivyo kinyume na maadili ikiwemo rushwa. Natambua kuwa hata kabla ya kubuniwa kwa Hati za Uadilifu, tayari zilikuwepo kampuni ambazo zilishajiwekea hati za uadilifu zenye kuhusisha maadili kama uwazi katika ulipaji kodi, kutoshiriki katika rushwa na utii wa Sheria na kanuni za kuendesha biashara zao. Makampuni haya yamekuwa wahanga wakubwa kutokana na kuwepo kwa makampuni mengine ambayo hayafuati maadili hayo. Matokeo yake imekuwa ni gharama sana kwa makampuni kufuata misingi ya uadilifu kuliko kutoifuata. Hawa ndio wamekuwa wakinung’unika sana juu ya kuwepo kwa mazingira yasiyoridhisha ya kufanya biashara.

Ninafurahi kuwa kumekuwa na uungwaji mkono wa mfumo huu wa Hati ya Uadilifu miongoni mwa wadau wa sekta binafsi. Leo hii tumeshuhudia Mwenyekiti wa CEO’s Roundtable akitia saini Hati za Uadilifu akiwakilisha makampuni yapatayo 100 yaliyoonyesha utayari. Natambua kuwa wako wale ambao hawajafurahia sana utaratibu huu na wangependa usifanikiwe.  Nawasihi nao wajifunze kutoka kwa wenzao na wawe tayari kubadilika. Kushiriki kwa wenzao ni kielelezo kuwa inawezekana kufanya biashara kwa kufuata maadili na ukapata faida. Tena kadiri wote watakapoingia katika utaratibu huu, uwanja wa kufanya biashara utakuwa sawia zaidi na kumfanya kila mmoja kunufaika kuliko ilivyo sasa.

Ahadi ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

         Serikali itaendelea kuimarisha utendaji Serikalini na kupambana na maovu katika jamii, hususan rushwa na utovu wa maadili. Tutaendelea kuchukua hatua thabiti za kuzuia viongozi na watumishi wa umma kutumia nafasi zao kujitajirisha, kujilimbikizia mali na kujipatia manufaa binafsi isiyo halali. Tuko tayari kutunga Sheria mpya, kurekebisha zile zilizopo na kujenga mifumo mizuri ya usimamizi wa uadilifu, uwajibikaji, uwazi na mapambano dhidi ya rushwa.

Tumeiishi dhamira yetu hiyo kwa vitendo kwa kuwezesha kutungwa kwa Sheria mpya ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa, Sheria ya Kudhibiti Gharama za Uchaguzi, Sheria ya Ukaguzi wa Umma  na hivi karibuni Sheria ya Kulinda Watoa Taarifa na Mashahidi. Pia, Serikali yetu ni mwanachama wa Mpango wa Afrika wa Kujitathimini Kiutawala Bora (APRM) na Mpango wa Uendeshaji Serikali kwa Uwazi (OGP) ambayo yote kwa pamoja inasisitiza uadilifu katika uendeshaji wa shughuli za Serikali.

Serikali inaahidi kuiwezesha Sekretarieti ya Maadili ya Viongozi wa Umma kwa Rasilimali fedha ili iweze kuutangaza mpango huu vyema na kujenga uelewa mpana wa wadau wote muhimu katika mapambano dhidi ya rushwa. Tunaahidi kutekeleza sehemu ya wajibu wetu kwa kusimamia vyema na kuhakikisha Hati za Uadilifu kwa Viongozi wa Umma na zile za Watumishi wa Serikali zinasainiwa, na wanaozisaini wanaziishi na kuzizingatia katika kutekeleza wajibu wao. Tutahakikisha pia tunashirikiana na sekta binafsi katika kutekeleza mpango huu. Azma yetu kwa siku za usoni ni kutoa kipaumbele katika zabuni zitolewazo na Serikali kwa yale makampuni ambayo yanashiriki katika mpango huu, kama tufanyavyo sasa kwa kutoa zabuni kwa makampuni yenye hati ya mlipa kodi na mashine za EFD.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Waziri na Wageni Waalikwa;

Ni matarajio yangu kwamba Viongozi wa Umma, Watumishi wote wa Umma na Makampuni yaliyosajiliwa Tanzania yatasaini Hati ya Ahadi ya Uadilifu na kuwasilisha kwa Mamlaka inayohusika na kusimamia utekelezaji wake ndani ya Taasisi zao ikiwa ni ishara ya kuonesha utayari wao wa kukuza uadilifu na kupambana na vitendo vya rushwa.

Nawasihi wadau wote muendelee kuunganisha nguvu mliyoionesha katika maabara ya BRN na uandaaji wa Ahadi ya Uadilifu katika kukuza uadilifu nchini. Aidha, ninawaomba wananchi wote kushirikiana na Serikali katika kufichua vitendo vya rushwa na utovu wa maadili, pia kufuatilia utekelezaji wa ahadi zilizotolewa na Viongozi, Watumishi wa Umma na Sekta Binafsi.

Nimalize kwa kusema kuwa mapambano dhidi ya utovu wa maadili na rushwa katika Serikali na sekta binafsi ni jambo linalohitajika kuwa endelevu, wakati wote tuwe makini na wabunifu ili kuendeleza mapambano hayo.  Mpango huu tunaouzindua leo ni utekelezaji thabiti wa dhamira hiyo njema.

Kwa maneno hayo mengi, sasa niko tayari kuzindua Hati za Ahadi ya Uadilifu ambazo zitakuwa nyenzo muhimu katika Kampeni ya Kitaifa ya Maadili na Mapambano dhidi ya Rushwa.

Nawashukuru kwa Kunisikiliza

Mhe. Stephen M. Wasira, Waziri wa Kilimo Chakula na Ushirika;

Mhe. Dkt. Titus Kamani, Waziri wa Maendeleo ya Mifugo na          Uvuvi;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri wote mliopo hapa;

Mhe. Mwantumu Mahiza, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Lindi na          mwenyeji wetu;

Wakuu wa Mikoa mliopo;

Ndg. Engelbert Moyo, Mwenyekiti TASO Taifa;

Ndg. Wakulima, Wafugaji, Wavuvi na Wanaushirika;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nawashukuru Mheshimiwa Waziri Stephen Masato Wassira na Eng. Engelbert Moyo, Mwenyekiti wa TASO kwa kunialika na kunishirikisha katika maadhimisho ya mwaka huu ya Nane Nane yanayofanyika Kitaifa hapa Lindi. Aidha, nakushukuru Mheshimiwa Mwantumu Mhiza, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Lindi na wananchi wa Lindi kwa mapokezi mazuri na ukarimu wenu. Hali kadhalika nakupongeza wewe na Mheshimiwa Halima Dendegu, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mtwara kwa kukubali kuwa wenyeji wa maadhimisho haya kwa mwaka wa pili mfululizo.

Pia nawapongeza kwa kushirikiana vizuri na Chama cha (TASO) kwa maandalizi mazuri ya maadhimisho haya. Nimetembelea mabanda ya maonyesho na kuridhika kuwa yamefana. Pamoja na hayo bado kuna kazi kubwa ya kufanya ili kuboresha miundombinu ya hapa uwanjani na kufanya kuwa  mazuri zaidi.

Kwa ujumla nafurahi kuona maonyesho haya yakizidi kustawi mwaka hadi mwaka tangu yalipoanzishwa mwaka 1993. Linalofurahisha zaidi ni kile kitendo cha kuongezeka kwa idadi ya viwanja na Kanda za Maonesho kutoka tatu mwaka 2005 hadi tano hivi sasa kuna. Kanda ya Ziwa (Mwanza), Kanda ya Kati (Dodoma), Kanda ya Mashariki (Morogoro), Kanda ya Kaskazini (Arusha), Kanda ya Nyanda za Juu Kusini (Mbeya) na Kanda ya Kusini hapa Lindi.

Hali kadhalika nawapongeza TASO kwa utaratibu wenu mzuri wa kuchagua Kanda moja kufanya maadhimisho ya Kitaifa na Kanda nyingine kufanya maonyesho ya Kikanda. Uendelezeni utaratibu huu kwani ni kichocheo kizuri cha maendeleo ya kilimo na ufugaji nchini.

Kauli Mbiu

Mheshimiwa Waziri, Mwenyekiti wa TASO na

Ndugu Wananch;

Nimefurahishwa pia na chaguo lenu la kauli mbiu ya Maadhimisho haya ambayo ni “Matokeo Makubwa Sasa - Tuchague Viongozi Bora kwa Maendeleo ya Kilimo na Ufugaji”. Kaulimbiu hii, imezingatia shughuli kubwa tuliyonayo mwaka huu ya kuchagua Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani watakaoliongoza Taifa kwa miaka mitano (5) ijayo. Nakubaliana nanyi kuwa tuwe makini katika kuchagua na hasa tupate viongozi ambao watatuwezesha kupata mafanikio makubwa katika kilimo chetu na ufugaji wetu pamoja na mambo mengineyo makubwa na madogo nchini.

Nakubaliana nanyi, vilevile kuwa kuna kila sababu ya kukamilisha miradi na hatua ambazo tumezichukua chini ya Mpango wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa katika Kilimo. Kukamilika kwa kazi hiyo na kupata matokeo hayo kutainua sana hali ya kilimo na ufugaji nchini. Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa tukiwa na viongozi wazuri mambo yetu yatakuwa mazuri na tukiwa na viongozi wasiokuwa wazuri mambo yatatuharibikia.

Hivyo basi, ndugu zangu ni muhimu sana kuitumia vizuri fursa hii adimu na adhimu. Tutunze shahada zetu za kupigia kura, tujitokeze kwenye kampeni za vyama, kusikiliza Sera na Ilani za vyama kama zitakavyonadiwa na wagombea na hatimaye kujitokeza kwa wingi kufanya uamuzi sahihi tarehe 25 Oktoba, 2015 kupitia kura zetu. Kura yako ina maana na thamani kubwa kwako, nchi yetu na watu wake.  

Hali ya Sekta ya Kilimo

Ndugu Wananchi;

Katika kipindi chote cha miaka 10 ya uongozi wangu sekta ya kilimo inayojumuisha ukulima, ufugaji na uvuvi, imeendelea kuwa sekta kiongozi. Inaongoza katika kutoa ajira na tegemeo la maisha kwa asilimia 75 ya Watanzania wanaoishi Vijijini. Kilimo kinachangia asilimia 25 ya Pato la Taifa na asilimia 34 ya fedha za kigeni. Kinatupatia chakula na malighafi ya viwanda vyetu.

Bahati nzuri kwa upande wa chakula tumeongeza kiwango cha kujitegemea kutoka asilimia 95 mwaka 2005 hadi asilimia 125 mwaka 2014. Kutokana na umuhimu huo Serikali imekuwa ikitoa kipaumbele cha juu katika kuendeleza  kilimo kwa lengo kuu la kuongeza tija na uzalishaji. Upatikanaji wa masoko ya uhakika na bei nzuri kwa wakulima  hivyo kuongeza mapato na kupunguza umaskini.

Ni bahati ya kipekee kwangu kwamba sherehe hizi zinafanyika wakati nami nakamilisha Awamu yangu ya Uongozi wa nchi yetu. Hivyo ni fursa nzuri ya kutoa mrejesho wa kile tulichoahidi kufanya kuhusu kilimo na kile tulichotekeleza. Katika hotuba yangu ya kufungua Bunge tarehe 30 Desemba, 2005, niliahidi kuwa Serikali ya Awamu ya Nne itachukua hatua madhubuti kuboresha kilimo na kuanza safari ya Mapinduzi ya Kijani. Kwa ajili hiyo tulikamilisha mchakato wa kutayarisha Programu ya miaka 7 ya Maendeleo ya Sekta ya Kilimo (Agriculture Sector Development Programme - ASDP).  Katika Programu hiyo, matatizo yanayofanya tija na uzalishaji katika kilimo kuwa mdogo yalitambuliwa na kutengenezewa mpango wa kuyatatua.  Serikali pia ilianzisha mikakati, programu na mipango mingine ya kuongeza msukumo katika kuleta magaeuzi ya kilimo.  Miongoni mwa hayo ni mkakati wa Kilimo Kwanza, Mpango wa Kuendeleza Kilimo katika Ukanda wa Kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT), Mpango wa Uwekezaji katika Sekta ya Kilimo (TAFSIP), Sera ya Umwagiliaji ya mwaka 2010 na Programu ya Mageuzi na Modenaizesheni ya Ushirika na mpango wa "Matokeo Makubwa Sasa".

Utekelezaji wa mipango na programu hizo umekuwa na matokeo mazuri. Hatua ya kwanza muhimu ilikuwa kuongezeka fedha kwanye bajeti ya Sekta ya Kilimo kutoka shilingi bilioni 233.3 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi kufikia shilingi bilioni 1,084.7 mwaka 2014/2015. Kutokana na ongezeko hilo tumeweza kufanya mambo mengi yanayoihusu Serikali. Kwa mfano, fedha za ruzuku ya mbolea na pembejeo zimeongezeka kutoka shilingi bilioni 7.5 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi kufikia shilingi bilioni 299.3 mwaka 2013/2014. Maana yake ni kuwa, wakulima wengi zaidi wananufaika kuliko ilivyokuwa zamani. Shughuli za utafiti zimeendelea kuimarishwa pamoja na huduma za ugani na miundombinu ya masoko imejengwa.  Kiashiria kingine ni kule kuongezeka kwa matumizi ya zana za kisasa, kwa mfano, uingizaji wa matrekta makubwa na madogo umeongezeka na kuongeza idadi kutoka 7,491 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi 16,412 mwaka 2013/2014. Hali hiyo imepunguza matumizi ya jembe la mkono kutoka asilimia 70 hadi asilimia 62, matumizi ya wanyamakazi nayo yameongezeka kutoka asilimia 20 hadi 24, na matumizi ya trekta kuongezeka kutoka asilimia 10 hadi asilimia 14.   Aidha, eneo linalotumika kwa kilimo cha umwagiliaji limeongezeka kutoka hekta 264,388 mwaka 2005 hadi hekta 461,326 mwaka 2015.

Matokeo ya juhudi zetu hizo ni kuongezeka kwa uzalishaji wa mazao ya chakula na biashara. Uzalishaji wa chakula umeongezeka kutoka tani 9.66 mwaka 2005 hadi tani 16.01 Mwaka 2015 na kutufanya tuweze kujitosheleza kwa chakula kwa asilimia 125 ikilinganishwa na asilimia 95 mwaka 2015. Leo hii hatuna tena tishio la usalama wa chakula kama ilivyokuwa miaka 10 iliyopita. Hivi sasa kwa wakulima wa mpunga na mahindi tatizo siyo uzalishaji tena, bali ni masoko na uhifadhi wa mazao. Uzalishaji wa mazao ya biashara nao umeongezeka kutoka tani 427,738 hadi tani 569,054 na hivyo kuchangia katika kuongezeka  mapato ya fedha za kigeni.[A1] 

Kwa upande wa mifugo, dhamira ya Serikali imekua ni kuleta mageuzi katika Sekta hii, kupitia ASDP na baadae tukatayarisha programu maalum ya kuendeleza sekta ya mifugo. Katika Programu na Mpango huo tumeainisha changamoto zinazosababisha maendeleo duni katika sekta ya mifugo na kutengenezewa Mpango wa utekelezaji kwa upande wa mifugo ujulikanao kama Mpango wa Modenaizesheni ya Mifugo niliouzindua hivi karibuni.  Mafanikio yaliyopatikana katika kipindi cha miaka 10 ni kuongezeka kwa idadi na ubora wa mifugo: ng’ombe, mbuzi, kondoo, kuku na nguruwe. Haya ni matunda ya kuendelea kuimarika kwa huduma za ugani na nyinginezo kwa mfano, ujenzi wa malambo mapya 1,008, majosho 2,364 na maabara 104 za mifugo. Visima virefu 101 vimechimbwa na malambo 370 na majosho 499 yamekarabatiwa katika kipindi hicho pia.

Kutokana na ukarabati wa majosho ya zamani na ujenzi wa majosho mapya, idadi ya majosho imeongezeka kutoka 2,177 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi 3,637 mwaka 2014/2015. Maofisa Ugani wa mifugo wameongezeka, kutoka 2,270 mwaka 2004/2005 hadi 6,041 mwaka 2014. Kuhusu uhamilishaji, vituo vimeongezeka kutoka kituo 1 mwaka 2005 hadi vituo 8 mwaka 2015 na kuwezesha ng’ombe 955,360 kuhamilishwa.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Mazingira mazuri ya uwekezaji yamewezesha sekta binafsi kuwekeza katika uanzishaji wa viwanda  vya kusindika nyama, maziwa na vyakula vya mifugo. Kwa ajili hiyo, viwanda vya kusindika maziwa vimeongezeka kutoka 22 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi 74 mwaka 2014/2015. Viwanda vya kuzalisha chakula cha mifugo vimeongezeka kutoka viwanda 6 mwaka 2005 hadi 80 mwaka 2014/2015 vikiwa na uwezo wa kusindika tani milioni 1.4 za chakula cha mifugo kwa mwaka. Uzalishaji wa malisho ya mifugo nao umefikia marobota 957,860 ikilinganishwa na marobota 178,100 mwaka 2005. Aidha viwanda na machinjio ya kisasa 9 yamejengwa katika kipindi hiki. Usindikaji wa ngozi pia umeongezeka kutoka vipande 790,000 mwaka 2005 hadi vipande milioni 3.78 mwaka 2014.

          Kama nilivyosema tarehe 20 Julai, 2015 nilizindua Mpango wa Modenaizesheni ya Mifugo wa Mwaka 2015 hadi 2021. Chini ya mpango huu, sasa tumedhamiria na kuweka mkakati wa kuufanya ufugaji kuwa wa kisasa. Mimi naamini kuwa safari ya kutoka kwenye uchungaji kuelekea kwenye ufugaji wa kisasa sasa imepata dira ya uhakika.

Uvuvi

Ndugu wananch;

Katika kupindi hiki pia tumetoa msukumo mkubwa katika kuendeleza uvuvi nchini.  Tumefanya mambo kadhaa: Kwanza, niliunda Wizara mpya ya Mifugo na Uvuvi. Pili, tulifuta kodi ya zana za uvuvi ili kuwawezesha wavuvi kupata zana bora na za kisasa kwa bei nafuu zaidi. Tatu, tumeimarisha vyuo vya uvuvi na hivi sasa vina uwezo wa kudahili wanafunzi 1,215 ikilinganishwa na wanafunzi 127 mwaka 2005/2006. Hii imetuwezesha kuongeza maafisa ugani wa uvuvi kutoka 103 mwaka 2005 hadi 540 mwaka 2014. Nne, tumeongeza sana juhudi za kupambana na uvuvi haramu ili kutunza mazingira, mazalia ya samaki na kuzuia kuvuliwa au kuuawa kwa samaki wadogo.

Hali kadhalika, tumeimarisha Maabara ya Taifa ya Samaki pale Nyegezi ili kuwa na vifaa vya kisasa na wataalamu ili twende na wakati. Vilevile, tumeongeza msukumo wa kuhimiza ufugaji wa samaki na kuwezesha mashamba ya samaki kuongezeka kutoka 13,011 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi 20,325 mwaka 2013/2014.

Jambo moja la kujipongeza ni kuwa mapato ya sekta ya uvuvi yameongezeka kutoka shilingi bilioni 351.6 mwaka 2005/2006 hadi shilingi trilioni 1.8 mwaka 2013/2014. Mapato hayo yamechangia kuinua hali ya maisha ya watu wanaojihusisha na uvuvi. Bado tuna kazi kubwa ya kufanya katika sekta hii ili kuongeza tija na mapato ya wavuvi na Taifa kwa ujumla.

Lakini kazi kubwa zaidi ni ile ya kupambana na uvuvi haramu wa kutumia baruti na nyavu zisizofaa kama vile makokoro na nyingine. Pia tusiharibu mazalia ya samaki, kwa ukanda wa Pwani tuhifadhi mikoko na matumbawe. Lazima tufanye hivyo vinginevyo baada ya muda si mrefu shughuli ya uvuvi itatoweka. Tayari wenzetu wa Ziwa Victoria wameanza kuonja joto la jiwe. Samaki wamepungua sana na watu wengi wamepoteza ajira. Hivyo tunapohimiza kuacha uvuvi haramu si jambo la masihara hata kidogo.

Changamoto katika Sekta ya Kilimo

Ndugu wananchi;

Mafanikio katika kutekeleza miradi na mipango ya kukuza kilimo yamekuja na changamoto zake mpya. Wakati naingia madarakani kulikuwa na uhaba mkubwa wa chakula na ukame. Serikali ililazimika  kutoa chakula cha msaada kwa zaidi ya watu milioni 3.7. Leo tunazalisha ziada ya tani milioni 5 ambayo imetuletea changamoto mpya ya uhaba wa maghala ya kuhifadhi chakula pamoja na kukosekana kwa masoko ya uhakika na bei nzuri kwa mazao ya wakulima. Jitihada zinaendelea kupitia Mpango wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa za kujenga maghala ya kisasa nchi nzima ili kuongeza uwezo wa kuhifadhi nafaka kutoka tani 250,000 hadi tani 400,000.

Aidha, mpango wa kuwaunganisha wakulima na masoko kupitia mfumo wa Soko la Bidhaa (Commodity Exchange) umefikia mahali pazuri. Baraza la Mawaziri limekwisharidhia, na muswada wa sheria ya uanzishaji wa soko hilo litakalokuwa chini ya Mamlaka ya Masoko ya Mitaji na Dhamana ulishapitishwa na Bunge, nami nimesha idhinisha kuwa sheria. Kilichobaki sasa ni uanzishwaji wa soko hilo.

Jambo lingine ambalo limekuwa ni changamoto kwa wakulima ni upatikanaji wa fedha na mitaji kwa ajili ya kuendeleza shughuli za kilimo, kuongeza tija na uzalishaji. Serikali imefanya jitihada ya kuhimiza uanzishaji wa asasi ndogo za fedha (Micro-finance)  zipo za Serikali na zisizokuwa za Serikali na tulihimiza uimarishaji wa Vyama vya Ushirika wa Nyama vya Akiba na Mikopo (SACCOS) ambavyo vimesaidia sana wakulima kupata mikopo. Hata hivyo, asasi hizi hazijaweza kuwa za msaada mkubwa kwa sababu ya uwezo mdogo na raslimali. Pia SACCOS nazo kwa kutegemea michango ya wakulima maskini kumezinyima uwezo wa kumsaidia kwa dhati mkulima aondokane na umaskini. Bahati mbaya mabenki ya biashara yamekuwa yakisita kukopesha na kuwekeza kwenye kilimo kutokana na kuhofia kupata hasara. Changamoto ya wakulima kukosa vyazo vinavyotosheleza mahitaji ya fedha na mitaji imechangia sana ukuaji mdogo wa sekta ya kilimo.

Benki ya Maendeleo ya Kilimo

Ndugu Wananchi;

Nafurahi kuwa leo hii nitafungua Benki ya Maendeleo ya Kilimo ambayo nilizindua ofisi zake jana jijini Dar es Salaam. Kufunguliwa kwa Benki hii ni mwanzo mpya katika safari yetu ya kuelekea kweye kilimo cha kisasa. Maana, zile hatua tulizochukua za kuongeza matumizi ya zana za kisasa, mbegu na mbolea bora na utafiti pekee haviwezi kutuletea mapinduzi ya kilimo bila ya uwekezaji. Nasema hivi kwa kuwa uzoefu wa nchi zilizofanikiwa katika mapinduzi ya kilimo kama wenzetu wa India, Vietnam, China na Brazil, mapinduzi yao yalichochewa sana na uwepo wa benki mahsusi za kilimo za kuwezesha uwekezaji kwenye sekta hii.

Benki yetu hii tumeianza na mtaji wa shilingi bilioni 60 na lengo letu ni kufikisha mtaji wa bilioni 800 katika kipindi cha miaka 8 kwa uwekezaji wa shilingi bilioni 100 kila mwaka. Tofauti na benki za biashara, benki hii shughuli yake ni mahsusi yaani kilimo. Lengo lake kuwakopesha wakulima na vikundi vya wakulima kwa ajili ya kuendeleza shughuli zao za kilimo kwa masharti nafuu na rafiki yanayozingatia uhalisia na mazingira ya shughuli za kilimo. Aidha, Benki hii itafadhili miradi ya kilimo na ile inayochochea kilimo katika mnyororo wa thamani wa kilimo.

Kwa kuanzia Benki hii haitapokea amana na haitakuwa na matawi.  Itatumia mabenki ya biashara yaliyopo kuwafikia wakulima kwa masharti mahsusi ya Benki ya Maendeleo ya Kilimo. Vilevile, itaziwezesha Benki za biashara kukopesha wakulima kwa kuwekeza katika mabenki hayo. Katika muda wa kati itafungua ofisi sita za kanda kwa lengo la kusogeza huduma kwa wananchi. Aidha, miradi katika mnyororo wa thamani wa  uzalishaji katika maeneo 10 ya sekta ya kilimo ndio yatakayokuwa ya kipaumbele. Maeneo hayo ni 10 ni Mahindi, Mchele, Miwa, Mbegu za mafuta, Kilimo cha Matunda, Maua na mbogamboga, Ng’ombe wa maziwa na nyama, ufugaji wa Kuku wa Kienyeji, Ufugaji wa Samaki na Ufugaji wa Nyuki. Huo ni mwanzo mzuri.

Ahadi ya serikali ni kuhakikisha kuwa Benki hii inapata mtaji wa kutosha na kuweza kuwafikia wakulima wengi. Tumeipatia Bodi ya Wakurugenzi ya watu mahiri na waliobobea wakiongozwa na Mwenyekiti Mama Rosemary Kujirwila, ambaye awali alikuwa Kamishna wa Umoja wa Afrika wa Masuala ya Maendeleo vijijini.  Sina mashaka hata kidogo kuwa kilimo chetu sasa tumekiwekea muelekeo mzuri wa Mapinduzi ya Kijani. Tunataka tuanze safari ya kufanya kilimo kuwa biashara na sio  cha kujikimu. Lazima tukione kilimo kuwa ni kazi na ni shughuli ya kibiashara na kamwe siyo shughuli ya watu waliokosa kazi na fursa ya kwenda mjini.

Ndugu wananchi;

Wito wangu kwa wadau wa sekta ya kilimo ni kuelekeza nguvu zetu katika kutekeleza mkakati wa Mpango wa Matokeo Makubwa Sasa katika sekta ya kilimo. Kila mdau na atekeleze ule wajibu unaoangukia katika mamlaka yake ili kuondoa changamoto na vikwazo vilivyoainishwa kwamba vinaathiri ukuaji wa sekta ya kilimo. Nasema hivyo kwa kutambua kuwa, kuwakopesha wakulima ni jambo moja, kuwawezesha kupata faida na kuweza kufanya marejesho ya mkopo ni jambo jingine. Mikopo na uwekezaji utakuwa na maana tu ikiwa kutakuwa na mazingira wezeshi ya kumfanya mkulima kuwekeza, kuvuna na kuuza kwa uhakika.

Kuagana na Wananchi wa Mkoa wa Lindi

Ndugu Wananchi,

          Napenda kutumia pia fursa hii kuagana na wananchi na Mkoa wa Lindi.

          Nawashukuru kwa kunichagua kwa kura nyingi mwaka 2005 na mwaka 2010. Kama nilivyoahidi katika Ilani zote mbii za CCM tumetimiza kwa asilimia 90 na kupata mafanikio makubwa. Yapo madeni machache ambayo tutayamalizia. Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa ameeleza kwa kina tuliyoyafanya na mafanikko tuliyoyapata. Kwa uchache, tumemaliza ujenzi wa barabara ya Dar-Kibiti-Lindi yenye urefu wa kilometa 508 kwa kiwango cha lami. Jana nimezindua kipande kilichokuwa kimebakia cha Ndundu-Somanga cha kilometa 60. Sasa safari ya Dar es Salaam – Lindi imekuwa fupi, na mabasi ya Luxury sasa yanakuja Lindi. Tumejenga kilometa 5 za barabara za lami katika mji wa Nachingwea, kilomita 3 Liwale, kilomita 2 Ruangwa na kilomita 11.7 Lindi Manispaa.

          Hali ya uchumi wa Lindi kwa ujumla imekua na kuimarika. Pato la mkazi limeongezeka kutoka shilingi 385,378 mwaka 2005 hadi shilingi 1,127,104 mwaka 2013. Uzalishaji wa mazao ya chakula umeongezeka kutoka tani 112,848 mwaka 2005 hadi 192,893 mwaka 2014. Mazao ya biashara kutoka tani 17,621 hadi tani 45,521 mwaka huu. Upatikanaji wa pembejeo kutoka tani 2,341 hadi tani 2,816. Haya ni mafanikio ya kutia moyo sana.

          Kwa upande wa huduma za jamii nako kuna maendeleo makubwa. Umeme sasa unapatikana katika vijiji 231 (asilimia 45) mwaka huu ikilinganishwa na vijiji 52 mwaka 2005. Kubwa zaidi ni upande wa elimu. Shule za Sekondari zimeongezeka kutoka 43 hadi 115 ambapo saa kila Kata ina shule ya sekondari. Maabara zimeongezeka kutoka 20 mwaka 2005 hadi 134 mwaka huu. Tumeongeza hosteli kutoka 19 mwaka 2005 hadi 81 mwaka 2015. Hizi ni habari njema kwa watoto wa kike, maana sasa wasichana wanapata nafasi ya uhakika ya kupata masomo kwa kuwa wako hosteli. Aidha, katika kipindi hiki tumefanikiwa pia kujenga hapa Lindi Chuo chaUfundi Stadi (VETA).

          Huduma za Afya zimeboreka, vifo vya akinamama wajawazito na watoto vimepungua, maambukizi ya malaria imepungua kutoka asilimia 35.5 mwaka 2008 hadi asilimia 26 mwaka 2012. Tumekamilisha pia mradi wa maji wa Masasi unaohudumia Mji wa Masasi na Nachingwea na Vijiji vinavopitiwa na bomba hilo. Aidha, tutakapo kamilisha mradi wa maji wa Ng’apa tatizo la maji katika Mji wa Lindi litapungua kwa kiasi kikubwa. Tumepata pia mafanikio kwenye maeneo mengi kama yalivyoelezwa na Mkuu wa Mkoa. Itoshe tu kusema nawashukuru sana na nitawakumbuka daima kwa upendo na ukarimu wenu kwangu na ushirikiano kwa Serikali yangu. Nawaaga nikiwa na furaha kuwa tunaagana vizuri. Mie hapa mwenyeji, mtaniona mara kwa mara nikija kukaa hapa baada ya kustaafu.

Hitimisho

Ndugu Wananchi,

          Kwa kumalizia, haya ni maadhimisho ya Nane Nane ya mwisho ninayoshiriki nikiwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kabla sijamaliza Awamu yangu ya uongozi. Napenda kuwashukuru sana wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wa Tanzania kwa kuunga mkono juhudi za Serikali ninayoiongoza katika kukuza kilimo. Ukweli ni kuwa mliolima, mliofuga na mliovua na kutuhakikishia usalama wa chakula ni ninyi. Sisi tulitunga tu sera, sheria na kuwawekea mazingira wezeshi. Nawashukuru sana kwa kujitoa kwenu na ninafurahi kuwa kwa pamoja katika kipindi hiki tumeweza kupiga hatua kubwa.  Leo hii kilimo chetu si kama kilivyokuwa miaka 10 iliyopita kama takwimu zinavyoonyesha. Leo kilimo kimeanza kuvutia sekta binafsi na sasa kinavutia vijana wasomi.

          Ninakwenda kupumzika nikiwa na amani kuwa ninawaacha pazuri zaidi kuliko nilipowakuta. Nafarijika kuwa hata yale ambayo sikukamilisha na yale mapya yaliyoibuka, nayo tumeyawekea mikakati na muelekeo wenye uhakika wa kutatulika. Nawaomba mumpe Rais ajaye upendo na ushirikiano zaidi ya ule mlionipatia mimi. Sasa natamka kuwa, “BENKI YA MAENDELEO YA KILIMO TANZANIA “TADB” IMEZINDULIWA RASMI LEO TAREHE 8 MWEZI WA 8 MWAKA 2015” na MAADHIMISHO YA 22 YA SHEREHE ZA SIKUKUU YA WAKULIMA NANE NANE KWA MWAKA 2015 YAMEFUNGWA RASMI.

Asanteni kwa Kunisikiliza

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Mheshimiwa Waziri wa Katiba na Sheria,

Mheshimiwa Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali,

Mheshimiwa Jaji Kiongozi,

Waheshimiwa Majaji na Mahakimu,

Ndugu Viongozi na Watumishi wa Mahakama,

Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Nilipokutana nanyi katika kuadhimisha Siku ya Sheria Nchini tarehe 04 Februari, 2015 nilitumia fursa ile kuwaaga. Hata hivyo mkasema haitoshi, mmetafuta wasaa wa ninyi kuniaga. Nakushukuru Mheshimiwa Mohamed Chande Othuman, Jaji Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani, Majaji wa Mahakama Kuu, Wasajili, Mahakimu Wakazi, Mahakimu Watendaji na Wafanyakazi wote wa Mahakama kwa heshima hii kubwa mliyonipa. Nikiri kuwa ni jambo ambalo sikulitegemea, lakini nimeguswa sana na upendo wenu huu mkubwa mlionionyesha. Nimefarijika sana. Ni kielelezo kuwa tumeishi vizuri, tumeheshimiana na kushirikiana kwa maslahi mapana ya wananchi wa Taifa letu. Huu ni ushirikiano ambao hauna budi kuuendelezwa na kudumishwa katika Awamu ya Tano na zote zijazo.

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Katika hotuba yako umeongelea mafanikio ya Mahakama yaliyopatikana katika kipindi hiki cha Awamu ya Nne. Umenipongeza mimi kwa mafanikio hayo. Mimi naamini mafanikio haya yametokana na juhudi zetu za pamoja, maana bila ya mchango wenu na mipango yenu, sisi katika Serikali tusingeweza peke yetu kuyafanikisha. Kutokana na kujipanga kwenu vizuri, kazi yetu kwa upande wa Serikali imekuwa rahisi sana.

Umuhimu na Nafasi ya Mahakama

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Nafasi na umuhimu wa Mahakama katika jamii na Taifa ni jambo lisilohitaji mjadala. Tunu za amani, utulivu na umoja ambazo nchi yetu inasifiwa duniani zina mchango muhimu wa Mahakama. Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa kama watu wanadhulumiwa haki zao za msingi na hawana matumaini ya kuzipata katika mifumo ya kawaida au rasmi ya utoaji haki kuna hatari ya amani kuvurugika. Kishawishi cha watu kuchukua Sheria mikononi mwao hujitokeza. Kwa maneno mengine huchochea uvunjifu wa Sheria na hali ikikithiri amani huweza kuathirika. Ipo mifano ya hapa nchini na kwingineko duniani.

Kwa kutambua ukweli huo suala la utoaji wa haki ni jambo ambalo nililipa kipaumbele cha juu. Kwa ajili hiyo mwanzoni kabisa nilipoanza kazi ya uongozi wa nchi yetu nilitembelea Mhimili wa Mahakama. Nilikutana na kuzungumza na Jaji Mkuu Banarbas Samata na Majaji wa Rufaa na Mahakama Kuu. Ziara yangu ile ilinipatia ufahamu mkubwa kuhusu hali ilivyokua katika Mhimili huu wa dola wenye dhamana na jukumu muhimu la utoaji wa haki nchini. Niliweza kujua mafaniko na changamoto za Mahakama. Nilitambua upungufu mkubwa wa nguvu kazi, uhaba wa vitendea kazi, bajeti finyu na masuala ya maslahi ya Majaji, Mahakimu na Watumishi wengine wa Mahakama. Niliahidi kuzifanyia kazi kwani changamoto hizo zinapunguza ufanisi wa kazi, mashauri kuchelewa kusikilizwa, na kumalizwa na kujitokeza kwa tuhuma za rushwa. Napata faraja moyoni mwangu kuwa leo tunapoagana tumepiga hatua kubwa katika kuzipatia ufumbuzi changamoto hizo. Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa Mahakama ilivyo leo sivyo ilivyokuwa mwaka 2005. Hali ni bora zaidi sasa.

Rasilimali watu

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Kwa upande wa upungufu wa nguvu kazi, kama ulivyosema kwenye hotuba yako, wakati tunaingia madarakani, Mahakama yetu ilikuwa na Majaji wachache sana ukilinganisha na mahitaji. Kwa upande wa Mahakama ya Rufani, tulikuwa na majaji tisa (9) tu, huku tukiwa na majaji 37 wa Mahakama Kuu. Idadi hii ilikuwa ni ndogo sana ikilinganishwa na wingi wa mashauri yaliyokuwa yamerundikana mahakamani nchi nzima. Lakini hadi leo tunapoagana leo idadi ya Majaji wa Rufani imeongezeka kutoka 9 hadi 16 wakati ile ya Majaji wa Mahakama Kuu imeongezeka kutoka 35 hadi 94.  

Jitihada zetu hazikuishia hapo. Tuliajiri pia Mahakimu wa kada mbalimbali. Hadi kufikia mwaka huu, idadi ya Mahakimu Wakazi pekee imefikia 677 ikilinganishwa na Mahakimu Wakazi 151 waliokuwepo mwaka 2005. Mbali na Mahakimu Wakazi, pia wameajiriwa Mahakimu wengine wa kada mbalimbali kulingana na mahitaji. Vile vile, watumishi wa kada mbalimbali wameajiriwa na kuongeza idadi ya  watumishi wa ngazi na kada mbalimbali kutoka 4,972 mwaka 2005 hadi kufikia 6,052 mwaka 2015.

Ni katika kipindi hiki pia zimeanzishwa kada nyingine muhimu, yaani watendaji wa Mahakama pamoja na Wasaidizi wa Sheria wa Majaji chini ya Sheria ya Uendeshaji wa Mahakama. Hii imewaondolea Majaji na Mahakimu majukumu ya kiutawala na fedha na kuwaacha washughulike na jukumu lao la msingi la utoaji wa haki. Sasa tunaye Mtendaji Mkuu wa Mahakama, Mtendaji wa Mahakama Kuu, pamoja na watendaji wengine wa ngazi mbalimbali.

Kwa hatua hizo tulizochukua, naweza kusema kwa kujiamini kuwa tumeongeza sana uwezo wa rasilimali watu. Pia tumewapunguzia Majaji na Mahakimu mzigo wa kesi kutokana na sasa kuwa wengi, lakini muhimu zaidi imetusaidia kuharakisha utoaji haki kwa wananchi.

Bajeti ya Mahakama

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Tulilitazama suala la bajeti ya Mahakama na kuamua kufanya mambo mawili ili kuiongezea Mahakama uwezo wa kutimiza majukumu yake. Kwanza, kwamba kila mwaka tuliongeza fedha kwa utaratibu wa kawaida. Pili, tukafanya uamuzi wa kimapinduzi wa kutekeleza matakwa ya Katiba kwa kuanzisha Mfuko wa Mahakama kwa kutunga Sheria ya Uendeshaji Mahakama Namba 4 ya Mwaka 2011. Mfumo huu siyo tu unaongeza bajeti bali pia unaipa Mahakama uhuru wa kufanya mambo yake. Aidha, inaondoa ile dhana ya kuuona Mhimili wa Mahakama kama Idara ya Serikali.

Kutokana na hatua hizi bajeti ya Mahakama iliongezeka kutoka shilingi bilioni 36.6  mwaka 2005 hadi shilingi bilioni 57.8 mwaka 2012/2013 kwa mujibu wa nyongeza za kawaida. Hili ni ongezeko la zaidi ya asilimia 66 ndani ya kipindi kifupi cha tangu mwaka 2012/2013. Mwaka huu wa fedha bajeti hiyo imefikia shilingi bilioni 88.9 kufuatia ongezeko kubwa baada ya kuanzishwa kwa Mfumo wa Mahakama. Kwa jumla hii ni ongezeko la zaidi ya asilimia 136 ikilinganishwa na bajeti ya mwaka 2005/2006.

Pamoja na nyongeza hii inayoonekana kuwa ni kubwa sana lakini natambua kuwa bado ni kidogo kuliko mahitaji halisi ya Mahakama. Mtakubaliana nami kuwa imeleta ahueni kubwa na kuiwezesha Mahakama kuboresha utekekelezaji wa majukumu yake. Halikadhalika Mahakama sasa imeanza kutekeleza miradi ya maendeleo kama ujenzi wa ofisi za Mahakama. Nina imani Rais ajaye na Serikali ijayo itahakikisha kuwa fedha zinaongezeka zaidi na Hazina inatoa fedha zote zilizopangwa katika bajeti. Tena zinatolewa kwa wakati.

Uboreshaji wa Maslahi ya Majaji, Mahakimu

na Watumishi wa Mahakama

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Katika kipindi hiki tumechukua hatua za maksudi za kuboresha maslahi ya Majaji. Mwaka 2007 tukatunga Sheria ya Majaji (Judges Remuneration Act) yaani Sheria Namba 4 ya mwaka 2007. Chini ya Sheria hii, maslahi ya majaji yameboreshwa na tunaamini hiki ni kichocheo cha waheshimiwa majaji kufanya kazi kwa bidii zaidi, kwa weledi zaidi na kwa ufanisi zaidi. Lakini pia chini ya Sheria hii mafao ya majaji baada ya kustaafu yamewekwa vizuri zaidi. Nafikiri hili ni muhimu sana kwamba Majaji wasifanye kazi wakihofu juu ya hatma yao baada ya kazi kutokana na unyeti wa kazi yao ambayo kwa kweli inawazuia kuwa na vyanzo vingine vya mapato.

Hatukuishia kwa Majaji tu, mwaka 2007 mishahara ya Mahakimu iliboreshwa. Mipango iko mbioni kuhakikisha pia kwamba watumishi wengine wa kada mbalimbali za Mahakama nao maslahi yao yanaboreshwa. Haya yote tumeyafanya ili kuwawezesha Majaji na Mahakimu kutimiza wajibu wao pasipo kuwiwa na mtihani wa tamaa.

Miundombinu na vitendea kazi

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Kwa muda mrefu suala la miundombinu hususan majengo ya Mahakama imekuwa ni tatizo. Kuna upungufu mkubwa na kusababisha watu kusafiri masafa marefu kufuata huduma hususan Mahakama za Mwanzo na Mahakama Kuu. Kwa upande wa Mahakama za Mwanzo nyingi zina majengo duni na yasiyofaa. Katika baadhi ya maeneo nimewahi kuambiwa kwamba Majaji Wafawidhi walitoa maelekezo ya kufunga Mahakama hizo kutokana na kuwa katika hali mbaya sana na hata kuhatarisha maisha ya watumishi wa Mahakama pamoja na wateja wa Mahakama. Kwa bahati mbaya Mahakama za namna hiyo zilikuwepo hata hapa Dar es Salaam ambako tunasema ni uso wa nchi.

Hili nalo tukaliwekea nia na mkakati wa kuondokana nalo. Kati ya mwaka 2006 hadi sasa tumeweza kujenga Mahakama Kuu 2 za kisasa kabisa katika mikoa ya Kagera na Shinyanga na Mahakama Kuu Divisheni ya Kazi 1. Vilevile zimejengwa Mahakama mpya ya Mkoa 1 (Babati), za Wilaya 2 (Mafia na Kisarawe), na Mahakama za Mwanzo 12. Mahakama za Mwanzo tulizojenga zimesaidia kurejesha imani ya Watanzania kwa Mahakama.

Mbali na majengo ya Mahakama, tumeweza kujenga nyumba za kisasa kwa ajili ya Mahakimu. Nafahamu suala la kujenga nyumba za kuishi ni endelevu na katika eneo hili bado tuna deni kubwa.  Hili pia naamini Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu pamoja na Mtendaji Mkuu mtaendelea kulifanyia kazi kwa kushirikiana na Serikali.

Matumizi ya TEHAMA

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Ulimwengu wa sasa ni ulimwengu wa Tehama. Nawapongeza kuwa katika hili Mahakama nanyi hamkubaki nyuma. Inatia moyo kuona kwamba taratibu mnabadili mfumo wa uandishi na utunzaji wa kumbukumbu za mwenendo wa kesi na nyinginezo na kutumia mfumo wa Tehama. Inafurahisha kusikia kwamba kwa sasa takwimu za mashauri ya nchi nzima zinapatikana kwenye mtandao. Lakini pia tumeambiwa kwamba sasa Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu anapata taarifa za mashauri yote yaliyofunguliwa, yaliyoisha na yaliyobaki kwa mwezi kwa kupitia njia ya mtandao. Hali kadhalika, anaweza kufahamu kila Jaji na Hakimu amesikiliza mashauri mangapi kwa mwezi na kwa mwaka kwa njia ya mtandao.

Hili si jambo dogo kwa Mahakama zetu. Lazima tukiri kuwa tumepiga hatua kubwa ya kujivunia. Uhifadhi wa zamani wa kumbukumbu za Mahakama ni jambo ambalo kwa muda mrefu limesababisha usumbufu na malalamiko kwa wananchi. Aidha, eneo hili linatajwa kuwa kichaka cha vitendo vya rushwa. Nafurahi kuwa tanaanza kuondokana na yale maelezo ya “jalada halionekani”. Mimi naamini, tunaweza kufanya zaidi kwa kutumia pia mifumo ya simu katika malipo Mahakamani, na kuwezesha wananchi kuuliza na kujua tarehe za mashauri yao bila kuwalazimu kuja kufuatilia taarifa hizo Mahakamani. Maana, ile ‘nenda-rudi’ nayo inaleta usumbufu usio wa lazima kwa wananchi.

Uboreshaji wa Utendaji Katika Mahakama

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Katika hotuba yako Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu, umeonesha jinsi ambavyo idadi ya mashauri yanayoisha imekuwa ikiongezeka mwaka hadi mwaka toka mwaka 2006 hadi sasa. Nimefurahishwa zaidi na mkakati uliowekwa na Mahakama wa kila Jaji na Hakimu kumaliza idadi maalum ya mashauri kwa mwaka. Pia, nawapongeza kwa kuamua kuwa muda wa shauri kukaa mahakamani usizidi miaka miwili. Mkakati wenu wa kuyamaliza mashauri yaliyokaa Mahakamani kwa muda mrefu unaelekea kuzaa matunda. Taarifa kwamba mmeyapunguza mashauri hayo kwa zaidi ya asilimia 50 yaani kutoka mashauri 6,887 mwaka 2012 hadi mashauri 3,632 mwaka 2014 ni za kutia moyo. Kwa hili mnastahili pongezi zetu nyingi. Tunawaomba muendelee hivyo kwani kwa kujiwekea malengo, inawapa urahisi wa kujipima ninyi wenyewe, na wananchi kuwapima pia. Huo ndio uwajibikaji.

Wajibu wa Mahakama katika Uchaguzi

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Nchi yetu sasa inaelekea katika Uchaguzi Mkuu kuchagua Rais, Wabunge na Madiwani.  Tunategemea kama ilivyo ada yetu utakuwa uchaguzi huru, wa haki na wa amani. Lakini ‘penye wengi pana mengi’. Kama ilivyokuwa katika chaguzi zilizopita, wakati mwingine yanajitokeza mashauri mbalimbali mara uchaguzi unapoisha. Siku za nyuma mashauri haya yalikuwa yanachukua muda mrefu na baadhi kudumu toka uchaguzi mmoja hadi mwingine. Hali hii ilibadilika uchaguzi uliopita. Mashauri ya uchaguzi yalipewa kipaumbele yakaweza kuisha mapema na hivyo wananchi kujua hatima ya waliowachagua. Ni ombi letu kwamba utaratibu huu uendelee ili mashauri yote, kama yatakuwepo, yaishe ndani ya muda mfupi iwezekanavyo na haki iweze kupatikana.

Mwisho

Mheshimiwa Jaji Mkuu,

Napenda kuhitimisha kwa kukushukuru kwa mara nyingine kwa uamuzi wenu wa kuandaa hafla ya kuagana. Nawashukuru sana kwa ushirikano mlionipatia mimi na wenzangu Serikalini na zaidi kwa mafaniko ambayo sote tumeyapata. Kupitia kwako, nawashukuru waheshimiwa Majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani na Mahakama Kuu, Mtendaji Mkuu, Msajili Mkuu, Mahakimu ngazi malimbali, watendaji na watumishi wa Mahakama. Daima nitakumbuka wema na upendo wenu mkubwa mlionionyesha. Lakini kubwa zaidi nitawakumbuka kwa uchapa kazi wenu na moyo wenu wa uzalendo.

Safari bado ni ndefu, muhimu ni kuwa tumeshaianza, na hivyo kuifupisha. Awamu itakayokuja wataanzia pafupi zaidi kuliko pale tulipoanzia sisi wa Awamu ya Nne. Ninaondoka nikiwa na furaha na amani moyoni kuwa nauacha Mhimili wa Mahakama mahali pazuri zaidi ya nilipowakuta mwaka 2005. Hata hivyo bado kuna kazi kubwa ya kufanya mbele yetu mpaka tufike pale tunapopataka sote tufike. Tukiendelea na kasi hii sina shaka kabisa kwamba tutafika tunapopataka katika miaka mitano ijayo.

Nawatakia kila la kheli na mafanikio makubwa siku za usoni. Kwaherini.

Mungu ibariki Tanzania

Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Taifa la Usalama Barabarani (T) na Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mh. Pereira Silima,

Mhe. Ummy Mwalimu, Naibu Waziri Katiba na Sheria,

Mhe. Magalula Said Magalula, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Tanga,

Wakuu wa Wilaya ya Tanga,

Kamishna Chadiel Chagonja, anayemwakilisha Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi,

Waheshimiwa Wabunge,

Mhe. Henry Shekiffu Mwenyekiti wa CCM Mkoa,

Ndugu Mohammed Mpinga Katibu Mtendaji wa Baraza la Taifa Usalama Barabarani (T) na Kamanda wa Kikosi cha Usalama Barabarani (T)

Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Usalama Barabarani (M) Tanga,

Wajumbe wa Baraza la Taifa la Usalama Barabarani (T),

Wageni waalikwa,

Wanahabari,

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Asalaam Aleikum, Amani ya Mungu iwe juu yenu.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Nakushukuru sana Mheshimiwa Naibu Waziri, Pereira Silima na viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Usalama Barabarani kwa kunialika kwenye Maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Nenda kwa Usalama Barabarani ambayo mwaka huu yanafanyika kitaifa hapa Mkoani Tanga. Pia nakushukuru Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa, na kupitia kwako nawashukuru wananchi wa Mkoa wa Tanga kwa mapokezi mazuri na ukarimu wenu.  Lakini sishangai kwani hii ndiyo sifa ya watu wa Tanga.  Nawashukuru pia kwa kujitokeza kwenu kwa wingi katika uzinduzi huu wa Wiki ya Nenda kwa Usalama Barabarani.

Ndugu zangu wa Tanga,

Nalipongeza Baraza la Taifa la Usalama Barabarani kwa maandalizi mazuri na kufanikisha maadhimisho haya. Ujumbe mliyouchagua kwa maadhimisho ya mwaka huu yaani ”ENDESHA SALAMA – OKOA MAISHA, TUZINGATIE SHERIA ZA USALAMA BARABARANI” ni muafaka kabisa.  Ni ukweli usiopingika kuwa ajali nyingi za barabarani zinatokea kutokana na uzembe na kupuuza sheria za usalama barabarani.  Takwimu zinaonyesha kuwa asilimia 56 ya ajali za barabarani hapa nchini hutokana na uzembe na ukosefu wa umakini wa madereva. Hivyo, basi kama madereva wataendesha kwa kufuata sheria za usalama barabarani  ajali zinazotokea nchini zitapungua sana. Maana yake, tutaokoa maisha ya watanzania wengi kwa kuwaepusha na vifo na ulemavu.

Gharama za Ajali za Barabarani

Ndugu Wananchi,

Ajali za barabarani zimeendelea kugharimu maisha ya watu wengi, ustawi wa kaya nyingi na uchumi kwa ujumla. Kinachosikitisha ni kuwa sehemu kubwa ya ajali hizi zinaepukika ikiwa sheria za usalama barabarani na tahadhari zingechukuliwa na madereva wa vyombo vya usafiri na watumiaji wa barabara. Wakati mwengine hata ile dhana ya kuwa ‘ajali haina kinga’ inapoteza mantiki. Maana, ajali kwa asili yake ni tukio lisilozuilika na lisilobashirika kama lilivyo janga lingine lolote.

Hali ya Usalama Barabarani

Ndugu wananchi,

Takwimu za ajali za barabarani zinazotolewa na Jeshi la Polisi zinaonyesha kuwa, kwa miaka takribani mitano iliyopita yaani kuanzia mwaka 2010 hadi Desemba 2014, watu 19,264 wamepoteza maisha. Mwaka jana pekee watu 3,534 wamepokeza maisha, idadi ambayo ni karibu sawa na watoto wote (4,008) waliofariki kwa malaria nchini mwaka 2014. Aidha, katika mchanganuo huo, watembea kwa miguu ndio kundi lililoongoza kwa vifo vya ajali ambapo watu 6,013 walifariki dunia wakifuatiwa na abiria ambapo watu 5,708 walipoteza maisha. Watu wengine 3,825 walifariki kwa ajali za pikipiki, wapanda baiskeli 2,148, wasukuma mikokoteni 217 na madereva wa magari 1,383.

     Mbali na wale waliopoteza maisha, kumekuwepo pia na majeruhi 96,788, ambapo majeruhi 19,155 ni watembea kwa miguu, 42,300 abiria wa magari, wapanda pikipiki 21,236, wapanda baiskeli 6,389, madereva 6,938 na wasukuma mikokoteni 770. Kwa vigezo vyovyote vile vya kitakwimu, idadi hii ni kubwa sana na haipaswi kuendelea hivi.

Naambiwa katika kipindi cha miezi sita (6) ya Mwaka huu    (Januari - Juni 2015) pekee yake zimekwisha tokea ajali 4,079 zilizosababisha vifo vya watu 1,747 na kujeruhi watu 4,826.  Ajali za pikipiki pekee ni 1,352 zilizosababisha vifo vya watu 473 na kujeruhi 1,275.  Ni vizuri Watanzania mkasema imetosha.  Hasara kwa taifa ni kubwa mno.

Ndugu Wananchi,

Kama nilivyosema awali, nyingi ya ajali hizi zingeweza kuepukika. Nasema hivyo kwa kuwa stadi zinaonyesha kuwa vyanzo vikubwa vya ajali vifuatavyo ndio vinavyochangia sehemu kubwa ya ajali zinazotokea nchini. Vyanzo hivi ni:

1.                    i.                  Kuendesha kwa mwendo wa kasi kupita kiasi,
2.                 ii.                  Kuyapita magari ya mbele yao bila ya kuchukua tahadhari,
3.              iii.                  Kuendesha magari mabovu barabarani,
4.              iv.                  Kutoheshimu alama na michoro ya barabarani,
5.                 v.                  Kuendesha vyombo vya moto bila kupata mafunzo na bila leseni,
6.              vi.                  Kubeba abiria zaidi ya mmoja kwenye Pikipiki,
7.           vii.                  Kuendesha gari/pikipiki dereva akiwa amekunywa au ametumia kilevi (viroba),
8.        viii.                  Kuzidisha mizigo au abiria kwenye vyombo vya usafiri,

Kwa vile haya hayazingatiwi haishangazi kwa nini ajali ni nyingi na utetezi wa ‘ajali haina kinga’ unapoteza maana.

Wajibu wa Wadau Katika Kudhibiti Ajali

za Barabarani

Ndugu Wananchi,

Kuzuia na kudhibiti ajali za barabarani ni jambo linalotegemea wajibu wa kila mmoja wetu. Serikali, ina wajibu wa  kuhakikisha kuwa kunakuwepo na miundombinu mizuri na sheria za usalama wa barabarani inasimamiwa ipasavyo. Kikosi cha Polisi wa Usalama Barabarani kinapaswa kusimamia utekelezaji wa sheria za usalama barabarani kwa ukamilifu, bila ajizi, uzembe wala rushwa. Wamiliki wa vyombo vya kusafirisha abiria na mizigo wanapaswa kuhakikisha kuwa wakati wote vyombo vyao viko katika hali nzuri ya kusafiri  barabarani.  Lazima viwe  vinakidhi vigezo na viwango vya usalama ili visihatarishe maisha ya watu na mali inayobebwa. Vivyo hivyo, na hasa madereva wanapaswa kutii sheria, kuzingatia alama za barabarani na kutambua dhamana kubwa waliyonayo ya kubeba roho za watu na mali.

Mara nyingi, abiria wanajisahau kuwa na wao wanao wajibu muhimu katika kuzuia ajali za barabarani. Hawana budi kuchukua tahadhari kwa mambo matatu. Kwanza, kutokukubali kupakiwa wengi zaidi ya uwezo wa chombo cha usafiri.  Pili kutokukubali kuendeshwa kwa mwendo wa kasi kupita kiasi.  Na, tatu watoe taarifa kwa askari wa usalama barabarani pale ambapo dereva anaonyesha dalili za kukiuka kwa makusudi sheria na kanuni za usalama barabarani. Wasikubali wala kuwaogopa madereva wanaohatarisha  maisha yao wakati wamelipa nauli. Watu wamekata tiketi kwa lengo la kufikishwa wanapokwenda, kwa usalama na siyo kwenda kuzimu. Mkumbuke kuwa unyonge wenu ni mauti yenu. Ikiwa kila mmoja atatimiza wajibu wake katika mnyororo huu wa wajibu, tutaweza kuepusha ajali nyingi na hivyo, kuokoa maisha ya watu, kuwanusuru watu wasipate vilema na kuokoa mali zisiharibiwe.

Hatua za Kuchukua

Ndugu Wananchi, mabibi na mabwana,

Hatuna budi kubadilika namna tunavyoliangalia suala la usalama barabarani. Tusilichukulie  suala la usalama barabarani kama ni jukumu la Kikosi cha Usalama Barabarani peke yake. Tunapaswa kubadilisha mitazamo yetu na kuliona suala hili kuwa ni letu sote.  Hivyo inatulazimu sote kila mmoja na kwa umoja wetu kuchukua hatua kwa kadri ya uwezo wetu katika kukabiliana na tatizo hili. Kwa ajili hiyo, nataka Baraza la Taifa la Usalama Barabarani kufanya yafuatayo:

1.          i.          Kuelekeza nguvu zetu katika kudhibiti vyanzo vikuu vya ajali na kusababisha vifo, majeruhi na uharibifu wa mali.  Mambo hayo nilishayataja lakini nisisitize mambo matano; ambayo ni mwendo kasi, ulevi, kutovaa kofia ngumu (helmet), kutofunga mkanda, na vifaa vya kuwalinda watoto wadogo wakiwa ndani ya gari (Child Restrain),

1.       ii.          Kuanzisha mfumo wa kuweka alama kwenye leseni za udereva (points system) ili kuwaondoa madereva wanaokithiri kwa kukiuka sheria na kuwafungia kuendesha vyombo vya usafiri wale watakaoonyesha usugu,

1.    iii.          Kupendekeza marekebisho ya  Sheria na Kanuni za usalama barabarani ili ziendane na wakati na kutilia maanani namna ya kudhibiti wimbi la ajali za barabarani. Hii ni pamoja na kufunga kamera katika barabara kuu ili kufuatilia mienendo ya madereva wa masafa marefu barabarani,

1.    iv.          Kikosi cha Usalama Barabarani kiongeze nguvu katika kudhibiti ajali za barabarani. Pamoja na mkazo unaowekwa kwenye kukusanya faini, tufanye hivyo pia kwenye kudhibiti ajali. Tuwachukulie hatua wale askari wachache wanaoendekeza vitendo vya rushwa.  Hali kadhalika uanzishwe mfumo wa ulipaji faini kwa njia ya benki na simu ili kuondoa vishawishi vya rushwa,

1.       v.          Kutoa elimu ya kuhamasisha umma juu ya usalama barabarani kwa watumiaji wa barabara na katika shule zetu za msingi na sekondari,

1.    vi.          Wamiliki wa mabasi na magari ya mizigo washirikishwe katika mkakati wa kudhibiti wimbi la ajali za barabarani, na wasimamiwe kutimiza wajibu wao kwa madereva,

1. Shirika la Viwango Tanzania (TBS) liongeze uwezo wa kukagua mara kwa mara viwango vya matairi, vipuri na mabodi ya mabasi nchini,

1. Wakala wa barabara nchini (TANROADS) ihakikishe kuwa alama za barabarani pamoja na michoro stahiki inakuwepo barabarani wakati wote,

1.     ix.          Mfumo wa ukaguzi wa magari kwa lazima (Mandatory Vehicle Inspection) uanze kutumika.  Isiwe tena hiari ili kuhakikisha usalama wa magari yanayotumika katika barabara zetu. Msiishie tu kuuza stika za ukaguzi wa magari.

1.        x.          Kutoa msukumo maalum kwa shughuli za utafiti wa suala la usalama barabarani ili kupata majawabu ya kisayansi na kimfumo ya namna ya kulipunguza tatizo la ajali za barabarani kutoka kiwango cha sasa. Natambua tayari Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam na Taasisi ya Teknolojia (DIT) wanafanya tafiti hizi, shirikianeni nao kwa ukamilifu.

Hitimisho

Ndugu Wananchi,

Mimi naamini tukiamua na kuchukua hatua zinazostahili kwa uthabiti  tutaweza kupunguza idadi ya ajali za barabarani na kubaki zile tu ambazo kweli ni za bahati mbaya. Tutaokoa maisha ya watu wengi, tutapunguza idadi ya yatima, na kupunguza idadi ya walemavu. Haya yanawezekana kwani iko mifano ya kuwezekana kwenye nchi za wenzetu. Tuwe tayari kujifunza na kuiga kutoka kwao.

Niruhusuni nimalize kwa kusisitiza kuwa kila mmoja wetu dereva, abiria, watembea kwa miguu, wamiliki wa vyombo vya usafiri anapaswa kutimiza wajibu wake kwa kuchukua hatua zinazostahili kuchukuliwa.  Mimi naamini kila mtu akichukua kinga na tahadhari, hakutakuwepo na ajali zitokanazo na uzembe. Zitabaki zile tu zisizoepukika. Lazima tufanye kila lililo ndani ya uwezo wetu kukabiliana na tatizo hili.

Inawezekana, timiza wajibu wako. Sasa natangaza kuwa maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Nenda kwa Usalama Barabarani mwaka 2015 yamefunguliwa rasmi.

Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Mr. Chancellor Jean Paul, Chancellor of the University of New Castle;

Professor Caroline McMillen, Vice Chancellor of the University of New Castle;

Your Lordship Mayor Nuataly Nelmes of the City of New Castle;

Members of the Governing Council of the University of New Castle;

Members of Academic Staff;

University Students and Alumnae;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Introduction

Honestly, I am short of words good enough to express my delight and gratitude for being here today and more importantly for being awarded the Degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa of this prestigious and world renown University. I must admit when I received your letter informing me of the decision made by this University, I was pleasantly surprised albeit grateful.

Ladies and Gentlemen;   

 It is with a great sense of humility and reverence that I accept this award. I do so on my behalf and on behalf of the broad masses of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. Through me, this great University has recognized our collective efforts to transform our country and improve the quality of our lives from underdevelopment to prosperity.  This award gives our people a sense of satisfaction and optimism that their sweat and toil is being noticed and appreciated.

Appreciation to the University of New Castle

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I feel greatly honoured and privileged to be associated with this great University. Fortunately, numbers speak for themselves. The University of New Castle is a leader among Australian Universities that are under 50 years old. It ranks 7^th among the top 10 research-intensive universities in Australia. I am told, also, that this University is among the 100 top most international universities and one of the top 300 universities in the world. It is no wonder that about 7,000 students from over 100 countries chose this University for their studies.

In the citation some of the things we were able to do and achieve during my term of office were ably mentioned. I can’t agree with you more and, I thank you for saying it. Indeed, we have delivered on our promise on many things we said and planned to do. In some instances we exceeded what we had undertaken to do. As a matter of fact, some of what we achieved surprises many people including myself. The question how we were able to do so much always pops up. However, there are also few promises and plans we could not fulfill fully or not at all. This is mainly because we were not able to get the requisite financial resources either from own sources or our development partners.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          Allow me to tell a bit of my story. When I was contemplating to present my name again, to my party, Chama cha Mapinduzi, for nomination to be its Presidential candidate for the 2005 elections, I spent quite a bit of my time conceiving ideas about my agenda. I zeroed in on four sets of things. First, there was the issue of ensuring that Tanzania and the Tanzanian people remain united as one nation and one people who love each other and live together in harmony, solidarity and cooperation despite their diversities.

          As you know, Tanzania is a new nation created in 1964 with the union between the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and the Republic of Tanganyika. There are issues concerning the Union which needed to be resolved if the union was to endure. There are 120 tribes and as many vernaculars and cultures. People of all races, religious denomination and political affiliation live in Tanzania. 

Holding together a country with such diversity is a challenge of its own kind. How to make people celebrate their differences but remain Tanzanians live and relate to each other as brothers and sisters and fellow countrymen and women? And, how to resolve teething problems of the Union to the satisfaction of many are no small feats at all. I say so because we are not short of political demagogues, tribalists, religious fanatics, and sectarians of various persuasions, who would rather exploit these differences to advance their personal fortunes or sectarian agenda instead of the broad national agenda. With such reality, keeping the country and its people united itself is a matter that deserves special attention.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          I realize that there wasn’t a “one plus one is equal to two” answer. It depended more upon the type of challenge and the political skills and wisdom of the national leaders and the other socio-political actors. It is about how they responded to the challenges concerned. My experience has shown that never underrate the power of dialogue. It has proven to be a very useful level of resolving differences.  

          I can proudly say that Tanzania has been lucky to have had a visionary founding father of exceptional qualities and statue, in the name of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, our first President and the father of the Tanzanian nation. He together with the first President of Zanzibar Sheikh Abeid Aman Karume laid strong foundations for the unity of our country and its people.

Fortunately, also the successive generations of leaders who came after them steadfastly followed in their footsteps.  Let me acknowledge my two predecessors His Excellency Alhaj Ally Hassan Mwinyi our second President and His Excellency Benjamin William Mkapa the third President. Like him I followed his footsteps and those of others before him. In the same vein, I would like to acknowledge the six Presidents of Zanzibar who followed after the late Sheikh Abeid Karume. These are their Excellencies: Aboud Jumbe, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Abdul Wakil, Salmin Amour, Amani Karume and Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein the current President. These are the leaders who have defined the Tanzania of yesterday and today which is united, peaceful and stable.

Sincerely, I hope that the new leadership to be installed after the October, 2015 elections will uphold the vision and cardinal principles which have helped us to manage the diversities and keep our nation and its diverse people what it is today. If they do that our country and people will remain united. Peace and stability will continue to reign. If they do otherwise I cannot imagine its consequence. I could see a dangerous fall out unless they have other better ways and means to keep our nations together, which ones I can’t guess.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          The second, item on my agenda was with regard to the economy. I promised to put in place policies and measures that will sustain the economic reform agenda and continue to promote inclusive socio-economic growth and development.  Ultimately the overarching objective is “better life for every Tanzanian”.  Today, ten years later I can look back with pride at what we have been able to achieve. Let me hasten to say that the objective has not yet been attained fully although considerable excellent progress has been made. Moreover, better life for everybody is a lifelong ambition and not a one event. The sustained pursuit of sound economic policies is what will ultimately deliver on that noble goal. So far so good.  

The Tanzanian economy is on a sound footing with strong macro economic performance. Over the past decade average economic growth rate has been around 7 percent. The GDP has trebled from USD 14.4 billion in 2005 to USD 49.2 billion in 2014. Per capital GDP has also trebled from USD 375 to USD 1,066 during the same period of time. Although still very low by Australian or global standards, to my country it means a lot.

          According to World Bank categorization a middle income country starts at a GDP per capita of USD 1,096.  It means therefore that we are only USD 30 away to graduate from a Least Developed Country to a Middle Income Country. We are so excited about getting so close. We are determined to get there, hopefully, next year. We can’t wait to witness that day. It has eluded us for far too long.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          During this same period we registered a 6 percent reduction in poverty from 34 percent to 28 percent between 2005 and 2012. Indeed, progress has been made but it is not good enough. There are still too many people who live below the poverty line. It means therefore, that a bigger push is needed in the coming years.

We took interest in getting to know why there is a slow pace in poverty reduction in our country. There are may be number of factors but we discovered the most significant one was the slow growth in the   agricultural sector. Average growth has been 4.3 percent in the last decade. As a matter of fact the high GDP growth rates are a function of other sectors. With 75 percent of our people living in rural areas and depending on agriculture for their livelihood, it speaks louder about why there is still so much poverty.

Cognizant of this reality we decided to make robust interventions to transform and modernize our agriculture which remains predominantly traditional. A diagnostic study was done and the constraints to growth of the sector were identified and so were the remedial measures to be taken. A number of initiatives were put in place the major ones being the Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP), Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First Initiative), the Southern Agricultural Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) and the Livestock Sector Modernization Initiative.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          Evidence is beginning to emerge, signifying the fact that something positive is happening. For example, on food production, in 2005 we were   at 95 percent food self sufficiency while last year we were at 125 percent. Because of the increased production of rice and maize we are called upon to address problems of markets, prices and storage. Plans to address these challenges are well underway.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          The third item on my agenda was governance.  I undertook to see to it that Tanzania is governed well. There is democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, separation of powers and the fight against corruption and other vices in society is unrelenting.  Indeed, democracy has taken root and Tanzania is a vibrant democracy where freedom of speech and association is observed. We now have 22 registered political parties which are free to organize and do their political work without encumbrance unless their leaders and members do things that violate the laws of the land. There are regular elections and transfer of power is smooth and the Constitution is respected.

          Basic individual freedoms such as freedom of expression and the media are   being respected. Tanzanians are free to express themselves and the media is free. Some say it is too free to a fault. There are 16 daily newspapers while only 2 are government owned. There are 115 radio stations of which only one is state owned. Similarly the government owns one television station out of 29 stations in the country.  It is important to mention here that there is no censorship of news but the government has always reserved the right to sanction any media outlet that contravenes law of the lands including the media law and regulations.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          We have taken the fight against corruption and abuse of office seriously, since coming into office. In 2007 we enacted a new anti corruption law which is much more robust and stronger than past laws. We have created a strong institution to lead the fight. So far a lot has been done to build and strengthen the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau in terms of budget and human resources. It is paying desired dividends. More incidents of corruption are deported and investigated. More perpetrators are being apprehended and taken to court, convicted and punished. A lot of public funds have been saved. These achievements notwithstanding, corruption remains a serious problem in both the public service and the private sector. The fight against this scourge continues and must continue.

          With regard to separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary I would like to mention three things. One, that the lines are clearly defined and known to everyone. Fortunately, they are being observed there isn’t anything serious to talk about relating to violations or interference. Wherever there would arise a misunderstanding dialogue would be invoked to help iron out such differences. As a result relations between the three organs of the state are smooth and cooperation is good.

There is rule of law in the country and nobody is above the law. The Judiciary is free to administer justice and so is Parliament with regard to enacting laws and oversight of government. Our National Assembly has been famous in performing its functions well.  It is a no nonsense Parliament which has always kept Government officials accountable and responsible. A number of ministers and senior government officials have had to account and take responsibility for mistakes which through Parliaments oversight were uncovered.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          We in government are tasked to provide budgetary resources to Parliament and the Judiciary to enable these organs to perform their functions smoothly. It is in this regard we decided to implement the age old Constitutional requirement of establishing a Parliamentary Fund and a Judicial Fund. The two funds have been established giving the Parliament and the Judiciary greater autonomy and ease of doing their things. I acknowledge the fact that there is need to ensure better budgetary allocation of financial resources and regular disbursement. We have undertaken to make due corrections.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          As far as access to basic social and economic services is concerned, visible progress has been made over the last decade. More and more Tanzanians have access to health care, clean water, sanitation, education, electricity and transport related services. Expansion in healthcare both preventive and creative has resulted in life expectancy of Tanzanians increasing from 49 years to 62 years. People who have access to clean water have increased from 73 percent in 2005 to 86 percent in 2015 in urban areas and 53 percent in 2005 to 67.6 percent in 2015 in rural areas. We need to do more particularly in rural areas. Access to electricity has increased from 10 percent to 40 percent.

          With regard to transport related services improvement in services at the port of Dar es Salaam for example has lead to cargo handling to increase from 6.7 million tons in 2005 to 14.4 million tons in 2014. Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievement has been in the road infrastructure, where the network has been expanded reaching many areas of benefitting more people in the country.

The network of paved roads has been expanded than any other time in the history of our country.  As a result many problems of the near past are no longer there. People  can now get to any place in Tanzania from Dar es Salaam our commercial capital, on the same day.  Before that, some places took two to three days to reach. Many rural roads are passable throughout the year. This has made life easy for our people and it has also been a major catalyst in promoting growth in the country.  There are success stories in aviation and maritime transport. Unfortunately, this is not the case with railways. Our two railway systems have been plagued with serious problems. Plans to make comprehensive interventions to rehabilitate and modernize our railway are well underway.

We have been able to achieve so much because we have taken seriously the strengthening of government revenue collection there has been phenomenon increase. We have been reducing donor dependence from 42 percent in 2005 to 15 percent last year and 8 percent this year. We have also improved financial discipline by strengthening Controller and Auditor General office.

Education

Education as a Tool for Empowerment and

Poverty Eradication

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          As we all know, education is a cross cutting catalyst for achieving other development goals. There is a causal relationship between ignorance and poverty. According to the Education For All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report, if all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty, which is equivalent to a 12 percent cut in global poverty. It goes further to attest that, “globally, one year of school increases earnings by 10 percent on average”. And that, one-year increase in the average educational attainment of a country’s population increases annual per capita GDP growth between 2 percent to 2.5 percent.

Interventions in the Education Sector

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          When I assumed leadership of our country in 2005, I decided to put education at the top of my agenda.  Among the things we did was to ensure that we allocated more budgetary resources to education than any other sector. As a result the education budget increased from 669.5 Billion Tanzania shillings (318.8 million USD) in 2005 to 3.4 trillion Tanzania shillings (1.62 billion USD) in 2015. It has always ranged between 19 – 20 percent of the government budget.

We also embarked on a major expansion in primary, secondary and tertiary education. We did the same with vocational training. We decided to do that because there were still many children who were yet to be enrolled in primary school. Also that only 6 percent of the students who finished primary school were able to go to secondary school because of limited access. Moreover, we wanted to catch up with Kenya and Uganda who had more students than us at all levels. Tanzania being the largest country in East Africa both in size and population had the least primary, secondary and tertiary education enrollment than these two fellow states of the East African Community. This was not acceptable because it made our people less competitive.

We decided to correct these imbalances. Ten years later the story is totally different. A lot has been achieved. The number of students in primary school has increased from 7.54 million in 2005 to 8.23 million in 2014. The enrolment rate has reached 98 percent. Secondary schools have increased from 1,745 in 2005 to 4,576 in 2014 (nearly an increase of 3,000 schools) and enrolment of students increased from 524,325 to 1,804,056 during the same period.

With regard, to higher education the student population has increased from 40,719 in 2005 to 218,956 in 2015 as a result of the increase in universities from 26 to 52. The sharp increase in private universities was encouraged, in part, by my decision to extend student loans to students studying in private universities as well.   

Promoting Quality of Education

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The huge and rapid expansion in construction of secondary schools and students enrolment brought with it challenges of quality of the education being provided. This was in relation to availability of teachers, text books, science laboratories and teaching materials. We expanded the training of teachers. As a result we have been able to meet the demand for teachers for social science subjects but still have a big shortage of natural science and mathematics teachers. Plans are now under way to take robust measures to solve this problem as well.

In the past 10 years, we have been able also to reduce the shortage of text books in secondary schools from 1:5 in 2010 to 1:2 in year 2014. Our target is to reach 1:1 ratio in 2016, which I believe is doable. The shortage of sciences laboratories will likely to be history at the end of this year. As a result of these developments the pass rates have been on a steady increase. The objective is being met.

Gender Parity in Education

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          We have recorded important strides in bridging the gender gap in education. We have attained gender parity in primary and secondary schools. As a matter of fact there are slightly more girls than boys in primary school. The number of girls in universities has increased from 24.6 percent in 2005 to 35.9 percent in 2015.

To have many girls in schools is a very important factor in our country’s development because there is a nexus between women education and development. The 2013 EFA Global Monitoring Report suggests that women with more education tend to have fewer children. It goes further that, the number of girls getting married by the age of 15 years would fall by 14 percent with primary education, and 66 percent fewer girls would get married if provided with secondary education. In addition, if all women completed primary education in Sub Saharan Africa alone, there would be a 70 percent reduction in maternal deaths thus saving 113,400 women’s lives. Also, it would reduce stunting by 4 percent (1.7 million children), and 26 percent (11.9 million children) if they completed secondary education.

International Collaboration and Partnership in Education

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          The gains we have attained in education and other sectors could not be easily achieved without the support and partnership with our many friends and well-wishers. The government of Australia has been one such partner who has been supportive of our several development programs. In education, for example, between 2007 and 2015 alone, 330 Tanzanian students have benefitted from the scholarships offered by the Australian government to study in Australia. I am told the Newcastle University alone has received and trained about 48 Tanzanians students in various programmes. Three of these students are currently doing their doctorate degrees. We are sincerely grateful and plead for continued support.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          There is need, also, to promote cooperation and collaboration between Australian universities and universities in Africa. This will help our universities build more capacities in teaching, research and development. I am told this great university maintains collaboration with universities in Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Malaysia. Also, plans are underway to extend it to China and South Africa. 

My I use this opportunity to make a humble appeal, to this esteemed University to consider collaborating with universities in Tanzania and other countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.  Such cooperation will make a huge difference in the capacities of our university to deliver quality education and assist in the development of our country through research outcomes.   

Tanzania in the Foreign Relations

Ladies and Gentlemen;

          In the last decade, Tanzania registered tremendous successes in the diplomatic front at the regional and global setting. We are friends with all nations on the world. There is no country we consider to be an enemy or hostile to Tanzania. We have good relations with all International Financial Institutions which have remained critical supporters of our development endeavours. We have been proactive and responsible members of the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, The Indian Ocean Rim, the Africa Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

The two regional economic communities of the EAC and SADC have proven to be very beneficial to Tanzania.  Trade has been on the increase as much as investments which have in many ways contributed to Tanzania’s economic progress I have talked about earlier. Under the auspices of these communities and the African Union and UN we have had the opportunity to contribute to resolving conflicts in our neighborhood and the region. We are proud to have been useful. It is during this time that Tanzania has been quite active in contributing to peace keeping missions of the UN or AU like in Darfur, Lebanon and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

All in all, I am deeply satisfied that I leave office at a time when we placed Tanzania’s diplomacy high on the world stage. This success amazes many including me because we are not an economic power nor are we a military power. Someone once said; “Tanzania is beating above its weight”. I tend to concur with him.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Once again I thank you Vice Chancellor for the honour you have bestowed upon me and the people of Tanzania. I also thank you for the opportunity to address this august convocation. I shall always cherish this moment for it has left an indelible mark in my mind and personal life history. I am indeed proud to join the alumni family of this prestigious university.   When opportunity present and time permit, in not too distant a future, I look forward to visiting with you again to possibly share my experiences with the fellow members of the esteemed Newcastle University community.

With these many words, I humbly wish to thank you all for your kind attention.

Mr. Job Masima, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence and National     Service;

General Davis Mwamunyange, Chief of Defence Forces;

Lt. Gen. Said Ndomba, Chief of Staff;

Major General Gaudence Milanzi, Commandant National Defence College;

Generals, Officers and Men Serving and Retired;

Your Excellencies High Commissioners and Ambassadors,

Members of the Faculty;

Course Participants;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank you Commandant, for inviting me on this auspicious day to grace this third convocation of the National Defence Collage (NDC). It’s always a pleasure for me to visit this college for it rekindles nostalgic memories of my past life as one of the directing staff of the Tanzania Military Academy. I must confess working and teaching at the TMA has been one of memorable experiences in life. Professionally, I am not a teacher but I came to like and enjoy the teaching job. That is why I had promised to spend part of my time during retirement to speak at this College. I hope sharing my knowledge and experience at this important institution of higher learning on security and strategic studies may be useful. I remember the promise and will try to keep it. Let me apologies for not being able to come and speak this year like I did last year. It was due to exigencies of office. Such problems will not be there after the elections in October, 2015.

Achievements of the NDC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I must admit that I am deeply impressed with positive developments taking place at this College. This is with regard to the institutional setup, academic programs and the infrastructure. The NDC started in 2012 with 20 students all of whom were Tanzanians. In 2013 there were 30 students graduated. In this academic year, there were 21 Tanzanians and 9 from friendly nations. This makes the number of students who have graduated from the College to be 80. This is no small achievement at all for so short a time. It makes us look to the future of this institution of higher learning with hope and great expectations.  

There are two other milestone achievements of the National Defence College. The first one is the recognition by National Accreditation Council for Technical Education (NACTE). And, the second is the securing of a ‘Grant of Autonomy’ from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.  The College is now an independent institution of higher learning. It offers a Masters Degree Course in Security and Strategic Studies and a Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies These are very important development indeed.

The Importance of the NDC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 We undertook to establish the National Defence College because we did not have one while having such College is an important matter for a country. When we did not have this College we used to send our people abroad to similar Colleges. But, this had limitations with regard to how many we can send. Very few attended because we are not offered many places but also it was too expensive to afford to send many.  

By design a National Defence College is a premier and strategic defence and security training institution. It is meant to be that way and it was established with that understanding in mind. Defending and securing a nation and national interests are cross-cutting matters. They concern and involve everybody in all walks of life.  Politicians, business people, policy makers, government officials, officers and men serving in defence and security institutions, as well as the common men and women  in towns and rural areas. Everyone has an important role to play in his own right and at his place of work or abode.

There is a nexus between security, development and stability. Without it, one or all will faulter.  For sure, this is a complex and complicated matter. It requires proper understanding of these complexities and devising pertinent   ways and means of building the requisite inter-relationships and availing the requisite means to ensure smooth implementation of the objective of keeping the nation secure.

It is the task of the National Defence College to delineate the body of national interests, identify the actors, define and determine ways of making each play his or her part accordingly, but in an integrated and coordinated manner. It is right here where this is done and students are imparted with knowledge and expertise about it so that when they go back to their places of work they become better team players. They will no longer thinking inside their cocoons or in silos but work like a fully functioning wheel with all its components parts.

The NDC Must be a Think Tank

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This National Defence College has to meet these objectives if it have any relevance. The NDC must be a think tank of first resort for advise on matters of defence and security. For it to realize its mission and live up to its expectations, it must be able to attract high calibre academic staff as well as practitioners in its faculty and programs. It must embrace knowledge and expertise from all works of life. As such, it must seek knowledge beyond the realm of public life. I have in mind the private sector, civil society, faith based institutions and media. I say so knowing that, these players have increasingly become part of public space, and they are becoming part and parcel of public policy and, by implication, an integral part of national security. I am glad you are doing precisely this.

We must embrace these people. They are part and parcel of national dispensation and national security and development strategy. They have many useful things to offer, and to learn from them. It is important that these stakeholders become aware of the linkages between their individual and independent actions, and the implications of those actions in the broader sense of national security and wellbeing. Only when we bring them closer and engage them on issues of mutual and national interest, can we together achieve strategic partnership that will augur well and complement our efforts to achieve national security, development and stability. 

The Future of NDC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The relevancy of this institution lies beyond the excellence of its programs and academic staff. It depends much on the quality of the ideas generated and disseminated. In this case, this institution must invest in research and publication. It is high quality research which will make this institution to deliver on its expectation and earn the recognition and reputation it deserves. You must make sure that the research being done is relevant to the vision and mission of the College and adds value by addressing the defence and security challenges that our country, the African Continent and the World we live in is facing. If the concerns of the friendly countries that bring their students to this institution can also be covered it would make this institution rise above board. In this way, this NDC will earn credibility beyond our borders. 

It is incumbent upon this National Defence Collage to take the necessary measures to build a strong research and development department of its own. Also establish good working relations with relevant local and international research and academic institutions. You should continue to invite quest speakers and lectures from Tanzania and abroad to share their knowledge and experiences. Such collaboration will help this young College to broaden its horizon of knowledge and competences. That is why I welcome the three initiatives of launching public lectures, organizing symposiums and joint seminars in the coming courses. Also, on embarking on publication of the works of this College. In the same vein, I commend your decision of designing and hosting leaders’ capstone sensitization package for senior Government leaders. This is the right thing to do. As a matter of fact it is what is expected of think tanks like the NDC.

Counsel to Graduates

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me also say a few words to the graduands, who have been colourfully awarded – the prestigious symbol ‘ndc’ and an academic award.  First of all congratulations on successfully completing your course. It’s a momentous achievement for you personally and for the institution which brought you here. We expect you to be good ambassadors of this college by doing things differently but better on return to your respective places. The leadership, national security and decision making basics you have learnt and earned here should be put to play and distinguish you from those who have been to this college.

This College has produced alumnae of 80 in the three years of its existence. I am told most of them have ably demonstrated their enhanced capabilities. I hope you will not be different and, probably be better than your predecessors. Don’t let down this esteemed National Defence College of Tanzania.

Appreciation to Participating Countries

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased with the fact that the friendly governments of Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe have continued to send students to study at this Institution. I am told that all these countries will do the same in the coming 2015/2016 academic year. We whole heartedly welcome them.

I see Ambassadors from some of these countries present here with us today. Please kindly convey my heartfelt appreciation for your trust, cooperation and support to our NDC. This is your institution, make good use of it. I am also gratified to learn that for the first time the college will admit one participant from Peoples Republic of China for the next course. It is a good start keep stretching your outreach.

The Government Commitment

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to assure this convocation and members of the academic staff that the government will continue to render all needed support to the NDC. You remember my promise that we will continue to build this college. I hope you know that the construction of the second phase is ready to start. We thank our Chinese friends for continuous support. They supported the first and now the second phase. I can’t thank you enough. We shall honour in earnest your request to solve all governance and administrative issues to facilitate the college’s autonomy including the appointment of the Governing Board.

As you are aware, I am ending my tenure of office after the elections in October, 2015. I will be leaving amply satisfied that I have left behind a well functioning National Defence College. I personally, take pride in your achievements and good work. If there is anything more you think I can do to make you fulfil your mission better within my remaining days please do not hesitate to let me know. Otherwise, I look forward, to coming here to learn and share my experience with the faculty and students of this premier National Defence of Tanzania.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank you once again for the invitation to grace this third convocation of the National Defence Collage. It’s a honour I will always cherish. Once more I congratulate the graduands and wish them every success and many happy returns from your hard work and dedication. It is now my singular honour and pleasure to declare this Third Graduation Ceremony of the National Defence College of Tanzania successfully concluded.

I thank you all for listening.

Mhe. Dkt. Titus Mlengeya Kamani (Mb), Waziri wa Maendeleo ya Mifugo na Uvuvi,

Dr. Kaush, VIP International Conservation Conversion Foundation, 

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi,

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa,

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Maendeleo ya Mifugo na Uvuvi,

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi na Wakuu wa Mashirika ya Kimataifa,

Wadau wa Mifugo,

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa,

Mabibi na Mabwana.

          Nakushukuru Mheshimiwa Titus Kamani, Waziri wa Mifugo na Uvuvi kwa kunialika kuzindua Mpango wa Modenaizesheni ya Sekta ya Mifugo ujulikanao kama ‘Tanzania Livestock Modernization Initiative’. Nakupongeza sana wewe na wataalamu katika Wizara yako na wadau wote walioshiriki katika kutayarisha na kufanikisha Mpango huu tunaouzindua leo. Nawashukuru pia wadau wa ndani na nje  waliohudhuria uzinduzi huu. Uwepo wao unatupa uhakika juu ya utayari wao wa kushirikiana nasi katika utekelezaji wa  mpango huu.

Hali ya Sekta ya Mifugo Nchini

Mabibi na Mabwana,

          Tanzania ina utajiri mkubwa wa mifugo barani Afrika. Tanzania ni nchi ya tatu kwa utajiri wa mifugo ikizifuatia nchi za Sudan na Ethiopia. Takwimu za mwaka 2014 zinaonyesha kuwa, Tanzania ina mifugo milioni 25. 8 ambapo, asilimia 97 ya mifugo yote hiyo ni mifugo ya asili. Pamoja na wingi huo, sekta ya mifugo ilichangia asilimia 4.4 ya pato la taifa mwaka 2013 ikiwa na kasi ya ukuaji wa asilimia 3.8 tu. Aidha asilimia 37 ya Watanzania wanategemea sekta hii kama shughuli yao kuu ya kiuchumi.

          Utajiri huu wa mifugo haujaweza kujitafsiri vizuri katika kuinua hali ya maisha ya wafugaji wetu. Kwa sababu hiyo inaifanya shughuli ya ufugaji kuonekana kuwa ni ya kimasikini inayofanywa na masikini. Nilisema wakati wa kampeni na wakati wa kuzindua Bunge la Tisa Desemba 30, 2005 kuwa, hali hii haikubaliki, na kwamba hatutaiacha iendelee hivyo. Nikaelezea dhamira yangu ya kuona kuwa tunaondokana na ufugaji ulio nyuma na duni na kuelekea katika ufugaji wa kisasa wenye tija na kumuongezea mfugaji mapato na hali nzuri ya maisha ya wafugaji. Nikasema, lazima tuupitie upya mnyororo wa thamani wa sekta ya mifugo, tuboreshe mifugo  yetu, tuwe na malisho ya uhakika, huduma bora za ugani ziwepo, huduma ya kinga na tiba ipatikane, utafiti uendelezwe na masoko ya uhakika yapatikane, kwa mazao na bidhaa za mifugo.  Lengo ni kuongeza mazao, thamani  yake na mapato ya wafugaji.

          Kwa sababu hiyo, mwaka 2010 tukaanzisha Programu ya Kuendeleza Sekta ya Mifugo (LSDP)   ambayo ililenga kutoa msukumo mkubwa kwa maendeleo ya sekta ya mifugo. Nilifanya hivyo, baada ya kubaini kuwa Sekta ya mifugo haikuwa ikipewa uzito na kipaumbele stahiki ilipokuwa chini ya Programu ya Kuendeleza Sekta ya Kilimo (ASDP).  Pamoja na uamuzi huo, niliunda pia Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi kusimamia uendelezaji wa sekta hii.

Mafanikio ya Miaka 10 ya Sekta ya Mifugo

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Matunda ya utekelezaji wa Program ya Kuendeleza Mifugo yameanza kuonekana. Tumewekeza katika miundombinu ya ufugaji kwa kujenga malambo 1,008, majosho 2,364 na maabara za kisasa  za mifugo 104 nchi nzima. Tumechimba visima virefu 101, malambo 370 na kukarabati majosho 499. Sasa tunayo majosho 3,637 ikilinganishwa na majosho 2,177 mwaka 2005. Kwa upande wa kuongeza utaalam na ubora wa mifugo, tumechukua hatua ya kuongeza maafisa ugani kutoka 2,270 mwaka 2005 had 6,041 mwaka 2015 na kuongeza vituo vya uhamilishaji kutoka kimoja mwaka 2005 hadi 8 mwaka 2015  na kuwezesha ng’ombe 955,360 kuhamilishwa katika kipindi cha miaka 10.

Matokeo makubwa yamepatikana pia katika ushirikishaji wa sekta binafsi katika kuwekeza kwenye sekta ya mifugo. Awali shughuli hizi za kuendeleza sekta hizi zilichukuliwa kama shughuli za serikali peke yake. Kutokana na uwekezaji wa sekta binafsi, katika kipindi cha miaka 10 tumeweza kuongeza viwanda vya kusindika maziwa kutoka 22 mwaka 2005 hadi 74 mwaka 2015. Viwanda vya kuzalisha vyakula vya mifugo vimeongezeka kutoka 6 mwaka 2005 hadi 80 mwaka 2015 vikiwa na uwezo wa kusindika tani milioni  1.4 kwa mwaka. Uzalishaji wa malisho ya mifugo (hei) umefikia marobota 957,860 kutoka 178,100 mwaka 2005. Viwanda na machinjio ya kisasa mapya 9 yamejengwa katika kipindi hiki. Na usindikaji wa ngozi umeongezeka kutoka vipande 790,000 mwaka 2005 hadi vipande milioni 3.78 mwaka 2014.

Mpango wa Modenaizesheni ya Mifugo

          Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mafanikio tuliyoyapata yanatia moyo na kutufungulia njia ya kuelekea kwenye ufugaji wa kisasa. Uzinduzi wa Modenaizesheni ya Sekta ya Mifugo Tanzania leo ni ushahidi wa kutosha wa amza yetu ya kujenga juu ya mafanikio tuliyoyapata katika kuweka mazingira ya sekta ya mifugo kukua na kuendeleza miundo mbinu ya kuwezesha ukuaji wa kasi na kisasa wa mifugo nchini. Tunatumia msingi huo sasa kumuendeleza mfugaji, ambaye kuendelea kwake ndio ufunguo wa kuendeleza ubora wa mifugo yenyewe.

Nimefurahi kuwa katika warsha ya siku tano (5) iliyofanyika ya kuandaa Modenaizesheni ya Sekta ya Mifugo, mlijadili vikwazo vinavyozuia maendeleo ya sekta ya mifugo.   Mambo yanayosababisha tija na kuwa uzalishaji mdogo yametambuliwa na mapendekezo ya kuyapatia ufumbuzi yametolewa. Uwezo mdogo wa koosafu za mifugo ya asili (Low genetic potential) na ufugaji wa kienyeji ni miongoni mwa mambo yaliyojadiliwa na washiriki kwa njia ya kisasa na kisayansi. Mmefanya vizuri sana kushirikisha wataalamu wa kutoka ndani na nje ya nchi, taasisi za elimu na wadau wengine wenye uzoefu mbalimbali kuhusu mifugo na ufugaji. Nimefurahi sana kuona kuwa wawakilishi wa wafugaji wameshiriki katika warsha hiyo, kwani hawa hasa ndiyo walengwa wa kwanza wa program hii na yote tuyafanyayo kuhusu ufugaji.

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Uboreshaji huu umelenga kuendeleza mifumo ya ufugaji, malisho ya mifugo na uzalishaji wa mifugo; pia  kuboresha kosafu na mbari za mifugo yetu na kuongeza thamani ya mazao ya mifugo, kupitia usindikaji wa ngozi, nyama na maziwa na ufungashaji na usafirishaji wa bidhaa za mifugo na masoko. Kuendeleza shughuli ya utafiti, mafunzo, huduma za ugani; na zile za kinga na tiba ya mifugo. Miongoni mwa makusudio ya msingi ni kuboresha koosafu za mifugo yetu ya asili ili kupunguza muda wa kubadilika na kuweza kutoa nyama nyingi, maziwa mengi na ngozi bora zaidi.  Hii itawezekana kwa kutumia teknolojia za kisasa za uhamilishaji na uhawilishaji kiinitete (Embryo transfer), ambazo zinapendekezwa kutumika pamoja na kuongeza lishe ya mifugo.

Kazi iliyo mbele yetu ni kutekeleza program hii ili itupeleke katika mapinduzi ya sekta ya mifugo. Serikali iko tayari kwa utekelezaji wa program hii maana itachangia sana katika utekelezaji wa awamu ya pili ya Mpango wa Taifa wa Maendeleo wa miaka 5 (2016-2020) utakaojikita katika maendeleo ya viwanda. Ukuaji wa viwanda vya usindikaji wa bidhaa za mifugo na ngozi utategemea sana ubora na tija ya mifugo yenyewe. Kwa sababu hiyo, tutaendelea kuendeleza sekta hii kupitia Programu ya Kuendeleza Sekta ya Mifugo na kwa kuendelea kuchochea ushiriki wa sekta binafsi. Tunaomba wadau wetu walioshiriki kuandaa mpango huu, nao kutimiza sehemu ya wajibu wao.

Shukrani kwa Wadau

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Kwa namna ya kipekee nawashukuru Balozi wa Denmark na Taasisi ya Kimataifa ya Utafiti wa Mifugo (International Livestock Research Institute) kwa kugharamia warsha hiyo na uzinduzi huu. Aidha, nawashukuru vyuo vikuu vilivyohusika katika maandalizi, na taasisi ya kimataifa ya “International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) na jamii ya wafanyabiashara kwa kuchangia kuitengeneza program hii. Nawashukuru wabia wetu wa maendeleo mbalimbali, taasisi za fedha zikiwemo Benki ya Dunia kwa kuonesha nia ya kusaidia utekelezaji wa Program ya kuboresha ya Sekta ya Mifugo Tanzania.

Hitimisho

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Mimi naamini tunaweza kufanya vizuri zaidi huko mbele tukitekeleza vizuri mipango na program hii. Mimi naamini siku si nyingi sana, mfugaji na shughuli ya ufugaji itakuwa yenye thamani kubwa na kuheshimika sana hapa nchini. Mimi naamini inawezekana kabisa nasi kuondokana na ufugaji wa kuhama hama  na kuingia  katika ufugaji wa ranchi za kisasa kama walivyondokana nao wenzetu wengine duniani hasa wa Ulaya na Marekani. Ni ndoto yangu kuona nchi yetu ina wafugaji walionawiri na ng’ombe walionona na sio kama ilivyo sasa ambapo mfugaji amekonda na ng’ombe amekonda. Mpango huu wa Modenaizesheni ninaouzindua leo, ndio barabara ya uhakika ya kutufikisha huko.

Ndugu zangu wafugaji, nafurahi kuwa naondoka nikiwa nimeiacha sekta ya mifugo katika mwelekeo mzuri.

Baada ya kusema maneno hayo, kwa furaha napenda sasa kutamka rasmi kuwa “Modenaizesheni ya Sekta ya Mifugo Tanzania” imezinduliwa.

ASANTE KWA KUNISIKILIZA