Tovuti Rasmi ya Rais

Your Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda;

Your Excellency Madam Janet Kagame, First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda;

Honourable Ministers;

Excellencies Members of Diplomatic Corps;

Distinguished Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            Allow me, Your Excellency, to say, on behalf of my delegation, how greatly honoured we are to be here tonight amidst our brothers and sisters of this great country. May I take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, for inviting me to visit your beautiful country.

            I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my delegation, my wife and myself, to thank Your Excellency and Madam Janet Kagame, the Government and People of the Republic of Rwanda for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to us since our arrival this morning.

            In a very special way, I wish to thank Your Excellency for your kind words about me and my country. I take the compliments as a challenge and expression of high esteem we hold one another. I will endeavour to live up to the expectations.

Your Excellency,

            Words are not enough to express sufficiently the great honour and satisfaction to be among you, brothers and sisters. This is because Rwanda is a country, which the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, hold in high esteem. We admire its beauty, its cultural history and, above all, the warmth of its people.

            I personally admire the determination and commitment of the leadership and people of this country to succeed and transform their country against all odds. Many people know very well that a few years ago, Rwanda was emerging from genocide that had claimed lives of more than 800,000 innocent people and destroyed the country’s economy and its infrastructure. From the ashes of genocide, Rwanda has today emerged as a different and progressive society. The country has made tremendous and remarkable advances economically, politically and socially. It is one of the world’s fastest growing economies in the world. Many reports have confirmed that Rwanda is one of the best place to start business in Africa and one of Africa’s leaders in ICT.

Your Excellency;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

            Profound changes that have taken place in Rwanda over the last two decades have led to significant transformation in the lives of millions of people in townships and many remote villages, where there is now clean water, electricity, medical clinics, quality education, telecommunication and, above all, abundance of socio-economic opportunities.  As a result of these positive changes the entire East African region has benefited. For instance, currently over 70% of Rwanda’s import and export goods are transported through the Dar es Salaam Port.  In this respect, allow me  to thank Your Excellency, and through you, the Rwandese business community for continued confidence in Tanzania in general and the Dar es Salaam Port in particular.

            A lot of the changes for Rwanda’s transformation were initiated under the able leadership of President Paul Kagame. On this note, allow me, on behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, to salute you, Mr. President and your Government for Rwanda’s numerous achievements and development progress over the last 15 years.  We salute you for your resolve to promote peace and stability as well as the fight against corruption.  And indeed, we salute you for the courage and determination that has brought so much honour not only to your country but to the entire continent.

Your Excellency;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

            Tanzania and Rwanda enjoy long historical relationship at both bilateral and international levels. Our working relation at the UN, AU, ICGLR and EAC is commendable. As Partner States of the East African Community, our two Governments have been cooperating very well in the implementation of various regional projects. This morning we have opened the Rusumo International Bridge and the Rusumo One Stop Border Post. That alone shows the strength of our bilateral relations.

            Our bilateral relations are not at the level of Governments only.  Due to geographical proximity, our people continue to move freely between the two countries.  Indeed, there is a large Rwandese community living in Tanzania and have integrated very well.  I am sure there is a big number of Tanzanians who are residents in Rwanda as well.

This close relationship is also helping our two countries economically. Indeed, trade and investment are growing each passing year, supporting many thousands of jobs in both countries. According to the Bank of Tanzania, our two-way trade in 2014 stood at USD 82.7 million from 15.2 million in 2009.  I believe today the figures are certainly higher and growing. These are significant achievements; but, there is always room for improvement, especially given the economic potentials that exist in our two countries.  There are many unutilized or underutilized opportunities that still exist in our countries. What is required of us is to develop strategies, which will enable our two countries to effectively utilize all opportunities available in our countries and in the East African Community as a whole, for economic growth and transformation.

            I am glad that during our meeting this afternoon, we seized the opportunity to discuss some of these issues and we have agreed to increase the momentum in the follow up and implementation of bilateral and regional projects and programmes. This is particularly important given the fact that the East African region is currently one of the leading investment destinations in the world with a sustained high economic growth rates and relatively large single market.  After the accession of South Sudan to the Community, the region’s population is now estimated to be 160 million people.  With an area of 2.4 million square kilometers and a combined GDP of US$ 158 billion and per capita of 987 US$, the EAC is now ripe for a major take off towards a solid and prosperous region.

Your Excellency;

            This is not my first visit to this beautiful country and especially the city of Kigali.  I have been here before.  But, this time, my visit is special because I am here to introduce myself to Your Excellency and to the people of the Republic of Rwanda as the fifth President of the United Republic of Tanzania. 

            I have come to reassure you, Your Excellency, and the Rwandese people, my commitment as well as that of the people of Tanzania to strengthen the excellent relations that exist between our two brotherly countries.  In this respect, I wish to assure you, Your Excellency, of my determination and readiness to work closely with you and your government to further consolidate our cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit.

Your Excellency;

Honourable Ministers;

Distinguished Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In conclusion, May I now invite you to join me in a Toast:

To President President Paul Kagame;

To the prosperity of the Rwandese people; and

To the continued cooperation between our two peoples and countries.

I thank you all for listening

Mheshimiwa Paul Kagame, Rais wa Jamhuri ya      Rwanda pamoja na Mama Janet Kagame;

Mheshimiwa Balozi Dkt. Augustine Mahiga (Mb), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mawaziri la Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri kutoka Tanzania na Rwanda     mliopo hapa;

Mheshimiwa Balozi Dkt. Richard Sezibera, Katibu Mkuu wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki;

Mheshimiwa Balozi Masaharu Yoshida, Balozi wa Japan nchini Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Balozi Tomio Sakamoto, Balozi wa Japan nchini Rwanda;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa kutoka Tanzania na Rwanda mliopo hapa;

Bw. Toshio Nagase, Mwakilishi Mkuu wa Shirika la Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa la Japan (JICA) nchini Tanzania;

Bw. Takahiro Moriya, Mwakilishi Mkuu wa Shirika la     Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa la Japan (JICA) nchini Rwanda;

Waheshimiwa Wabunge kutoka Tanzania na Rwanda;

Viongozi wote mliopo hapa;

Wageni Waalikwa Wenzangu;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

            Leo ni siku muhimu sana siyo tu kwa nchi zetu mbili za Tanzania na Rwanda bali eneo zima la Afrika Mashariki.  Muda mfupi ujao mimi na mwenzangu, Mheshimiwa Rais Kagame, tutafanya uzinduzi rasmi wa Daraja la kimataifa la Rusumo na Kituo cha Kutoa Huduma kwa Pamoja Mpakani (OSBP) cha Rusumo.  Binafsi nimefurahi sana kushiriki katika tukio hili muhimu na la kihistoria.

            Nawashukuru wageni waalikwa na wananchi wa Rusumo pamoja na maeneo ya jirani kwa kujitokeza kwa wingi kushuhudia uzinduzi huu. Kujitokeza kwenu kwa wingi mahali hapa ni uthibitisho wa umuhimu wa mradi huu.

Ndugu Wananchi;

            Daraja na Kituo hiki cha Pamoja ni muhimu sana kwa maendeleo ya kiuchumi na kijamii kwa nchi zetu mbili na Jumuiya yetu kwa ujumla. Hivi punde mmeelezwa kuwa daraja la zamani lilikuwa na uwezo wa kupitisha mzigo usiozidi tani 8. Daraja hili jipya lina uwezo wa kupitisha mzigo wa tani 20.  Aidha, Daraja hili lenye njia mbili na urefu wa meta 80, limeongeza mwendokasi wa magari kutoka wastani wa kilometa 5 kwa saa za zamani hadi kilometa 30 kwa saa hivi sasa.

            Kituo cha Pamoja nacho kimepunguza muda ambao wasafirishaji walikuwa wakitumia kushughulikia masuala ya mipakani, hususan masuala ya uhamiaji na ushuru. Hivyo basi, kukamilika kwa miradi hii miwili kutachochea na kukuza shughuli za biashara, utalii, uwekezaji, kilimo na viwanda kati ya nchi zetu mbili na kwenye eneo zima la Afrika Mashariki.

            Napenda kutumia fursa hii, kuwashukuru viongozi wa Rwanda na Tanzania waliofanikisha ujenzi wa daraja hili, ambalo limegharimu takriban shilingi bilioni 60. Kipekee kabisa natoa shukrani zangu nyingi kwa Serikali ya Japan kwa kufadhili ujenzi wa daraja hili. Ahsanteni sana marafiki zetu wa Japan. Nawaomba Mabalozi wa Japan mliopo hapa mfikishe shukrani zetu kwenye Serikali yenu.

Vilevile, napenda kuishukuru Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika ambayo imekuwa ikifadhili miradi mingi ya ujenzi wa miundombinu nchini mwetu na kwenye Jumuiya yetu. Hivi punde tumemsikia mwakilishi wa Benki hiyo akieleza mipango yao ya kuendelea kufadhili ujenzi wa miundombinu, hususan ya barabara katika nchi zetu mbili. Mwisho lakini sio kwa umuhimu napenda kuipongeza Sekretarieti ya Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki kwa kazi kubwa wanayoifanya ya kubuni na kuratibu ujenzi wa miradi mbalimbali ya miundombinu katika eneo letu. Nawaomba muendelee na jitihada hizo.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Umoja ni nguvu. Rwanda na Tanzania ni miongoni mwa nchi sita wanachama wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki. Eneo letu hivi sasa lina takriban watu milioni 162. Hii ni fursa nzuri ya kukuza biashara na uchumi kwa ujumla. Kama tutatumia vizuri rasilimali zilizopo katika eneo letu na kuimarisha umoja na ushirikiano kati yetu, tutapiga hatua kubwa kimaendeleo. Hatutahitaji kutegemea misaada kutoka nje. Ni kwa sababu hiyo, napenda kumshukuru Mheshimiwa Rais Kagame kwa kunialika kutembelea nchi yake ya Rwanda.  Hii itakuwa ni ziara yangu ya kwanza nje ya nchi tangu nimechaguliwa kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.  Ahsante sana Mheshimiwa Rais kwa kunialika.

Nimekubali kuitembelea Rwanda kwa vile natambua uhusiano wa kihistoria, kidugu na kirafiki uliopo kati ya nchi zetu mbili. Tanzania na Rwanda zinategemeana kwa kiwango kikubwa. Wananchi wetu ni ndugu. Aidha, takriban asilimia 70 ya bidhaa zinazotoka na kuingia Rwanda zinapitia kwenye Bandari ya Dar es Salaam. Hivyo, naamini ziara hii itaimarisha zaidi uhusiano na ushirikiano uliopo kati ya nchi zetu mbili. Nitumie fursa hii kuwahamasisha wafanyabiashara wa Rwanda kuendelea kutumia Bandari yetu ya Dar es Salaam. Serikali ya Tanzania imejipanga kuboresha huduma katika Bandari ya Dar es Salaam kwa kuondoa changamoto zilizopo.  

Ndugu Wananchi;

Serikali zetu mbili ziliamua kujenga miradi hii miwili ili kurahisisha shughuli za usafirishaji. Kama mnavyofahamu, siku za nyuma kulikuwa na ucheleweshaji wa usafirishaji wa mizigo kati ya nchi zetu. Ucheleweshaji huo wakati mwingine ulitokana na sababu za msingi lakini nyakati nyingine ulitokana na watumishi wasio waaminifu wa vituo vya mpakani kuendekeza vitendo vya rushwa. Sasa miundombinu imejengwa. Ni matumaini yangu kuwa sasa tatizo la ucheleweshwaji limepata mwarobaini wake.

Hivyo, natoa wito kwa watumishi wa mipakani kuhakikisha mizigo haicheleweshi njiani bila sababu za msingi. Kwa wale wapenda rushwa nawaonya kuacha tabia hiyo mara moja, kinyume chake Serikali  itawashughulikia. Sambamba na hilo, napenda kuagiza kuwa kuanzia sasa vituo vya ukaguzi wa magari ya mizigo yanayopita ukanda wa kati (central corridor) kwa upande wa Tanzania vitakuwa vitatu tu, yaani Vigwaza Mkoani Pwani, Njuki Mkoani Singida na Nyakahura katika mkoa wa Kagera.

Nina imani kuwa kama sote tukichukua hatua za namna hiyo, mradi huu ambao umejengwa kwa kutumia fedha nyingi, utakuwa na manufaa makubwa kwa nchi zetu mbili. Pamoja na faida za kiuchumi, mradi huu pia unatarajiwa kuleta manufaa ya kijamii, ikiwemo kupunguza tatizo la maambukizi ya ugonjwa wa UKIMWI. Hii ni kwa sababu hivi sasa madereva hawatalazimika kukaa kwenye eneo hili kwa muda mrefu.  

 Wageni waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

            Sambamba na miradi ya ujenzi wa barabara, nchi zetu mbili pamoja na Burundi zipo hatua nzuri ya kutekeleza mradi wa reli ya kisasa kutoka Dar es Salaam-Isaka-Kigali/Keza-Gitega-Musongati wenye urefu wa km 1,435.  Utekelezaji wa mradi huu upo katika hatua nzuri ambapo tayari makampuni 13 yamechaguliwa kushindania zabuni ya ujenzi wa reli hiyo.  Kukamilika kwa miradi hii yote kutawezesha eneo letu kuwa na miundombinu ya usafiri ya uhakika na hivyo kuongeza kasi ya shughuli za kiuchumi.

            Nitoe wito kwa wananchi kutumia ipasavyo fursa za kuimarika kwa miundombinu ya usafiri kwenye nchi zetu kujiletea maendeleo, hasa kwa kufanya kazi halali kwa bidii. Nasisitiza kufanya kazi halali. Kinyume na hivyo, hatutakuwa na msamaha na wale wote watakaojihusisha na shughuli zisizo za halali, ikiwemo ujambazi.

Mheshimiwa Rais Kagame;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

            Nihitimishe hotuba yangu kwa kutoa wito kwa wananchi wote kutunza rasilimali hii kubwa tuliyowekeza. Watumiaji wa barabara na wananchi kwa ujumla hamna budi kuutunza mradi huu na kuwafichua watu ambao watakuwa wakifanya vitendo vinavyoweza kuharibu miundombinu yake, ikiwemo kuzidisha uzito wa magari, kumwaga mafuta barabarani, kuendesha magari kwa uzembe na kusababisha ajali, uegeshaji holela wa magari, kuharibu au kuiba alama za barabarani, kuiba vyuma vya madaraja na vitendo vingine viovu n.k.

            Aidha, napenda kuzikumbusha Mamlaka za Tanzania na Rwanda zinazohusika na uendeshaji wa mradi huu kuhakikisha kuwa zinatekeleza majukumu yao ipasavyo. Hakikisheni mnalinda na kuifanyia ukarabati wa mara kwa miundombinu na rasilimali za mradi huu ili idumu kwa muda mrefu kama ilivyokusudiwa.

            Baada ya kueleza maneno hayo, sasa nipo tayari kwenda kushiriki kwenye shughuli iliyonileta hapa ya kufanya uzinduzi wa Daraja la Kimataifa la Rusumo na Kituo Cha Pamoja Cha Mpakani Cha Rusumo pamoja na Mhe. Rais Kagame.

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Mungu Ibariki Rwanda!

Mungu Ibariki Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki!

“Ahsanteni kwa Kunisikiliza”

Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Geita;

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi Mkoa wa Geita;

Waheshimiwa Wabunge wa Mkoa wa Geita mliopo;

Kaimu Katibu Tawala wa Mkoa wa Geita;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Wilaya mliopo;

Waheshimiwa Madiwani mliopo;

Viongozi wa Kamati ya Ulinzi na Usalama ya Mkoa wa Geita;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi mliopo;

Ndugu wananchi wa Chato na maeneo ya jirani;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

Awali ya yote napenda kusema kuwa nimefarijika sana kwa mapokezi yenu mazuri. Sikutegemea kupata mapokezi makubwa ya namna hii, hasa kwa kuzingatia taarifa ya ujio wangu mmeipata katika kipindi cha muda mfupi.Binafsi sikutaka kuwahangaisha kwa kuwa mimi ni mtoto wenu. Hata hivyo, kwa upendo wenu mkubwa, mmejitokeza kwa wingi kuja kunipokea. Nawashukuru sana na kwa hakika nimefarijika kukutana tena na wazee wangu.

Hii ni mara yangu ya kwanza kukutana nanyi tangu nimechaguliwa kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwenye Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka jana. Hivyo basi, napenda kutumia fursa hii pia, kwa niaba ya Watanzania kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kutuwezesha kumaliza uchaguzi salama. Aidha, napenda kupitia kwenu kuwashukuru Watanzania wote kwa kunichagua kuwa Rais wa Awamu ya Tano wa nchi yetu. Ahsanteni sana kwa imani kubwa mliyonionesha.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Uchaguzi sasa umekwisha. Sisi sote ni washindi, hakuna aliyeshindwa. Jambo la msingi lililo mbele yetu kwa sasa ni kuchapakazi. Sambamba na kuchapakazi, sote kwa pamoja hatuna budi kudumisha na kuimarisha umoja na mshikamano wetu. Masuala haya mawili ni muhimu sana katika kuleta maendeleo yetu na nchi yetu kwa ujumla. Ndio, sisi sote hapa tunahitaji maendeleo. Sote tumechoka kukabiliwa na kero mbalimbali.

Hivyo basi, nawahimiza Watanzania wote bila kujali tofauti zetu za itikadi, dini au kabila kushirikiana ili kujiletea maendeleo. Tufahamu kuwa hakuna mtu kutoka nje atakayekuja kutuletea maendeleo. Ni kweli, wapo wanaotusaidia. Lakini wengi wenye kutoa misaada hiyo wanaambatisha masharti magumu, ambayo sisi kama nchi wakati mwingine ni vigumu kuitekeleza.  Kwa sababu hiyo, ni lazima sisi wenyewe tushirikiane kwa pamoja kujenga nchi yetu. Tusipofanya hivyo, tutabaki kuwa wasindikizaji katika masuala ya maendeleo. Hivyo basi, natoa wito kwa kila mmoja wetu: mkulima; mfugaj; mvuvi; mfanyakazi au mfanyabiashara, kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Ninaamini kama sote tutatekeleza wajibu wetu, tutafanikiwa na nchi yetu itakuwa mfano wa kuigwa duniani.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Bila shaka mtakubaliana nami kuwa nchi yetu ni tajiri sana. Nchi yetu ina kila kitu kinachohitajika ili kuweza kupata maendeleo. Tunayo ardhi ya kutosha; bahari, maziwa na mito mingi; mifugo mingi; misitu, na pia tuna madini ya kila aina. Tunachohitaji ni kubadilika na kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Na hii ndio sababu, tangu kuingia madarakani, Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imeelekeza nguvu nyingi katika kurejesha nidhamu ya watumishi wa umma, ambao baadhi yao walijisahau na hivyo kufanya kazi kwa mazoea. Wafanyakazi wa namna hii ndiyo walikuwa chanzo cha kero nyingi zilizokuwa zikiwakabili wananchi, hususan wananchi wa kipato cha chini. Hii ndio sababu Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imeamua kuchukua hatua mahsusi dhidi ya watumishi wa umma wazembe na wasio waaminifu. Na naamini tumeanza vizuri.  

Sambamba na jitihada za kurejesha nidhamu kwenye utumishi wa umma, tumechukua hatua za kuhakikisha rasilimali za nchi zinatumika vizuri. Kwa mfano tumeanza kushughulikia suala la wafanyakazi hewa Serikalini. Katika kipindi kifupi tulichoendesha zoezi hili, tumewabaini wafanyakazi hewa takriban 1680. Zoezi hili bado linaendelea hivyo bila shaka idadi hii itaongezeka. Wafanyakazi hawa hewa walikuwa wakilipwa mshahara na posho mbalimbali. Hivyo basi, fedha zitakazookolewa sasa zitapelekwa kwenye shughuli nyingine za maendeleo.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano pia imejipanga kuboresha huduma za jamii. Tayari tumeanza kutoa elimu bila malipo kuanzia darasa la kwanza hadi kidato cha nne, kama ambavyo tulikuwa tumeahidi kipindi cha Kampeni za Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka jana. Tangu mwezi Desemba mwaka 2015, Serikali inatoa kiasi cha shilingi bilioni 18.77 kila mwezi kwa ajili ya kugharamia elimu bila malipo. Matunda ya uamuzi huu tumeanza kuyaona, ambapo idadi ya wanafunzi waliodahiliwa mwaka huu imeongezeka maradufu. Hii ni ishara tosha kuwa wananchi wengi walishindwa kupeleka watoto wao shuleni kutokana na kushindwa kugharamia mahitaji ya elimu.

Hata hivyo, kama mnavyowafahamu, jambo lolote zuri halikosi changamoto. Kutokana na ongezeko la wanafunzi zimetokea changamoto, ikiwa ni pamoja na upungufu wa madawati, vyumba vya madarasa na vyoo. Napenda kuchukua fursa hii kuwapongeza walimu kote nchini kwa kuendelea kufanya kazi kwa bidii licha ya kukabiliwa na changamoto hizo. Serikali inatambua changamoto zenu zote na ninaahidi tutajitahidi kwa kadri ya uwezo wetu kuzishughulikia. Tumejipanga kuongeza kiwango cha fedha kinachotolewa kila mwezi kwenye bajeti ijayo kwa ajili ya kugharamia elimu bila malipo. Aidha, tumeanza kulipa malimbikizo ya madai mbalimbali ya walimu ambapo mwezi uliopita tulitoa kiasi cha shilingi takriban bilioni 1.7.

Napenda kutumia fursa hii kutoa wito kwa viongozi wa Mikoa na Wilaya kote nchini kujipanga vizuri kushughulikia changamoto za elimu zilizojitokeza. Kwa kufanya hivyo, mtakuwa mmedhihirisha kuwa mnatosha kwenye nyadhifa zenu. Aidha, nawakaribisha wananchi wenye uewezo kutoa michango yao ya hiari ili kuunga mkono jitihada za Serikali za kuondoa changamoto zilizojitokeza.

Halikadhalika, nitumie fursa hii kuwahimiza wanafunzi kote nchini kutumia fursa ya elimu bila malipo kusoma kwa bidii. Someni kwa bidii ili muweze kufaidika na fursa zilizopo ndani ya nchi yetu na nje ya nchi, hususan kwenye Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki. Itakuwa ni jambo la kusikitisha kuona wanafunzi wanashindwa mitihani wakati Serikali inagharamia elimu. Natoa pia wito kwa wazazi, walimu na Kamati za Shule kote nchini kusimamia nidhamu na kuwahimiza wanafunzi kusoma kwa bidii. Ni aibu kwa shule kuwa na idadi kubwa ya wanafunzi waliofeli. Tumefikia wakati sasa kwa Kamati za Shule, Walimu Wakuu na Maafisa Elimu kuwajibika endapo shule zao zitafelisha idadi kubwa ya wanafunzi.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Eneo jingine ambalo Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imejipanga kushughulika ni uboreshaji wa maslahi ya wafanyakazi. Kama tulivyoahidi wakati wa Kampeni, tutapunguza kodi ya kipato kwa wafanyakazi. Suala hili tutaanza kwenye bajeti ijayo. Aidha, tunaangalia uwezekano wa kuogeza kiwango cha mishahara kwa wafanyakazi. Na hapa napenda kusema binafsi sifurahishwi kuona tofauti kubwa iliyopo ya mishahara kwa watumishi wa Serikali. Haiwezekani ndani ya Serikali moja, baadhi ya watumishi wawe wakilipwa mishahara minono huku wengine mishahara yao ikiwa midogo sana.

Ni kutokana na sababu hii, Serikali inakamilisha baadhi ya taratibu ili kuhakikisha kuanzia kwenye bajeti ya mwaka ujao wa fedha (2016/2017) hapatakuwa na mtumishi wa Serikali atakayelipwa zaidi ya shilingi milioni 15. Tunafanya hivi ili kupunguza matabaka miongoni mwa wafanyakazi. Kama kuna mtu ataona mshahara unaotolewa Serikalini ni mdogo itabidi atupishe. Nchi yetu ina idadi kubwa ya watu wenye elimu ya kutosha lakini hawana kazi.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Sambamba na kuboresha maslahi ya wafanyakazi, tutashughulikia kero mbalimbali zinazowakabili wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi. Mtakubaliana nami kuwa Wakulima wa Tanzania kwa muda mrefu wamekuwa wakikabiliwa na kero nyingi. Moja ya kero hizo ni kukithiri kwa kodi na tozo mbalimbali. Hali hii imewafanya wakulima wasiweze kunufaika na shughuli zao za kilimo na wakati mwingine kuwalazimisha kuacha kabisa kujishughulisha na kilimo. Baadhi ya wakulima pia wanalazimika kutumia “njia za panya “ kutafuta masoko ya nje ili kukwepa kodi.

Tumejipanga kuhakikisha kuwa tunaondoa ama kupunguza kwa kiwango kikubwa kero hii ya kuwepo kwa aina nyingi ya ushuru kwa wakulima ili kuwawezesha kunufaika na jasho lao. Tumejipanga pia kuhakikisha dhana na pembejeo za kisasa za kilimo zinawafikia wakulima kwa wakati.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Licha ya hatua zinazochukuliwa na Serikali, ni dhahiri kuwa nchi yetu bado inakabiliwa na changamoto ni nyingi. Katika risala yenu, ambayo imesomwa hivi punde, yameelezwa masuala mbalimbali, ikiwemo tatizo la “jineri.” Nafahamu Mheshimiwa Waziri Mkuu alikuja hapa na analifahamu suala hilo. Ninaamini baada ya muda mfupi ujao, tatizo hilo litapatiwa ufumbuzi. Kuhusu changamoto nyingine zilizoelezwa, nimezichukua na ninaahidi nitazishughulikia. Na kwa bahati nzuri hapa hapa leo wapo Wabunge, Wakuu wa Wilaya, Wakurugenzi wenu. Naamini nao wamesikia changamoto zenu hivyo watazishughulikia.

Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Ndugu Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Nimekuja hapa Chato kwa ajili ya mapumziko. Hivyo, sio vizuri niwachoshe kwa hotuba ndefu. Itoshe tu kusema kuwa nimefurahi sana kwa mapokezi yenu makubwa na nimefurahi sana kuzugumza nanyi.  Nawapenda sana na kila mara ninawakumbuka.

Nihitimishe kwa kurudia kuwakumbusha viongozi na wafanyakazi kote nchini kufanya kazi kwa bidii ili kuondoa kero za wananchi. Aidha, nawahimiza wananchi kufanya kazi kwa bidii ili kuleta maendeleo kwa taifa letu.

Mungu Ibariki Chato!

Mungu Ibariki Geita!

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Mungu Wabariki Watanzania Wote!

“Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza”

Your Excellency Truong Tan Sang, President of the

         Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madam First Lady;

Your Excellency, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Your Excellency Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Revolutionary Council;

Honourable  Majaliwa Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of the

       United Republic of Tanzania;

Excellencies Former Presidents of Tanzania,

Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi & Mzee Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete;

Honourable Dr. Tulia Ackson Mwansasu, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;

Honourable Ministers;

Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners;

Distinguished Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I feel greatly honoured and privileged to welcome you, Mr. President and First Lady, as well as the esteemed members of your delegation to Tanzania, and Dar-es-salaam in particular. It is my sincere hope that you will find your stay in our country not only pleasant, but also memorable.

Mr. President, your visit has a special meaning to me personally and to my country. This is because it is the first State Visit to Tanzania by a Vietnamese Head of State since 1973. This is also the first State Visit that I am hosting following my victory in the General Elections held last October. More importantly, however, this visit is Your Excellency’s first visit to Africa since you assumed the Presidency in 2011.  I would like to very sincerely thank you, Mr. President, for accepting our invitation.

Your Excellency;

This morning we had an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues regarding our cooperation. Therefore, tonight, I don’t want to take a lot of your time with a long speech. However, allow me to briefly say few words about our bilateral relations.

Indeed, our two countries have enjoyed the excellent bilateral relations for the last five decades, built on a very solid foundation by our founding fathers, Ho Chi Min of Vietnam and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania. They were true friends bound by the ideas of freedom and justice. Our subsequent leaders have nurtured and consolidated this noble closeness. My predecessors, former Presidents of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa and Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, visited Vietnam in 2004 and 2013, respectively. Your Excellency’s visit today, therefore, bears testimony to this fact.

That said, I am sure, Your Excellency, will agree with me that despite our excellent bilateral relationship, our two-way trade, which now stands at USD 300 million per annum, remains very low compared to opportunities existing in our two coutries. I, therefore, strongly encourage business-to-business interaction between our business men and women. In this regard, I am glad that, during this visit, you are accompanied with a strong business delegation. It is my sincere hope that at the end of this visit, our business men and women shall forge business partnerships and, thus, improve our economic cooperation.

Your Excellency;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Tanzanians hold Vietnam in high esteem. We have great admiration for the determination of the Vietnamese people to succeed against all odds. We admire their resolve and courage against even the most powerful adversaries.  As we can all recall, a few decades ago, Vietnam emerged from decades of war, which had destroyed the country and its infrastructure. However, the reforms that introduced in 1986, have taken Vietnam from being one of the poorest in the world to a rapidly growing middle income country.

Therefore, Tanzania has a lot to learn from Vietnam’s experiences and achievements. In this respect, it is ironic that in 1980s the Vietnamese people came to Tanzania to request for the cashew nut seeds, but today they are the world’s number one exporter of cashew nuts. My Tanzanian colleagues! We must ask ourselves, where we have gone wrong and learn from our Vietnamese friends. Indeed, we must learn how Vietnam has become the World’s number one exporter of cashew nuts and robusta coffee and how they managed to have three rice harvesting seasons in a year. More importantly, however, we must learn how Vietnam has shifted from being a provider of raw materials to a producer of industrial products.

Your Excellency;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is pleasing to note that the thrust and objectives of the Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy and 2011 – 2020 are very similar to our Five Year Development Plan that aims at realizing our vision 2025, with the main objective of attaining a middle income status. These similarities afford us an opportunity to cooperate in various fields. Allow me, therefore, to very quickly to highlight few areas in which our two countries can work together in order to boost economic cooperation:

• Our two countries can establish formal co-operation between government agencies dealing with agriculture that includes livestock and fishing; trade and industries; as well as energy, minerals and water.

• We can encourage collaboration between state institutions such as  Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and Vietnam Investment Agency, TPDC and Petro-Vietnam, State Mining Corporation of Tanzania (STAMICO) and the Vietnamese mining company, and others

• We can facilitate investment promotion missions between our two countries;

• We can speed up co-operation in education, as well as science and technology, while ensuring a healthy exchange of students, researchers and experts in different fields; and

• We can convene a meeting of Joint Permanent Commission as soon as possible to coordinate the implementation of all we have agreed in our official talks this morning.

Your Excellency;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

         We have gathered here to celebrate the special relations that so happily exist between Tanzania and Vietnam. May I now call upon everyone present here to please rise and join me in a toast:

• To the continued good health of His Excellency Truong Tan Sang and Madam, the First Lady;
• To the excellent relations between our two countries; and,

• To the everlasting and enduring friendship between the people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United Republic of Tanzania.
• To the President.

“I thank you”.

Mheshimiwa Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Uganda;

Mheshimiwa Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta,

 Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya;

Mheshimiwa  James Wan Igga, Makamu wa Rais

wa Jamhuri ya Sudan Kusini;

Mheshimiwa Butore Joseph, Makamu wa Pili

wa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Burundi;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Ali Mohamed Shein, Rais wa Zanzibar

na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi;

Mheshimiwa  Valentine Rwabiza, Waziri wa Afrika

Jumuiya ya Mashariki na Mwakilishi wa Rais wa Rwanda;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Augustine Mahiga, Mwenyekiti

wa Baraza la Mawaziri wa Jumuiya;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri mliopo hapa;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Richard Sezibera,

Katibu Mkuu wa Jumuiya;

Mheshimiwa Masaharu Yoshinda,

Balozi wa Japan Nchini Tanzania;

Waheshimiwa Wakuu wa Mikoa ya Arusha na Kilimanjaro;

Mheshimiwa Gabriel Negata, Mwakilishi wa Benki

ya Maendeleo ya Afrika;

Bwana Toshio Nagase, Mwakilishi Mkuu wa Shirika

la Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa la Japan;

Ndugu Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

Ndugu zangu wananchi wa Arusha, hususan katika kitongoji hiki cha Tengeru, mara baada ya kusikiliza hotuba nzuri kutoka kwa viongozi walionitangulia kuzungumza, sitakuwa na maneno mengine mazuri ya kuwaeleza. Ninachoweza kusema ni kwamba, ninawashukuru sana kwa kujitokeza kwenu kwa wingi kushuhudia uwekaji wa Jiwe la Msingi la Ujenzi wa Barabara ya Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi.

         Aidha, kwa kuwa leo ni mara yangu ya kwanza nazungumza nanyi tangu nimechaguliwa kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, napenda nitumie fursa hii kuwashukuru sana Wana-Arusha kwa kunipa kura nyingi zilizoniwezesha kushinda Uchaguzi Mkuu mwaka jana. Ninawaahidi kuwa nitakuwa ni Rais wa Watanzania wote. Sitawabagua kwa misingi ya dini, ukabila ama itikadi zenu. Hapa ni Kazi Tu.

 Natambua sote tunahitaji maendeleo. Tunahitaji maisha mazuri. Tunahitaji tuwe na chakula cha kutosha, na tunahitaji tuwe na ajira nzuri. Hakuna miongoni mwetu anayependa umaskini, kuendelea kuwa ombaomba ama kuona tabaka kati ya watu matajiri na maskini likiongezeka. Kwa sababu hiyo, mimi pamoja na viongozi wenzangu tumeazimia kubadilisha maisha ya wananchi wetu kwa kuwaletea maendeleo. Nitumie fursa hii kumpongeza kwa dhati kabisa, Mbunge wa Jimbo hili, Mheshimiwa Joshua Nassari, kwa kazi kubwa anayoifanya ya kuleta maendeleo kwa wananchi wa jimbo lake. Wito wangu kwenu wananchi endeleeni kumpa ushirikiano. Maendeleo hayana chama. Sote tuchape kazi bila kujali tofauti zetu za itikadi, dini au kabila.

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Ndugu Wananchi wa Arusha;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Mradi huu tunaouzindua leo ni kiashiria cha umoja na mshikamano uliopo baina ya nchi wanachama za Jumuiya yetu. Barabara hii ya Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi ina urefu wa Kilometa 234.3 na inahusisha nchi zetu mbili za Tanzania na Kenya. Kwa upande wa Tanzania, mradi huu utatekelezwa kwa awamu mbili.  Awamu ya kwanza inahusisha ujenzi wa barabara ya njia nne kutoka Arusha (Sakina) hadi Tengeru yenye urefu wa kilometa 14.1 na barabara ya kuzunguka nje ya Jiji la Arusha (Arusha Bypass) yenye urefu wa kilometa 42.4. Gharama za upanuzi wa barabara ya Arusha – Tengeru na barabara ya kuzunguka nje ya Jiji la Arusha kwa upande wa Tanzania ni takriban shilingi bilioni 209.6 za Tanzania.  Kati ya fedha hizo Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika itatoa shilingi bilioni 190.2 na Serikali ya Tanzania itatoa shilingi bilioni 19.4.

Awamu ya pili ya mradi itahusisha ujenzi wa barabara ya njia nne kuanzia Tengeru hadi Usa River yenye urefu wa kilometa 8.2 na kutoka Usa River hadi Holili yenye urefu wa kilometa 100.2. Serikali yetu kwa kushirikiana na Sekretarieti ya EAC ipo katika mazungumzo na Serikali ya Japan ili kupata mkopo wa ujenzi wa awamu ya pili utakaoanzia Tengeru hadi Holili. Serikali ya Japan imeonesha nia ya kutoa mkopo wa kutekeleza mradi huo.

Kwa upande wa Kenya, mradi huu unahusisha ujenzi wa barabara mpya kutoka Taveta hadi Mwatate yenye urefu wa kilometa 100 kufuatia kukamilika kwa sehemu ya Mwatate hadi Voi. Napenda kuchukua fursa hii kuwashukuru washirika wetu kwenye mradi huu, hususan Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika na Serikali ya Japan kwa kukubali kwao kutoa fedha za kutekeleza mradi huu. Napenda kuwahakikishia fedha mlizozitoa zitatumika vizuri kwa makusudi yaliyopangwa.

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

 Pamoja na mradi huu, Jumuiya yetu imebuni miradi ya mtandao wa barabara (corridors) takriban kumi. Lengo la miradi hii ni kuunganisha nchi zetu kwa kuwa na mtandao mzuri wa barabara. Kama mnavyofahamu, miundombinu mizuri na imara ya barabara ni kichocheo cha shughuli za maendeleo ya kiuchumi, hususan ujenzi wa viwanda.

Mtakumbuka jana kwenye Mkutano wetu wa Jumuiya, tulipitisha azimio la kuimarisha viwanda kwenye eneo letu. Tulipitisha azimio hilo kwa vile tunatambua kuwa viwanda vitawezesha kupunguza tatizo la ukosefu wa ajira kwa wananchi wetu, hususan vijana. Hata hivyo, ili kujenga uchumi wa viwanda, nchi zetu hazina budi kuimarisha miundombinu ya usafiri na usafirishaji, ikiwemo barabara. Ninafurahi kuwa katika miaka 15 iliyopita, ambayo mimi nilikuwa Waziri wa Ujenzi, nchi yetu imejitahidi sana kujenga barabara. Tumejenga zaidi ya kilometa 17,000 za barabara za lami zimejengwa. Hii ni hatua nzuri ya kuelekea uchumi wa viwanda.

Waheshimiwa Marais;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi mliopo;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Wananchi wengi wa Afrika Mashariki bado wanakabiliwa na changamoto nyingi. Lakini kama walivyosema walionitangulia kuzungumza, nchi zetu katika Jumuiya zina utajiri wa rasilimali nyingi. Kwa sababu hiyo, nchi zetu hazipaswi kuwa maskini. Binafsi naamini kuwa kama nchi zetu zikishirikiana na kutumia vizuri rasilimali tulizonazo, tutapata maendeleo na kutatua changamoto zinazowakabili wananchi wetu hivi sasa.

Hii ndiyo sababu, nimefurahi sana kuona Sudan Kusini, nchi yenye utajiri wa rasilimali lakini iliyokumbwa na vita ya wenyewe kwa wenyewe, imeamua kujiunga na Jumuiya yetu. Nina matumaini makubwa kuwa kwa kujiunga na Jumuiya hii, amani nchini Sudan Kusini itaimarika na kwa pamoja tutashirikiana katika kutatua changamoto nyingine zilizopo kwenye Jumuiya yetu. Jana Viongozi wenzangu walinipa heshima ya kuendelea kuwa Mwenyekiti wa Jumuiya kwa mwaka mmoja ujao. Hivyo, naahidi kuwa katika kipindi hicho, nitafanya kila jitihada ili Jumuiya yetu isonge mbele kimaendeleo.

Ndugu wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Sisi viongozi wenu tumejipanga kuwaletea maendeleo. Tumeamua kuwaondolea kero zenu. Lakini ili kuweza kutekeleza azma hiyo, tunahitaji uungwaji mkono na ushirikiano kutoka kwenu. Ninyi mkiamua, sisi viongozi tutaweza. Msipotuunga mkono, itakuwa ni vigumu kwetu kuwaongoza katika kuleta maendeleo.  

Kwa Watanzania wenzangu mnafahamu kuwa tangu tumeingia madarakani tumeanza kuchukua hatua mbalimbali za kuleta maendeleo kwa nchi yetu, ikiwemo kuwashughulikia watu wachache waliojinufaisha kwa kuwanyonya walio wengi. Tunafanya hivyo kwa maslahi yenu na ustawi wa taifa letu kwa ujumla. Mathalan, baadhi yenu mtakuwa mnakumbuka kuwa hapa Arusha kulikuwa na viwanda vingi. Lakini hivi sasa vyote vimekufa. Ebu tujiulize ni akina nani waliviua viwanda hivyo? Bila shaka, wapo watu walioviua viwanda kwa maslahi yao binafsi. Hii ndio sababu, sisi mliotukabidhi dhamana ya kuongoza Serikali tumeamua kurekebisha kasoro zilizokuwepo kwa kuchukulia hatua watu waliotufilisi na kuiletea hasara kubwa nchi yetu.

Lakini wakati tukichukua hatua hizo, wapo baadhi ya watu wameanza kulalamikia hatua hizo. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa hatutarudi nyuma. Tutaendelea na hatua tunazozichukua za kurekebisha makosa na mapungufu yaliyopo katika nchi yetu. Wito wangu kwenu wananchi, endeleeni kutuunga mkono na kutuombea. Niwaombe mzidi kudumisha na kuimarisha umoja na mshikamano wetu. Ninaamini kuwa kama sisi Watanzania tukijenga umoja. Nchi  nyingine za Jumuiya nazo zikijenga umoja. Kisha sote tukaunganisha nguvu zetu kwa pamoja, tutafika mbali kimaendeleo na kuwa mfano wa kuigwa duniani kote.

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

 Kabla ya kuhitimisha hotuba yangu, napenda kutumia fursa hii kueleza masuala mengine machache kuhusu mradi huu tunaouzindua leo. Suala la kwanza ni kuhusu fidia kwa watu watakaoathirika na mradi huu. Napenda kuwathibitishia kila mwananchi mwenye kustahili kulipwa fidia atalipwa. Hakuna atakayedhulumiwa au kuonewa. Mtalipwa kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Ardhi ya Mwaka 1999, Sheria ya Mipango Miji Sura ya 355. Niwaombe tu msibomoe nyumba zenu mpaka pale mtakapolipwa fidia. Aidha, nitumie fursa hii kutoa rai kwa wananchi wote kutovamia maeneo mengine ambayo mradi huu utatekelezwa. Atakayefanya hivyo, hatalipwa chochote.

Suala la pili ni wito wangu kwa wafanyakazi wa mradi huu na Wizara ya Ujenzi.  Fedha za ujenzi wa mradi huu ni nyingi na zimepatikana kwa njia ya mkopo. Hivyo, natoa rai kwenu kufanya kazi kwa uaminifu mkubwa na kuepukana na vitendo vya wizi wa vifaa vya ujenzi ili barabara hii ikamilike kwa wakati. Aidha, mjiepushe pia na migomo isiyo na tija. Naiomba pia Wizara ya Ujenzi ihakikishe inamsimamia ipasavyo mkandarasi ili mradi huu ukamilike kwa wakati na kwa kiwango kinachotakiwa. Hakuna sababu ya mradi huu kuchelewa wakati fedha zipo. Endapo Mkandarasi atashindwa kutekeleza wajibu wake, msipate kigugumizi kusitisha mkataba na kumpa mkandarasi mwingine. Mkifanya hivyo, mtakuwa mnatekeleza dhana yetu ya Hapa  Kazi Tu.

Waheshimiwa Marais;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi;

Wageni Waalikwa;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Napenda kuhitimisha hotuba yangu kwa kumshukuru na kumpongeza Katibu Mkuu wa Jumuiya, Dkt. Sezibera pamoja na wataalamu kwa kazi kubwa waliyoifanya ya kusimamia na kuupitisha mradi huu hadi kufikia hatua hii. Aidha, nawashukuru wananchi wa Arumeru kwa kuukubali mradi huu, ambao utakapokamilika utachochea maendeleo ya kiuchumi kwa wananchi kwenye Jumuiya yetu.

Mwisho lakini sio kwa umuhimu nawashukuru tena viongozi wenzangu kwa kunipokea mimi ndani ya Jumuiya lakini pia kwa kuniamini na kunipa Uenyekiti licha ya ugeni wangu. Nina imani watanipa ushirikiano wa kutosha katika kutekeleza jukumu hili kubwa la kuleta maendeleo kwenye Jumuiya yetu.

         Baada ya kusema hayo, mimi pamoja na Viongozi waliopo hapa, tupo tayari kutekeleza jukumu lililotuleta mahali hapa.

Mungu Ibariki Arumeru!

Mungu Ibariki Arusha!

Mungu Ibariki Jumuiya yetu!

Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza.

Your Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda;

Your Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda;

Your Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya;

Your Excellency Joseph Butore, Second Vice President of the Republic of Burundi;

Your Excellency James Wan Igga, Second Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan;

Your Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar and Chairperson of the Revolutionary Council;

The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Honourable Ministers here present;

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the EAC Secretariat;

The Honourable Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly;

His Lordship Judge President of the East African Court of Justice;

Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Regional Commissioner for Arusha;

Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I sincerely feel honoured to welcome Your Excellencies and your respective delegations to Tanzania and particularly in Arusha, to attend this 17^th EAC Summit. I am very grateful that you have found time out of your busy schedules to attend this important Summit.

Your Excellencies;

This being my first meeting as a member of the Summit, I feel humbled yet extremely honoured to be able to address Your Excellencies. As you are aware I assumed Office as President of the United Republic of Tanzania in November 2015, following my victory in the General Elections last October. Allow me, therefore, to take the advantage of this occasion to thank you, once again, for the kind messages of congratulations you extended to me and my Party for winning the election. I was particularly touched by your commitment to cooperate and collaborate with my Government. May I also take this opportunity to reiterate my personal and my Government’s readiness and commitment to work with all EAC Partner States for political and economic development of our countries.

Your Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

A year ago in February 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya, Tanzania assumed the chairmanship of the Community. Being the chair of the Community is an honour to me personally and to the Government and people of Tanzania. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellencies, for bestowing Tanzania with the honour of steering the affairs of this Community during the said period.

However, Your Excellencies, you will agree with me that, when you assume the role of the chairmanship of any organization, you always pray that at the end of your term of office you would leave the organization at its best, than it was when you started. Accordingly, when I look back during the past twelve months of the chairmanship of Tanzania, as a newcomer to this Summit, I feel impressed that our organization has registered tremendous achievements. The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers will shortly provide us with a detailed report on achievements we recorded during the past twelve months. However, I would be failing in my duty as the chairperson if I won’t highlight a few of them.

Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

During the past twelve months immense strides have been made in pursuance of the regional integration agenda. On the political front, our Community has continued to support and assist Partner States in strengthening democracy and good governance. During that period, three of our Partner States namely, Burundi, my own country, Tanzania, and Uganda held their general elections, while Rwanda held a referendum on a Constitutional Amendment. The Community deployed Election Observer Missions in all the three countries.

These elections saw the incumbent Presidents in Burundi, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza and Yoweri Museveni in Uganda re-elected, while in Tanzania a new President was elected. And that President, of course, is none other than Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who is privileged to address you now. I am sure you will all join me in congratulating, once again, Presidents Nkurunziza and Museveni for their resounding electoral victories. In the same way, I wish to congratulate President Kagame and people of Rwanda on the referendum.  We, in Tanzania, are very grateful for the support you extended to us during our general elections last year. As the famous Swahili saying goes “Akufaaye kwa dhiki ndiye rafiki wa kweli”, which literally means “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.

The elections in the three Partner States have demonstrated to the world that democracy reigns and democratic values are deepening in our region. Yes, there have been some shortcomings in the conduct of these elections, but these shortcomings are not enough to discredit the outcomes.  I am sure that respective Partner States have taken note of the recommendations provided by various local and international election observer missions, with a view to improve future elections. 

In relation to peace and security, our Community continued to play its role of ensuring that peace and security is maintained in the region. We do so because we believe peace and security are necessary prerequisite for socio-economic development and transformation. There can be no development without peace.  In this respect, as a result of the deteriorating security situation in Burundi relating to the country’s 2015 General Elections, three EAC Emergency Summits were held in Dar es Salaam. The last summit was held in July 2015, after which His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni was requested to facilitate talks between political stakeholders in Burundi.

As you all know very well, the negotiations are still ongoing. I would like to take this opportunity to commend H.E. President Museveni for working tirelessly in assisting our brothers and sisters in Burundi in resolving their differences. I also wish to request the parties concerned in Burundi to cooperate with him and to refrain from violence and the use of force. In the same vein, I urge all Partner States of the EAC and the international community at large to continue to render the required support to Burundi so that a lasting peace could be achieved.

Your Excellencies;

On the economic front, the past twelve months were very exciting. Trade in the region has increased tremendously and all the Partner States are continuing to realize the benefits of our integration. It is obvious that addressing the Non Tariff Barriers will further improve trade between Partner States for the benefits of the East Africans. A lot has also been achieved towards improving our Customs Union. In this respect, in October, 2015, the new EAC Rules of Origin were adopted and their implementations have started. The new EAC rules of origin, which have been simplified in order to boost intra-EAC trade will no doubt bring about enormous increase in intra-EAC trade in the days ahead.

In the same vein, the work towards full operationalization of the East African Single Customs Territory is progressing very well. Most of the procedures and standards for moving goods through the EAC customs territory have been harmonized. A system to enable exchange of information between cargo clearance agencies has been developed and adopted. I am informed that as a result of this, the number of days for transporting cargo from the Port of Dar es Salaam to Kigali and Bujumbura has now declined from 20 to 3 days; while from Mombasa Port to Kampala has come down from 18 to 4 days. The number of days from Mombasa to Kigali has also significantly decreased from 21 to 6 days.  It is obvious that this decline has cut down the costs of doing business in the region, which is critical for competitiveness and consequently lowering the price to final consumer.

Your Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

With regard to the Common Market, tremendous efforts have been put by Partner States in amending their national laws to conform to the requirements of the Common Market Protocol. We, nevertheless, ought to increase the pace of amending our national laws to secure full realization of the benefits of EAC Common Market. This is important because the proper implementation of the EAC Common Market will propel our region into the next stage of our regional integration, that is, Monetary Union by 2022.

The envisaged EAC Monetary Union is expected to bring more impacts in the Community in terms of reduction of costs and risks of doing business between citizens of East Africa through the use of single currency. In this respect, I am glad to inform you that during the past one year, the EAC taskforce has concluded negotiations on the draft bill for establishing the East African Monetary Institute (EAMI) and a draft bill for establishing the East African Statistics Bureau. This is a good effort in the implementation of the roadmap for establishing the East African Monetary Union.

Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Another important milestone that we have achieved during the past twelve months was the launch of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, in June 2015. By uniting 26 countries, which collectively are well endowed with vast natural resources and a combined population of over 630 million, we have paved the way for a greater prosperity and faster integration of our respective regions and the continent at large. This will not only be very beneficial to our business community, who I am happy that they are with us here today, but also our producers, manufactures and farmers. More importantly, the launch of free trade will leverage the image and position of our Community in the international trade and development arena.

Furthermore, during the same period, the EAC Partner States and the EU managed to legally clean the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement-EPA text, which was initialed in October, 2014. Completion of the process of legal scrubbing of the EPA text paves a way for Contracting Parties to start the process of translating the Agreement into 21 languages used in the European Union and Kiswahili in order to allow Parties to sign and ratify the same prior to its implementation. Similarly, during the past one year, the EAC Partner States and the U.S. A concluded and signed Co-operation Agreement on Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary (SPS) Measures, and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). This agreement will enable EAC Partner States to meet their Trade Facilitation commitments under the WTO and consequently enhance EAC exports to the U.S.

We have scored all these achievements, Your Excellencies, thanks to your support and cooperation. For this reason, I would like to thank you for the support and cooperation you rendered to our country during the past one year of our chairmanship.

Your Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The EAC integration was a dream of our forefathers and luminary vision of successive leadership of this region which sought to make our sub-region an example of unity of purpose, and shared aspirations of regional political and economic cooperation and integration. Since its inception in 2000, the Community has witnessed significant achievements. Several critical milestones have been achieved in the integration process. We have operationalized the Customs Union, signed the EAC Common Market Protocol, while efforts are underway to establish the EAC Monetary Union.

As we celebrate the achievements attained last year and those of the EAC since its inception, Your Excellencies, we should also be aware that several measures still need to be taken for our people to fully reap the benefits of our regional integration. Allow me to highlight two of them. 

First, there is a need for our region to industrialize. Our region is well endowed with abundant natural and other resources. These include millions of acres of arable land, millions of cattle but more importantly youth population. We have a huge market of over 145 million people but our region is also located in a very strategic position. These are critical factors for industrialization. It is sad to note that we are primarily suppliers of raw materials, with very few industries in our region. As a result, we consume what we don’t produce and produce what we don’t consume. This trend must stop. We should know that by exporting raw materials we are also simply exporting jobs. If we industrialize our economies, we will not only help our region to achieve fast economic growth but also tackle poverty and unemployment challenges facing our people. I am glad to note that promotion of textile and leather industries are among the items in our agenda today. I would have been more pleased if the agenda would have been promotion of value addition industries in our region. Nevertheless, let me accept what is on the table. I am confident that at the end of our deliberations, we shall come up with concrete proposals on the way forward to promote textile and leather industries in our region. It is time now, we walk the talk.

Your Excellencies;

The second issue I want to speak about, which has already been mentioned by the Secretary General of EAC, is the use of Kiswahili in the activities of our Community and the region at large. Dr. Joshua Fishman, a world renowned sociologist and expert on languages once noted that, and I quote “…a common indigenous language in the modern nation states is a powerful factor of unity…it promotes a feeling of single community. Additionally, it makes possible the expansion of ideas, economic targets and cultural identity”, end of the quote. This wise quote simply informs us that indigenous or local language is a powerful instrument to increase interaction among citizens and also in the promotion of socio-economic development, in a given region. Luckily, in our region, we have our Kiswahili. I know, article 137 (2) of the Treaty Establishing the EAC, states that “Kiswahili shall be developed as a lingua franca of the Community”. My appeal to you, Your Excellencies, is that we should take a bold step to elevate Kiswahili to the status it deserves by making it an official language of the Community just like English. It is ironic that the African Union (AU) has accepted Kiswahili and uses in the AU Summit but, in the EAC, where Kiswahili originates, we are shying away from it.

Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I cannot conclude my speech without acknowledging the contribution of my immediate predecessor His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. As you are aware my predecessor chaired the Community for almost 8 months. This is to say I had, so to speak, barely chaired this Community for just four months. Allow me, therefore, to take this opportunity to thank him very sincerely for his outstanding work of steering the affairs of this organization last year and also for his invaluable contribution to our Community during the past ten years as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

As I expect to handover the mantle of the Chairmanship to the new Chair of our Community, I would also like to thank all the staff of the Secretariat for a job well done. I know it is envious to single people out, but I will do it anyway as the person concerned deserved to be singled out. I would like to pay a glowing tribute to our Secretary General, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera for his outstanding work over the past 12 months. I am reliably informed that it is a customary on your part to accomplish outstanding and difficult tasks. And as an illustration of this virtue, South Sudan will shortly be admitted as the new member of this Community. This achievement has been possible through your tireless efforts for which I would sincerely wish to say, bravo!

Excellencies;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

In conclusion, let me, once again, state the obvious that Tanzania attaches great importance to the EAC. We will continue to work with all EAC Partner States to promote our integration agenda for the benefits of our countries and peoples.

With these remarks, I wish to declare that the 17^th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State is officially opened. I wish you all excellent and fruitful deliberations at this Summit.

God Bless EAC.

God Bless Africa.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Mheshimiwa Mzee Hemed Mkali, Mwenyekiti wa Wazee wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mheshimiwa Samia Suluhu Hassan, Makamu wa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Kassim Majaliwa, Waziri Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Tulia Mwansasu, Naibu Spika wa Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano;

Waheshimiwa Mawaziri mliopo;

Mheshimiwa Mecky Sadick, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mwenyekiti wa CCM, Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Waheshimiwa Viongozi wa Kamati ya Amani ya Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Wazee wangu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Ndugu Wananchi, Mabibi na Mabwana:

Awali ya yote napenda kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kutukutanisha mahali hapa tukiwa salama. Aidha, napenda kukushukuru Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti na Wazee wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam kwa kutukaribisha hapa ili tupate mawaidha yenu. Nina imani mawaidha yenu, hasa katika kipindi hiki ambapo tumemaliza siku mia moja tangu tumeingia madarakani, yatakuwa ni muongozo mzuri kwetu na kutupa sisi mwelekeo mzuri wa kufanya kazi kwa manufaa ya Watanzania wote.

Kabla sijaendelea, naomba pia, kupitia kwenu Wazee wa Dar es Salaam, kuwashukuru Watanzania wote, wa dini zote, wa vyama vyote, na makabila yote  kwa kutuchagua kuwa viongozi wenu katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo. Tuliwaahidi kipindi cha kampeni kuwa tutafanya kazi kwa bidii ili kujenga Tanzania mpya. Kwa niaba ya viongozi wenzangu, Makamu wa Rais, Waziri Mkuu, Mawaziri, Makatibu Wakuu na Manaibu Makatibu Wakuu napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tutatimiza ahadi zetu tulizowaahidi na kamwe hatutawaangusha. Ninachoomba kutoka kwenu wazee wangu na Watanzania kwa ujumla mzidi kutuamini na kutuombea.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Tangu Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imeingia madarakani zimepita takriban siku mia moja. Mtakubaliana nami kuwa katika kipindi hicho, Serikali imechukua hatua mbalimbali za kuleta mabadiliko hapa nchini. Hatua hizo zimewagusa baadhi ya watu na kuwaumiza. Lakini napenda kuwahakikishia Watanzania wote kuwa hatua tulizozichukua na tunazoendelea kuzichukua ni za lazima kwa manufaa ya wananchi walio wengi.

Ninyi nyote mnafahamu kuwa nchi yetu hii sio masikini. Nchi yetu ina kila aina ya utajiri na neema. Tunayo ardhi ya kutosha, maji, misitu, madini nk. Kutokana na rasilimali tulizonazo, ni dhahiri kuwa hatupaswi kuwa na wanafunzi wanaokaa chini, wagonjwa kukosa vitanda, wananchi kukosa maji n.k. Lakini naomba mtambue kuwa tumefika hapa tulipo kwa sababu ya ubinafsi wa watu wachache wasio waaminifu na wabadhirifu wa rasilimali za nchi yetu. Rasilimali za nchi yetu zimekuwa zikitumiwa vibaya na watu wachache. Mifano ipo mingi, sio hapa Dar es Salaam tu bali sehemu nyingi nchini. Cha kusikitisha zaidi ni kwamba kwenye maeneo hayo wapo viongozi lakini hakuna hatua zinazochukuliwa.

Hivyo basi, napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imedhamiria kurekebisha hali hii. Hakuna mtu ambaye ametufikisha hapa tulipo atakayesalimika. Tutatumbua majipu yote na niseme tu kwa uhakika kabisa kuwa hatua hizi sio nguvu za soda bali zitakuwa ni endelevu. Ndio, ni lazima tuchukue hatua hizi.

Waasisi wa Taifa letu na ninyi wazee mkiongozwa na Baba wa Taifa Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere na Mzee Abeid Amani Karume, mlipigania kupatikana kwa uhuru wa nchi yetu. Hivyo, ni jukumu letu sisi wa kizazi cha sasa kuleta maendeleo kwa taifa letu.  Natoa wito kwa Watanzania wote kuendelea kuunga mkono juhudi zinazofanywa na Serikali za kutatua changamoto na kuleta maendeleo nchini mwetu.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kutokana na hatua tunazozichukua, tumeanza kupata mafanikio. Mafanikio hayo ni pamoja na kuimarisha ukusanyaji wa mapato kwa kudhibiti ukwepaji kodi. Mathalan, mwezi Novemba 2015 tulikusanya kiasi cha shilingi trilioni 1.3, mwezi Desemba 2015 shilingi trilioni 1.4 na mwezi Januari 2016 shilingi trilioni 1.06. Kabla ya hapo, wastani wa mapato yalikuwa yanakusanywa kwa mwezi ni shilingi bilioni 850. Kutokana na mapato kuongezeka, tumeanza kutekeleza miradi mbalimbali ya maendeleo na kuboresha huduma za jamii.

Tayari tumetoa kiasi cha shilingi bilioni 120 kwa ajili ya mradi wa wa umeme Kinyerezi II ambao unatekelezwa kwa ubia kati ya Serikali yetu na Japan. Serikali ya Japan inagharamia asilimia 85 ya mradi na nchi yetu ilitakiwa kuchangia asilimia 15. Serikali ya Japan ilikwisha toa kiasi cha Dola za Marekani milioni 292, hata hivyo, mradi huu ulikwama tangu mwaka 2012 kutokana na nchi yetu kushindwa kutoa mchango wa asilimia 15. Mradi huu ni muhimu na ukikamilika utaweza kuchangia takriban megawati 250 kwenye gridi ya taifa na hivyo kupunguza tatizo la umeme nchini. Utekelezaji wa mradi huu unatarajiwa kuanza wakati wowote mwezi ujao.

Sambamba na mradi huo wa umeme, hivi karibuni tunatarajia kuanza ujenzi wa miradi mbalimbali ya barabara hapa Dar es Salaam. Miradi hiyo ni pamoja na mradi wa Barabara za Juu (flyovers) ya TAZARA, ambao tutaweka jiwe la msingi mwezi Machi 2016. Miradi mingine ni pamoja na ujenzi wa Daraja kutoka Hospitali ya Aga Khan hadi Coco Beach; Barabara ya Rangi Tatu, ambayo Serikali ya Japan imekubali kufadhili, barabara ya interchange kwenye makutano ya Ubungo, ambayo Benki ya Dunia imekubali kutoa kiasi cha Dola za Marekani milioni 97. Aidha, katika kipindi hiki cha miaka mitano tunatarajia kukamilisha mradi mkubwa wa barabara ya njia sita kutoka Ubungo hadi Chalinze ambao utakuwa na flyovers saba. Sambamba na hilo, tumedhamiria kufufua shirika letu la ndege kwa kununua ndege mpya.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kuhusu uboreshaji wa huduma za jamii, Serikali imeanza kutekeleza ahadi yake ya kutoa elimu bila malipo kuanzia darasa la kwanza hadi kidato cha nne. Tunatoa kiasi cha Bilioni 18.77 kila mwezi ili kugharamia shughuli za uendeshaji, chakula cha wanafunzi wa shule za bweni, karo, fidia ya ada za mitihani na michango mingine iliyokuwepo.

Kutokana na uamuzi wa Serikali kutoa elimu bila malipo, takwimu za awali zinaonesha kuwa idadi ya uandikishaji wa wanafunzi wa darasa la kwanza mwaka huu umeongezeka maradufu. Hadi mwishoni mwa mwezi Januari, Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam pekee ulikuwa na ongezeko la wanafunzi takriban 10,129. Manispaa za Ilala na Temeke zimevuka lengo kwa kuandikisha wanafunzi wa darasa la kwanza. Ongezeko la idadi ya wanafunzi ni ishara kuwa ada na michango ilikuwa kikwazo kwa baadhi ya wazazi kuandikisha watoto wao elimu ya msingi. Hivyo, utaratibu huu wa kutoa elimu bila malipo umeleta unafuu mkubwa kwa wananchi wa kipato cha chini.

Wazee wangu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Jambo lolote zuri halikosi changamoto. Hivyo, kama alivyoeleza Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam hivi punde, utekelezaji wa elimu bila malipo umesababisha changamoto kadhaa, ikiwemo upungufu wa madawati na vyumba vya madarasa. Napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwahakikishia wazee wangu wa Dar es Salaam changamoto hizi zote zilizojitokeza tutazitatua. Nawapongeza viongozi wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam na wananchi wengine wote waliojitolea kwa hali na mali kushirikiana na Serikali katika kutatua changamoto za utoaji wa elimu bure.

Katika kuunga mkono jitahada zinazofanywa na viongozi wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, mimi na viongozi wenzangu tunaoishi hapa Dar es Salaam tumekubaliana kutoa kiasi cha shilingi milioni mia moja. Aidha, kwa mamlaka niliyo nayo ninaahidi kutoa kiasi cha shilingi bilioni mbili kwa ajili ya ujenzi wa shule hapa Dar es Salaam. Nawaagiza viongozi wa Mkoa kusimamia vizuri fedha hizo na zigawanywe kwenye wilaya zote za Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, zikiwemo Wilaya  mpya za Ubungo na Kigamboni.

Aidha, napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwahimiza viongozi wa Mikoa na Wilaya sehemu nyingine nchini kujipanga vizuri na kubuni mikakati ya kukabiliana na changamoto zilizopo. Uwezo wenu wa kukabiliana na changamoto hizi itakuwa ni kipimo tosha kufahamu kama mnatosha kwenye vyeo mnavyoshikilia. Lakini naomba kutoa angalizo kuwa, mikakati mtakayoibuni isilenge katika kuwalazimisha wananchi kuchangia. Michango iwe ya hiari kwa wale watakaoguswa.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Wazee wangu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Katika sekta ya afya, tumeimarisha utoaji huduma katika hospitali zetu kwa kuongeza upatikanaji wa madawa, kununua vifaa vya kisasa vya kuchunguza magonjwa kwenye hospitali zetu. Aidha, kwenye Hospitali ya Muhimbili tumenunua vitanda vipya. Lakini kama ilivyo kwenye sekta ya elimu, changamoto bado zipo.

Juzi nilifaya ziara ya ghafla kwenye Hospitali ya Muhimbili, hususan kwenye wodi ya akina mama ambapo nilikuta baadhi yao wakiwa wamelala chini. Kutokana na hali hiyo, nimeagiza, ikiwa ni moja ya hatua za muda mfupi, kwamba jengo lililokuwa Ofisi ya Kitengo cha Afya ya Uzazi na Mtoto litumike kwa ajili ya wodi ya kinamama. Aidha, naagiza kukamilishwa kwa haraka kwa ujenzi wa majengo mawili yaliyopo kwenye Hospitali ya Muhimbili. Moja ya majengo hayo ni lile linalojengwa na Kampuni ya Masasi Construction Co. Ltd kwa takriban miaka ishirini hivi sasa. Nimeagiza kuwa kama kinachokwamisha ujenzi ni fedha, basi zitafutwe haraka lakini kama tatizo ni mkandarasi, aondolewe mara moja.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Kabla sijahitimisha hotuba yangu napenda kutumia fursa hii kueleza masuala matatu yafuatayo. Jambo la kwanza, leo mnatupima utendaji kazi wetu katika kipindi cha siku mia moja. Lakini nadhani ingekuwa vizuri zaidi kama kila mmoja wetu angejipima na kujitathimini ameifanyia nini Tanzania katika kipindi hicho. Mkulima ajipime, na vivyo hivyo kwa mfanyakazi, mfugaji, mvuvi, mfanyabiashara. Tanzania ni yetu sote hivyo kila mmoja wetu anao wajibu wa kuijenga. Binafsi naamini kama sote tutafanya kazi kwa bidii na kwa uadilifu, nchi yetu itapata maendeleo tena kwa haraka.

Hivyo basi, napenda kutumia fursa hii kutoa wito kwa viongozi katika ngazi zote Serikalini kuwahimiza wananchi kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Kwa bahati nzuri mwaka huu nchi yetu imepata mvua za kutosha hivyo sitamwelewa kiongozi ambaye baada ya kipindi cha mvua kumalizika, kulalamika kuhusu ukosefu wa chakula kwenye eneo lake. Kiongozi wa namna hiyo atakuwa amedhihirisha kuwa hatoshi kwenye nafasi anayoishikilia.

Sambamba na hilo, napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwahimiza wananchi kote nchini kulipa kodi. Hakuna nchi imeweza kuendelea hapa duniani wakati wananchi wake wanakwepa kulipa kodi. Bila kulipa kodi, mipango yote ya maendeleo na Tanzania mpya tunayoitamani itakuwa vigumu kuifikia. Niliahidi wakati wa Kampeni kuwa Serikali itatoa pensheni kwa wazee nchini, lakini azma hii nzuri itakuwa vigumu kuitekeleza endapo hatutafanya kazi kwa bidii na kulipa kodi. Hivyo, natoa wito kwa wananchi kudai risiti kila wanaponunua bidhaa mbalimbali. Kwa kufanya hivyo, mtakuwa mmeshiriki kwenye ujenzi wa nchi yetu.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Jambo la pili ni kuhusu Mipango yetu ya Maendeleo ya Miaka Mitano. Azma kuu ya Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano ni kujenga uchumi wa viwanda ili kuchochea mageuzi ya kiuchumi na maendeleo ya wananchi. Viwanda tunavyolenga ni vile vinavyotumia malighafi zinazopatikana kwa wingi hapa nchini; vyenye kutumia teknolojia ya kati na nguvu kazi kubwa; na ambavyo bidhaa zake zitatumika kwa wingi hapa nchini.

Tayari tumeanza kuandaa mazingira wezeshi ya kufanikisha mipango hii yote kutekelezwa. Napenda kuwahimiza wafanyabiashara wote, hususan wafanyabiashara wa Kitanzania kutumia fursa zilizopo nchini kwa kushiriki kwenye ujenzi wa uchumi wa nchi yetu. Serikali ya awamu ya Tano itashirikiana nanyi kwa kuwa tunatambua Tanzania itajengwa na Watanzania wenyewe.

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Jambo la tatu na la mwisho linahusu kufutwa kwa matokeo ya uchaguzi wa Zanzibar. Kama mnavyofahamu, kwa mujibu wa Katiba ya Zanzibar na pia kulingana taratibu za utawala bora na wa kidemokrasia duniani kote, Tume ya Uchaguzi wa Zanzibar (ZEC) ni chombo huru. Hakuna mtu au taasisi yoyote yenye mamlaka ya kuingilia maamuzi ya ZEC. Hivi karibuni, kumekuwa na wito kutoka kwa watu mbalimbali kunitaka ningilie kati suala la uchaguzi wa Zanzibar. Mimi nimekataa kwa kuwa naheshimu sheria.

Naamini kuwa kama yupo mtu hakubaliani na maamuzi yaliyochukuliwa na ZEC, anapaswa kupeleka malalamiko yake Mahakamani ili kupata tafsiri sahihi ya sheria. Hivyo basi, narudia tena kuwa sitaingilia suala la Uchaguzi wa Zanzibar. Jukumu langu kubwa nikiwa Amiri Jeshi Mkuu ni kuhakikisha Zanzibar ipo salama na nchi yetu kwa ujumla inakuwa na amani. Nitasimamia jukumu hilo ipasavyo. Yeyote atakayefanya vitendo vya uvunjifu wa amani na usalama ajue kuwa vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama, vitamshughulikia.  

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti;

Wahsehimiwa Viongozi mliopo;

Wazee wangu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam;

Mabibi na Mabwana;

Napenda kuhitimisha hotuba yangu kwa kurudia ahadi yangu kuwa Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano imedhamira kuleta maendeleo kwa nchi yetu. Tumeazimia kutumia vizuri rasilimali tulizonazo ili kuondokana na changamoto zinazokabili nchi yetu, ikiwemo tatizo la umasikini kwa wananchi wetu. Natambua changamoto bado zipo nyingi lakini nawaahidi kuwa tutashirikiana kwa pamoja kuzitatua. Hapa Dar es Salaam pia kuna changamoto kadhaa, ikiwemo kivuko cha Kigamboni. Lakini nimefarijika kuwa Daraja la Kigamboni sasa limekamilika na litazinduliwa muda mfupi ujao.

Mwisho lakini sio kwa umuhimu, navishukuru vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama kwa kulinda mipaka yetu na kudumisha usalama wa raia na mali zao. Aidha, nawashukuru viongozi wa dini kwa kuendelea kuliombea taifa letu na hivyo kubaki katika amani. Navipongeza pia vyombo vya habari kwa kazi kubwa mnayoifanya ya kuhabarisha Watanzania kuhusu hatua mbalimbali ambazo Serikali inachukua. Hivyo ndivyo inapaswa kuwa badala ya kila wakati kujikita katika kuikosoa Serikali. Sisi tupo tayari kukosolewa na kupokea maoni yenu lakini katika kukosoa ni vyema tukakumbuka kuwa nchi hii ni yetu sote hivyo lolote litakalotokea litatuathiri sisi sote.

Mungu Wabariki Wazee wa Dar es Salaam

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania

“Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza”.

Honourable Dr. Suzan Kolimba, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and

International Cooperation,

Your Excellency Idzai Chimonyo, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Acting Dean of the

Diplomatic Corps,

Ambassador Ramadhan Mwinyi, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Cooperation

Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Com- misioners,

Excellencies, Heads of International Organizations, Other Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests,?Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcoming Remarks

 I am pleased to welcome you all to the State House this evening. I am very delighted, as it is my first time to host such an auspicious occasion as the 5th President of the United Republic of Tanzania. At the outset, I would like to thank God for his blessings throughout the year 2015, and for granting us this opportunity to meet today as we celebrate the New Year 2016.

Allow me belatedly, to extend to your Excellencies, your families, staff and leaders my warmest wishes for the New Year 2016. I know you are just back from the holiday season, in the months of December and January, I thank you for taking your time to attend this occasion. It is my great pleasure to welcome you together to the State House. Your presence here today of almost all of the envoys accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms the good relations with your countries and the Organisations that you represent.

Excellencies, let me also convey through you my warm greetings and gratitude to your respective Heads of State and Government as well as Heads of Regional and International Organisations for the warm congratulatory messages that I have been receiving from them on my assumption of office. Although I have replied to them, through you I wish to once again reassure them of my friendship and cooperation of my Government and I look forward to continued cordial relations and partnership among our governments and citizens.On the occasion of this traditional diplomatic gathering, the President gets an opportunity to share with you some highlights of what transpired in the nation in the previous year, and to look forward on some of our priorities in the coming year. It is not yet too late in the month of February to restate our goals and marshal our energies and resources for achieving them.

Domestic Situation

Excellencies, as you all know, in October 2015 we held General Elections; and as witnessed by various observer groups, they were conducted in a fair, free and peaceful manner. The campaigns were intense, highly competitive yet peacefully conducted. There was a high voters turnout compared to previous elections with a visible participation of Women and young and new voters. Moreover, the tallying process was transparent assisted by the use of electronic means. The handing over of the administration for the fifth time in a row, was orderly and peaceful. This is a clear demonstration that Tanzania ’s democracy continues to grow and mature consistent with the unity, peace and stability of our country. At this point, I would like on behalf of the government to thank all those who supported us during the entire electoral process including the international observers who monitored the elections and affirmed its outcome on mainland Tanzania. Now that elections are over in the Mainland, it is time to work, as it was my motto during the election campaigns and now of my administration, “Its time to Work, Nothing Else” (Hapa Kazi Tu!). New governments come with new strengths, new thoughts, and new zeal and new zest. I count on your support in my efforts to transform and revi- talize the integrity of the government, respect of human rights, good performance and sustainable socio-economic change for the benefit of all Tanzanians. I should also at this forum reiterate Tanzania’s resolve to fight do- mestically and globally against international terrorism, drug and human trafficking as well as the spread of small arms and light weapons. We appeal to our partners to as- sist us especially in the areas of information sharing, ca- pacity building and technical support in these challenging areas.

Excellencies, I am sure most of you are expecting me also to speak about the difficult election outcomes in the Isles of Zanzibar. I do not have to remind you that although the United Republic of Tanzania is one country, Zanzibar has its own political system and tradition. It has its own constitution, government and an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission annulled the election results in Zanzibar following gross irregularities especially in Pemba. A new date has been set for fresh elections in accordance with the Zanzibar constitutional requirements. Dialogues has been going on since November 2015 among the main political parties without reaching a consensus on how to resolve the disputed election outcomes. The main opposition party is claiming unilateral victory from the October elections while the ruling party and other parties see the need for another round of elections.

Excellencies, in this situation, it is common political wisdom that such a political impasse or a non participation in the elections does not auger well for the peace and stability of Zanzibar. The door is still open for the dialogue on how to make the forthcoming elections free, fair and transparent according to internationally acceptable democratic practices. Refusal to participate in the elections is to reject an olive branch for compromise from the government and recipe for protracted political antagonism in the next five years. We urge, as the majority of Tanzanians do, for the opposition to validate their claims through the ballot box. There is no better way of resolving this impasse than through another round of free, fair and transparent elections. We hope all genuine friends of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole will support this option. Meanwhile, peace and tranquility is prevailing in Zanzibar. The peaceful status quo in Tanzania is too precious to be disturbed. It is not too late to find an agreeable solution in Zanzibar.

Excellencies, it would be remiss if I do not register my gratitudes to my predecessor, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kik- wete, for handing over to me a very stable country in all aspects with friends like you from all corners of the globe. Through his able leadership and of Chama cha Mapinduzi, the past five years has seen our economy growing at the average of 7 percent and we have witnessed encouraging progress in many socio economic sectors. We could not have done it by ourselves without your support. We appre- ciate your contribution. Please continue supporting and working with us particularly now that we have a very ambitious development plans for the betterment of all Tanzanians especially those lower echelons of soci- ety.

Excellencies, despite recorded achievements, we are still facing major hindrances on our way to achieving a prosperous Tanzania. Poverty, unemployment and corruption have remained to be among the major challenges confronting us. We are striving hard to over- come these challenges because we know that our vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2025 will not be reached if we do not address them compre- hensively. In our efforts to address these chal- lenges, among other things, we are working to reduce bu- reaucratic red tape and accelerate implementation of Gov- ernment’s decisions. We are also making efforts to re- duce Government spending; promote discipline, ac- countability and transparency in the Government and the public sector as a whole starting with revenue collec- tion as you have seen. We envision a corrupt free Tanzania and this can only succeed by working together at both national and international levels. We must fight both demand and supply side of corruption. On this note, I take this opportunity to appreciate and applaud the Government of the United Kingdom for taking the lead by returning the money taken corruptly from our country. It is only through such a genuine cooperation, commitment and partnership that we will be able to eliminate corruption in our countries.?

Excellencies, our emphasis in these five years is on ap- propriate industrial development. And again, to achieve this goal we are looking forward to working with you, our Development Partners, the private sector and other important stakeholders. My Government will continue to create a conducive environment for investors both from inside and outside the country. Help us to identify areas and gaps which need to be addressed in order create a more friendly investor climate in Tanzania. This will in turn accelerate economic growth of the country, reduce poverty, increase standard of living of our people and generate employment for Tanzanians, especially the youth.

Excellencies, my Government is also working to improve other key economic sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and energy. Power generation, rural electrification and development of the central railway corridor will be among our major priorities. In terms of education, we have already embarked on providing free education for all from primary to secondary level. As I speak, we have already started to implement this and we will strive to extend it to other levels in coming years.

Excellencies, wildlife and forest conservation will receive urgent attention in the face of the alarming destruction of our wildlife and forests. We want to live up to our obliga- tion as custodians of wild heritage of our beautiful national parks and other historical and cultural attractions. Let me at this point again pay my deep condolences to the British Helicopter Pilot Roger Gower who tragically lost his life in Northern Tanzania while working with Tanzania’s authorities in the fights against illegal poaching of elephants in our national parks and game reserves. His life should not be lost in vein, I call upon all friends of Tanzania to join us in this war to save the BIG FIVE and other rare fauna and flora in the wilderness of Tanzania.

Regional Cooperation

Excellencies, my Administration will continue to build on the foundation of good relations laid down by my predecessors based on, among others, our Foreign Policy of good neighbourliness. Tanzania will continue to be committed to the regional bodies, and we will work with other members to uphold and advance the principles of the East African Community (EAC); the Southern African Development Community (SADC); the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR); as well as the African Union (AU). Undoubtedly, you have all been witnesses of our foreign policy being put in practice by assisting our neighbours in conflict resolutions as well as hosting refugees and asylum seekers. We will cooperate with fellow member countries to maintain peace, security, stability and development in our respective Regions. 

Excellencies, now that we are embarking on industrial economy, we will endeavour to take advantage of the regional markets. My Government will intensify sensitization programmes to create awareness among the private sector and thus increase growth while stimulate production and businesses. We will continue to commit to the implementation of already concluded protocols in the region such as Free trade, Customs Union and Common Market.

Excellencies; as the current Chair of the East African Community, we have had to deal with the evolving political situation in Burundi, which is a concern not only to Tan- zania, but also to the Region, the whole continent and peace loving citizens of the world. Tanzania will continue to work closely with all stakeholders in searching for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Burundi crisis. We are of the view that in order to achieve sustainable peace and security in Burundi, inclusive dialogue is the only solution. Tanzania has reservations the use of force at this stage in dealing with the current political crisis without the consent of Burundi. We are at the same time encouraging dialogue between Burundi and the African Union because Burundi has genuine security concerns which require support from the Arican Union and the international community. It is in this spirit that we applaud the concerted efforts by H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda who on behalf of the East African Community is a mediator of this conflict. We are concerned that a festering political crisis in Burundi will exacerbate an already difficult economic situation in Burundi which can easily lead to institutional stress with dire security consequences in Burundi and the region as a whole. International Cooperation

Excellencies, 2015 was a very eventful year for the international community. Among other events, we celebrated 7 decades of our noble organisation the United Nations. In the same year, we also winded up the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which Tanzania achieved four of them and subsequently, led to the adoption of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Excellencies, Tanzania will continue to participate in the United Nations and African Union peace keeping operations as her contribution to the maintenance of international and regional peace and security. Tanzania has a long history of generous hosting of Refugees long before independence. We pledge to respect this international humanitarian obligation. We appeal for equally generous international burden sharing on this issue especially as refugee hosting comes with numerous demographic, environmental, economic and social challenges to the countries of asylum like Tanzania. As you may recall, in December 2015 the global leaders adopted a historic agreement- The Paris Agreement, in Paris. This Agreement will take over from the Kyoto Protocol in 2020 and will decide the future of our Planet.

We, as Member Countries must ensure that we adhere to these agreements. There has to be a close follow-up and review mechanism of these new global Agreements and Goals so as to be sure of their successful implementation. My Government has plans in place to ensure that this takes place effectively. But we know that we cannot achieve any of these without our joint efforts, we therefore once again urge for your cooperation and necessary sup- port in these endeavours.

Conclusion

Excellencies, before I conclude, I would like to emphasise the role of women in development of the country and Tan- zania will continue to do its best so that women continue to be part and parcel of our development endeavours. We have shown this by electing our first ever-female Vice President, H.E. Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan. My Government will also continue to empower each Tanzan- ian so that no one will be left behind as pledged in the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. In the same vein, every individual has to play their role in ensuring that we achieve our goals.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the year 2016, I promise you my Government’s full cooperation and I look forward to working with you.

I thank you.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Niko hapa leo kutimiza matakwa ya Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Ibara ya 91 Ibara ndogo ya kwanza inayonitaka kulihutubia na kulifungua rasmi Bunge hili. Naomba nimshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kutujalia uzima na afya njema, na kutuwezesha kuwepo hapa siku ya leo. Aidha nitumie fursa hii kuwakumbuka wenzetu ambao, kwa namna na nafasi mbalimbali, walishiriki katika mchakato wa uchaguzi huu na kwa bahati mbaya walipoteza maisha yao kabla ya mchakato haujakamilika. Kwa hao wote waliotangulia mbele za haki ninamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu azirehemu roho zao na awape pumziko la amani. Nitumie nafasi hii kuwapa pole ndugu na jamaa ambao ndugu zao walifariki na wengine kupata ulemavu wakati wa mchakato wa uchaguzi huu.

Pia natoa pongezi kwako wewe Mheshimiwa Spika, Job Ndugai na Mheshimiwa Naibu Spika, Dkt. Ackson Tulia kwa kuchaguliwa kwenu kuongoza Bunge letu la 11. Waheshimiwa Wabunge wamewapa imani yao, na mimi kwa nafasi yangu nawahakikishia imani na matumaini yangu makubwa kwenu. Sina shaka Mheshimiwa Spika, chini ya uongozi wako Bunge letu limepata kiongozi mahiri, makini na mweledi.

Aidha, niwapongeze Wabunge wote kwa kuchaguliwa kuwa wabunge wa Bunge hili la 11. Aidha, nitumie nafasi hii kuwapongeza wale wote waliochaguliwa katika nafasi za udiwani katika kata mbalimbali kote nchini. Natoa pongezi hizi kwa dhati kabisa kabisa kwa sababu kuu mbili:

• Kwanza, ni kwa sababu ushindani katika uchaguzi wa mwaka huu ulikuwa ni mkubwa sana kuanzia ndani ya vyama vyetu na baadae katika Uchaguzi Mkuu uliohusisha na kushindanisha wagombea toka vyama tofauti.
• Pili, nawapongeza kwa sababu wananchi wamewapa imani na ridhaa ya kuwawakilisha katika kipindi ambacho matarajio yao kwa Awamu ya Tano ya uongozi wa nchi yetu ni makubwa sana. Watatupima kwa namna tutakavyokidhi kiu na matarajio yao. Sote tuliahidi kuwatumikia wananchi, na kutokana na utumishi wetu kwao tuweze kutatua matatizo yao mbalimbali, na kuongoza mabadiliko makubwa ya kiutendaji, usimamizi wa matumizi ya mali za umma na rasilimali za taifa, na ugawaji wa rasilimali hizo kwa haki. Mimi na Mheshimiwa Samia Suluhu, Makamu wa Rais tuliwaahidi wananchi kuwa tutawatumikia na tutahakikisha kuwa katika utumishi wetu tutawajali wananchi wote, lakini zaidi wananchi wa kawaida. Naamini wenzangu pia ndicho mlichoahidi na daima tukumbuke kuwa kazi zetu na mipango yetu yote tutakayoipanga na kuisimamia italenga katika kuwanufaisha watu wetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;                             

Niwahakikishie tu wananchi kuwa mambo tuliyowaahidi tutayatekeleza. Sikusudii kurejea mambo yote niliyoahidi katika hotuba yangu hii ya leo, lakini nataka niwatoe wasiwasi kabisa kwamba tuliyoahidi tumeahidi na ahadi ni deni. Nataka Wananchi mniamini kuwa sikutoa ahadi ili tu mnipigie kura, niliahidi kuwatumikia na kuwafanyia kazi, na hicho ndicho nitakachofanya. Ni imani yangu kwamba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Madiwani pia watafanya hivyo hivyo kama tutakavyofanya sisi.

Napenda pia kutoa shukrani zangu za dhati kabisa kwa Watanzania wote. Tulijiandikisha kwa wingi sana kwa ajili ya kupiga kura, tulishiriki na kufuatilia kwa karibu sana kampeni za uchaguzi, na tukajitokeza kwa wingi siku ya kupiga kura. Kinyume na ilivyotabiriwa na wasio tutakia mema hakuna siku iliyokuwa na utulivu mkubwa na amani kama siku ya tarehe 25 Oktoba tulivyokwenda kupiga kura. Hata baada ya matokeo kuanza kutangazwa tulionyesha utulivu mkubwa, na hata pale ambapo matokeo yalipotangazwa na yakawa sivyo baadhi yetu walivyoyatarajia bado tuliyapokea kwa hali ya utulivu na uungwana mkubwa.

Wale waliotarajia kuwa tutafarakana wameondoka wakiwa wamefadhaika sana huku wakijiuliza hivi hawa Watanzania ni Waafrika wa namna gani. Ndugu zangu Watanzania, kwa mara nyingine tena tumedhihirisha, kwetu sisi wenyewe, kwa Afrika na dunia, kwamba sisi ni kisiwa cha Amani katika bahari iliyochafuka. Tunayo haja ya kujipongeza na kujiwekea nadhiri kuwa tuaendelea kuidumisha hali hii na kuilinda amani ya nchi yetu. Ombi langu kwa vyama vya siasa, wanasiasa wa vyama vyote na viongozi wa dini ni kutimiza wajibu wetu wa kuilea amani ya nchi yetu.

Aidha, napenda niungane na ninyi pamoja na Watanzania wote kuvipongeza vyombo vyetu vya Ulinzi na Usalama (Jeshi la Wananchi Tanzania (JWTZ), Polisi, Magereza, Uhamiaji na Usalama wa Taifa pamoja na mgambo) kwa jinsi walivyoshiriki katika kuhakikisha nchi yetu inaendelea kuwa salama katika kipindi chote cha uchaguzi. 

Nawapongeza pia Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi kwa namna walivyosimamia zoezi zima la uchaguzi toka hatua za awali za kujiandikisha hadi siku ya kupiga kura na kutangaza matokeo. Mmetimiza wajibu wenu kwa weledi na umahiri mkubwa katika mazingira magumu na yenye changamoto nyingi. Hongereni, hongereni sana!

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Naomba kwa namna ya pekee, niwashukuru viongozi wakuu wa nchi yetu walionitangulia kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri walioifanyia nchi yetu. Natambua mchango wa Waasisi wa taifa letu, Mwalimu Nyerere na Mzee Karume kwa kujenga misingi imara wa umoja, mshikamano na amani ya nchi yetu. Mzee Mwinyi (Mzee Ruksa) kwa kuleta mabadiliko ya kiuchumi na kisiasa na kuijenga misingi yake. Mzee Mkapa (Mzee wa Ukweli na Uwazi) kwa kupanua na kuimarisha misingi ya uchumi na siasa ya nchi yetu. Mzee Kikwete (Mzee wa Maisha Bora) kwa kuendeleza misingi hiyo na kupanua fursa mbalimbali kwa wananchi kujiletea maendeleo yao. Wamefanya kazi kubwa. Nawashukuru sana na ninawatakia uzee mwema na maisha marefu ili tuzidi kuchuma busara zao.

Mhishimiwa Spika;

Tumeingia kwenye uchaguzi wamoja, tumeshindana katika kampeni tukiwa wamoja, na tumemaliza uchaguzi wetu tukiwa wamoja. Nataka niwahakikishie Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania kwa ujumla kwamba Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaendelea kulinda kwa nguvu na uwezo wote Tunu hizi za Umoja na Amani. Hatutakuwa na simile kwa mtu au kikundi chochote ambacho kitataka kuvuruga umoja na amani yetu kwa misingi ya udini, rangi, ukabila, vyama au ukanda.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

       Wakati wa kampeni, yako maeneo yaliyojitokeza kwa kulalamikiwa sana na wananchi. Ningependa niyataje baadhi ya maeneo yaliyolalamikiwa, maeneo hayo ni pamoja na:

• Rushwa - Suala la rushwa limelalamikiwa sana takriban katika maeneo yote yanayogusa wananchi.
• TAMISEMI - Upotevu wa mapato, kushindwa kukusanya kodi, ubadhirifu, matumizi mabaya ya fedha na utekelezaji wa baadhi ya miradi chini ya viwango, wizi, uzembe, n.k.;
• Ardhi – Migogoro ya wakulima na wafugaji, viwanja, kuhodhi maeneo bila kuyaendeleza, mipango miji, kujenga maeneo ya wazi, n.k.;
• Bandari - Rushwa, wizi, ubadhirifu na urasimu;
• Maji – Kiwango cha chini cha upatikanaji wa maji safi na salama, huduma ya maji kupatikana mbali na makazi, n.k.;
• TRA - Ukwepaji kodi, rushwa, ubadhirifu, urasimu na upotevu wa mapato kwa kushindwa kukusanya kodi hasa kodi zinazotakiwa kulipwa na wafanyabishara wakubwa;
• TANESCO - Kukatika kwa umeme mara kwa mara na uwepo wa umeme wa mgao;
• Maliasili na Utalii - Ujangili ambao lazima Idara husika inashiriki, Migogoro ya mipaka kati ya vijiji na Hifadhi, Upotevu wa mapato, n.k.;
• Huduma za Afya (Hospitali) - Huduma kuwa mbali na wahitaji, Ukosefu wa madawa, hujuma kwenye vifaa vya vipimo, msongamano wa wagonjwa na tozo zisizostahili, lugha mbaya za watumishi kwa wagonjwa, uhaba wa majengo, vitendea kazi, rasilimali watu na fedha, kushindwa kukusanya mapato yanayowahusu, n.k.;
• Uhamiaji na Ajira - Kutoa hovyo hati za uraia, Vibali vya kuishi nchini kwa wageni, Kushindwa kusimamia ajira za wageni hususan kwa kazi zinazoweza kufanywa na wazawa, n.k.;
• Elimu - Uhaba wa vifaa vya kujifunzia na kufundishia, michango mingi isiyo ya lazima, malalamiko ya walimu yasiyoisha, mazingira ya kusomea ikiwa ni pamoja na majengo, Madawati, Ukosefu wa nyumba za walimu, n.k.;
• Polisi - Malalamiko ya wananchi kubambikiwa kesi, upendeleo, Madai ya askari, Ukosefu wa nyumba za askari, Ukosefu wa vitendea kazi vya kisasa, n.k.;
• Zimamoto – Kuchelewa kufika kwenye matukio, kufika kwenye matukio bila vitendea kazi kama maji, n.k.;
• Mizani – kucheleweshwa kwa magari yanayosafiri;
• Mahakama - Natambua jitihada za Mahakama katika kushughulikia swala la mrundikano wa kesi. Hata hivyo, bado kumekuwa na malalamiko mengi juu ya ucheleweshaji wa kesi.
• Madini – Wenyeji kutofaidika, Vilio vya wachimbaji wadogowadogo kutengewa maeneo ya uchimbaji na kupatiwa mikopo, kutolipa kodi stahiki, usumbufu kulipa fidia, n.k;
• Kilimo na Mifugo – Uhaba wa pembejeo za mifugo na kilimo, Tatizo la masoko, Kukopwa mazao ya wakulima, Ukosefu wa Wataalamu wa Ugani, Upungufu wa Maghala, Mabwawa, Malambo, Majosho, n.k.;
• Uvuvi – Vifaa duni na masoko, Uvuvi haramu, Uwekezaji mdogo katika Sekta ya Uvuvi hususan viwanda vya mazao ya uvuvi n.k., na hasa katika ukanda wetu wa bahari;
• Reli – Uchakavu wa miundombinu ya nchi, Kutokuwepo kwa usafiri wa uhakika wa reli, upungufu wa bandari kavu, Mizigo mingi kusafirishwa kwa barabara, n.k.;
• ATC – Shirika la Ndege lipo, Wafanyakazi wapo zaidi ya 200, na wanalipwa mishahara ila ndege ni moja (1);
• Makundi Maalum – Haki za wazee, Walemavu, Wanawake na watoto zimekuwa zikikiukwa;
• Wafanyakazi, Wasanii na Wanamichezo – Mzigo wa kodi kwa wafanyakazi, Haki na maslahi yao, n.k.;

Kero hizi tutazishughulikia kwa nguvu zetu zote. Wizara, Ofisi na Taasisi husika zijipange ipasavyo kutatua kero hizi. Nimetaja baadhi ya kero hizi ili nanyi Waheshimiwa Wabunge mzitambue na mshirikiane na Serikali na wadau wengine tuzitatue haraka.

Pamoja na kero hizo tutashughulikia pia mambo yafuatayo.

Kuimarisha Muungano

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nilipoapa kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, niliapa kuulinda Muungano wa nchi yetu. Hata bila kiapo, mimi ni muumini wa dhati wa Muungano wetu wa kipekee, uliounganisha nchi mbili zilizokuwa huru za Jamhuri ya Tanganyika na Jamhuri ya Watu wa Zanzibar, tena kwa hiari na kwa wino wa kalamu, na si mtutu kama miungano mingine duniani. Naamini kwa dhati ya moyo wangu kuwa Muungano wetu ndio umoja wetu, amani yetu na salama yetu. Ninayo kila sababu ya kuulinda na kuuenzi Muungano wetu adhimu na adimu. Ni azma yangu kuwaona wananchi wa Zanzibar na Bara wakifurahia matunda ya Muungano wetu badala ya kuwa kikwazo kwa ustawi wao na ustawi wa nchi yetu.

Aidha, kwa kushirikiana na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na wadau wa siasa hususan vyama vya CUF na CCM tutahakikisha kuwa majaribu ya kisiasa yanayoikabili Zanzibar yanamalizika kwa salama na amani. Tunamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu atujalie busara na hekima tumalize kwa utulivu na amani.

Serikali nitakayoiunda itafanya kila lililo ndani ya uwezo wake kuendelea kuimarisha Muungano wetu. Nina faraja kuwa Mheshimiwa Samia Suluhu, Makamu wa Rais anao uzoefu mkubwa kutokana na nafasi yake ya awali ya Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais anayeshughulikia Muungano, na pia akiwa Makamu Mwenyekiti wa Bunge la Katiba. Mimi pamoja na Makamu wa Rais, Mama Samia Suluhu na Rais wa Zanzibar, Dkt. Ali Mohamed Shein tutahakikisha tunasimamia na kuimarisha Muungano wetu.

Kuimarisha Mihimili ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaheshimu na kuendeleza utamaduni mzuri uliojengeka nchini wa kuheshimu mihimili ya dola. Tutafanya hivyo kwa kuhakikisha kuwa mihimili yetu ya Bunge na Mahakama inapata fedha za kutosha kuendesha shughuli zake kwa uhuru kupitia Mfuko wa Bunge na Mfuko wa Mahakama. Kwa upande wa Bunge, tutahakikisha fedha za Mfuko wa Maendeleo ya Jimbo zinapatikana kwa wakati ili Waheshimiwa Wabunge mkashirikiane na wananchi wenu kusukuma maendeleo. Kwa upande wa Mahakama, tutalipa uzito mkubwa suala la uboreshaji wa Mahakama kwa kusogeza huduma za Mahakama karibu na wananchi, kuongeza kasi ya utoaji haki na kuboresha maslahi ya watumishi wa Mahakama zetu.

Mchakato wa Katiba

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali yangu imepokea kiporo cha mchakato wa Katiba ambao haukuweza kukamilika katika Awamu iliyopita kutokana na kutokukamilika kwa wakati kwa zoezi la uandikishaji wapiga kura. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tunatambua na kuthamini kazi kubwa ya kizalendo iliyofanywa na wananchi walioshiriki hatua ya awali ya ukusanyaji wa maoni kuhusu Katiba mpya, Tume ya Marekebisho ya Katiba na Bunge la Katiba lililotupatia Katiba Inayopendekezwa. Tutatekeleza wajibu wetu kama ulivyoainishwa katika Sheria ya Marekebisho ya Katiba. 

Uchumi na Matarajio ya Wananchi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano inaingia madarakani kukiwa na msingi imara wa kiuchumi uliojengwa katika Awamu inayomaliza muda wake. Uchumi wa nchi yetu umekuwa ukiimarika na kukua wastani wa asilimia 7. Katika kipindi hicho fursa mbalimbali za kiuchumi zilizopo nchini mwetu zimezidi kufunguliwa. Hii ni kutokana na jitihada zilizofanywa na Serikali za Awamu zilizopita za kujenga miundombinu ya kiuchumi kama vile barabara, uimarishaji wa bandari, uimarishaji wa reli, na ukuzaji wa sekta za mawasiliano ya simu na mitandao, ukuzaji na uongezaji wa uwezo wetu wa kuzalisha na kusambaza umeme.

Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tutaendeleza na kuimarisha ujenzi wa miundombinu mipya na kuiimarisha iliyopo ili kuvutia na kushawishi wawekezaji wa ndani na wa nje.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nasema hivi kwa sababu miongoni mwa ahadi tulizowaahidi Watanzania ni kuendeleza ujenzi wa barabara mbalimbali za kuunganisha miji yetu mikuu ya mikoa na wilaya; barabara ziendazo kwenye maeneo muhimu ya kimkakati na kiuchumi; na upanuaji wa barabara za miji kama Dar es Salaam kwa kujenga flyovers, barabara za pete (ring roads), n.k. Uboreshaji wa barabara na njia nyingine za uchukuzi na usafirishaji kuingia na kutoka Dar es Salaam ni muhimu sana kwa sababu bandari ya Dar es salaam ni lango kuu la biashara kwa nchi yetu na nchi jirani.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Katika jitihada hizo hizo za kuboresha na kuimarisha miundombinu ya kiuchumi Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano, katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo itaelekeza nguvu zake katika ujenzi wa reli mpya katika kiwango cha kimataifa (yaani standard gauge). Reli ambazo tunakusudia zianze kujengwa ni:

• Dar es Salaam – Tabora – Kigoma/Mwanza
• Uvinza – Msongati (Burundi) na Isaka – Kigali (Rwanda)
• Mtwara – Songea – Mbamba Bay na matawi ya kwenda Mchuchuma na Liganga;
• Tanga – Arusha – Musoma
• Kaliua – Mpanda – Karema

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nchi yetu pia imejaliwa kuwa na madini na maliasili nyingi. Ugunduzi wa gesi asilia umeongeza matumaini ya watu wetu wengi juu ya uwezo wetu wa kiuchumi katika miaka ijayo. Serikali itahakikisha kwamba madini na maliasili zetu zinatumika kwa manufaa ya Taifa letu kwa kusimamia Sheria na Taratibu zilizopo. Aidha, napenda kuipongeza kwa dhati kabisa Serikali ya Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete na Bunge la 10 kwa kupitisha Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mapato ya Mafuta na Gesi yaani The Oil and Gas Revenues Management Act, 2015. Serikali yangu itasimamia utekelezaji wa sheria hiyo kwa uaminifu na umakini mkubwa.

Ujenzi wa Viwanda

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaweka mkazo mkubwa katika ujenzi wa Viwanda. Natambua kwamba sekta binafsi ndiyo muhimili mkubwa wa kujenga uchumi wa viwanda. Hatuna njia nyingine kama kweli tunataka kujenga msingi wa uchumi endelevu katika nchi yetu utakaopaisha uchumi na maisha ya watu wetu. Dira ya Maendeleo ya 2025 inatutaka tuwe nchi ya watu wenye kipato cha kati. Tunaweza tukafika huko, na dalili zipo, lakini pia tunaweza tukafika huko kitakwimu tu wakati ukweli na uhalisia wa mambo ni tofauti. Utofauti ninaouzungumzia ni pale takwimu zitakapoonyesha kwamba sisi ni nchi ya kipato cha kati wakati mapato halisi na hali za maisha ya watu wengi hazifanani na takwimu hizo. Tamaa yangu na kwa kweli jitihada za Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano, zitakuwa katika ujenzi wa uchumi wa kipato cha kati ambapo sura na maisha ya Watanzania walio wengi yafanane fanane na nchi ya kipato cha kati. Njia moja ya kutufikisha huko ni uendelezaji wa viwanda.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tutahakikisha suala la viwanda linasimamiwa vizuri na tunafanikiwa. Matarajio yangu ni kuwa Bunge lako Tukufu litatuunga mkono mimi na Serikali nitakayoiunda katika kufikia lengo hili.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kama nilivyosema wakati wa Kampeni, na nataka nirudie hapa, tutaanza na viwanda vilivyopo na kuhakikisha vinafanya kazi. Wale wote ambao walibinafsishiwa viwanda vilivyokuwa vya umma kwa makubaliano kwamba wataviendeleza niliwataka wafanye hivyo mapema. Na hapa nataka nisisitize wito wangu huo kwao. Najua huko nyuma ufuatiliaji na usimamizi wa utekelezaji wa mikataba ya aina hiyo umekuwa ukilegalega na watu wamejifanyia mambo watakavyo. Wapo walioacha kabisa uzalishaji na kufumua hata mitambo ya uzalishaji. Mimi niliahidi, na nataka niseme hapa kwa wazi kabisa, kwamba wale waliobinafsishiwa viwanda hivyo waanze kazi, waanze kazi mara moja. Wakishindwa basi tutavitwaa viwanda hivyo kwa kuzingatia sheria na taratibu za nchi na kuwapa watu wengine wenye nia ya kuviendeleza. Hatuwezi kuwa na watu wanajiita wawekezaji tunawapa viwanda vyetu halafu wanaviatamia tu. Mimi hilo sitalikubali na wala sitalivumilia. Nimeielekeza Ofisi ya Msajili wa Hazina kuanza kushughulikia suala hili mara moja. Naomba Bunge lako lituunge mkono.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Njia ya pili ya kuendeleza viwanda ni kuhimiza na kushawishi wawekezaji kuwekeza katika maeneo mbalimbali ya nchi yetu. Kama nilivyoeleza miundombinu ya kufanya hivyo tayari ipo na baada ya muda itakuwa bora zaidi. Najua wapo watu wanaotaka kuwekeza Tanzania sasa, katika viwanda, na wamekuwepo hata miaka ya nyuma kidogo, lakini wakati mwingine sisi humu humu – tukiwemo sisi viongozi kwa kushirikiana na wafanyabiashara matapeli na laghai – tumehujumu mipango na shauku ya wawekezaji wa nanma hiyo. Pamoja na shauku na utayari wao wa kuwekeza Tanzania tumewawekea vikwazo na kuwapiga vita na hivyo kuwalazimisha kwenda kuwekeza katika nchi jirani. Sisi katika Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano tutajitahidi sana kuondoa usumbufu na urasimu wa aina hiyo na kuongeza bidii ya kuwashawishi wawekezaji wa ndani na wa nje kuja kuwekeza viwanda hapa nchini. Kwa watendaji wa Serikali watakaokwamisha jitihada za uwekezaji na ujenzi wa viwanda hapa nchini hatutawavumilia.   

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ni viwanda vya aina ipi hasa tunavyovikusudia? Sura ya kwanza ya viwanda tunavyovikusudia ni vile ambavyo sehemu kubwa ya malighafi yake itatoka ndani, hususan kweye sekta za kilimo, mifugo, uvuvi, na madini – na maliasili nyingine. Viwanda vya aina hii vitatupa fursa ya kujenga mfumo wa uzalishaji ndani ya nchi uliofungamana na kushikamana. Viwanda vya aina hii vitahitaji na kutegemea malighafi toka kwa wazalishaji wa sekta nilizozitaja, na kwa kufanya hivyo wazalishaji hao watakuwa na soko la uhakika humu humu ndani ya nchi. Sura ya pili ya viwanda hivi ni kuzalisha bidhaa ambazo zinatumiwa na watu wengi humu nchini (mass consumption) – yaani bidhaa kama vile nguo, viatu, mafuta ya kupikia, n.k. kwa hivyo viwanda hivi vitakuwa na uhakika wa soko la ndani kabla ya kufikiria soko la nje. Viwanda hivi vitatarajiwa kuzalisha ziada kwa ajili ya masoko ya nje. Yote mawili yakitokea, yaani kuzalisha kwa ajili ya soko la ndani na nje, itatuongezea akiba yetu ya fedha za kigeni na kutuwezesha kutekeleza na kuendeleza mipango mingine kwa ajili ya ustawi wa uchumi wetu. Sura ya tatu ya viwanda tunavyovikusudia ni kuzalisha ajira nyingi. Shabaha yetu ni kuwa ifikapo mwaka 2020 idadi ya ajira itokanayo na viwanda ifikie asilimia 40 ya ajira zote zitakazokuwepo nchini wakati huo.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nimeamua kulisema hili kwa kirefu sana kwa sababu ili tufanikiwe lazima tuelewane na tusaidiane kulisukuma kwa pamoja jambo hili. 

Kilimo, Mifugo na Uvuvi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Sekta nyingine ambazo lazima tutazitilia mkazo mkubwa na kuziendeleza ni kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi. Tutaziangalia sekta hizi kwa mtazamo wa kibiashara na viwanda kwa lengo la kuwa na viwanda vya kisasa vya kuongeza thamani mazao yatokanayo na kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi. Nchi yetu kwa kiasi kikubwa ni nchi ya kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi. Hii inatokana na ukweli kwamba sehemu kubwa ya watu wetu wapatao asilimia 75 wanaishi vijijini na wanategemea kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi kwa ajili ya maisha yao. Wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wanatumia zana na mbinu duni katika shughuli zao na wanazalisha zaidi ya asilimia 95 ya chakula chote kinacholiwa hapa nchini, na kutoa mchango wa asilimia 25 kwenye pato la taifa yaani GDP, na asilimia 30 ya mapato yetu ya fedha za kigeni. Kwa takwimu hizi chache ni wazi kwamba mchango wa sekta ya kilimo, mifugo  na uvuvi katika uchumi wetu na maisha yetu ni mkubwa sana. Nichukue nafasi hii kuwapongeza na kuwashukuru wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wote wa Tanzania kwa mchango wao mkubwa katika maisha yetu na uchumi wa nchi yetu. Nataka kuahidi kwao sitawaangusha.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na umuhimu wa kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi katika uchumi wetu wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wetu wengi bado ni watu maskini. Mapato yao yako chini na wanaishi maisha duni. Lengo letu ni kuuimarisha sekta hizi ili ziweze kutoa mchango mkubwa zaidi katika uchumi wa nchi lakini pia ziweze kuwanufaisha wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi katika kuyabadili maisha yao. Tukiweza kuboresha sekta hizi vijana wengi zaidi watavutiwa kujiunga nazo na hivyo kupunguza tatizo la upatikanaji wa ajira. Nataka niwahakikishie wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wetu kwamba ahadi zetu kwao tutahakikisha zinatekelezwa. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itazisimamia kwa dhati ahadi hizo ili kuhakikisha kwamba kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi unakuwa wa kisasa zaidi na wenye tija. Baadhi ya mambo tuliyowaahidi kuyatekeleza ni pamoja na haya yafuatayo:

1. Kuwapatia mafunzo ya kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi wa kisasa ikiwa pamoja na ufugaji wa samaki,
2. Kuwapatia pembejeo,
3. Kuwapatia zana za kisasa za kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi,
4. Kuwapatia wataalamu wa ugani,
5. Kuwawezesha kupata masoko ya uhakika ya mazao yao,
6. Kuwapatia mikopo, na kwa hili Benki ya Kilimo itasaidia sana kufikia lengo hili,
7. Kuondoa ushuru, kodi na kero mbalimbali za mazao ya kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi zinazosababisha bei ya mazao hayo kuwa chini (mfano. Kahawa, kule Kagera ina kodi 26 ambazo husababisha wananchi kuuza kahawa yao Uganda ambako bei iko juu, tutapunguza kama sio kuondoa kabisa ushuru hizo ili wakulima wapate bei nzuri. Tutafanya hivyo pia  kwa mazao mengine kama mahindi, chai, pamba, korosho, mkonge, ngozi, nyama, maziwa, samaki, n.k.),
8. Kuwahakikishia umiliki wa ardhi na kuwaondolea usumbufu wa wao kuondolewa kwenye ardhi zao kupisha  wawekezaji,
9. Kuhakikisha kwamba migogoro ya ardhi baina ya wakulima na wafugaji tunaitatua na kuikomesha kwa kuhakikisha kuwa vyanzo vya msingi vya migogoro hiyo tunaviondosha haraka,
   1. 10.      Kuhakikisha kwamba tatizo la wavuvi kuvamiwa   na majambazi na uvuvi haramu linashughulikiwa kikamilifu.

Tatizo la Umaskini na Ajira

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nimezungumzia umuhimu wa kuendeleza viwanda, kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi kwa sababu ya matatizo makubwa mawili yanayoikabili nchi yetu kwa sasa. Kwanza, ni tatizo la UMASIKINI na pili ni tatizo la AJIRA. Ni kweli uchumi wetu umekuwa ukikua kwa kasi ya kuridhisha, lakini kasi hiyo haijawiana na kasi ya kuondoa umasikini na uzalishaji wa ajira za kutosha kwa vijana wetu wanaoingia kwenye soko la ajira kila mwaka.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kwa mujibu wa takwimu zilizopo zaidi ya asilimia 28.2 ya Watanzania ni maskini. Na kwamba kwa namna na kadri uchumi wetu unavyokuwa pengo baina ya matajiri (walionacho) na maskini (wasionacho) linazidi kukua. Tukiendelea hivi tunavyoendelea sasa hatutakuwa tunaitakia mema nchi yetu kwa sababu mgawanyiko mkubwa wa kimapato na tofauti kubwa za kimaisha baina ya matajiri na maskini ukiachiwa uendelee na kuzidi kukua utachochea chuki na uhasama baina ya walionacho na wasionacho. Lazima tujizatiti na kutumia akili, maarifa na nguvu zetu zote kukabiliana na kuibadilisha hali hii. Kwanza, lazima tushughulike na UMASIKINI wa watu wetu. Na njia moja kama nilivyokwisha eleza ni uendelezaji wa sekta ya viwanda na uboreshaji wa sekta za kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tatizo la pili ni AJIRA. Kama nilivyokwisha kugusia, ukuaji wa uchumi wetu haujaenda sambamba na kasi ya watu wanaoingia kwenye soko la ajira kila mwaka. Tatizo la ajira ni kwa vijana wote waliosoma viwango mbalimbali vya elimu na wasio na ujuzi. Hii inamaana kwamba sekta zinazochangia kukua kwa uchumi wa nchi yetu sizo zinazozalisha ajira kwa wingi. Ndio maana ya kuweka msisitizo kwenye sekta ya viwanda hasa vile vinavyoajiri watu wengi, na sekta ya kilimo, uvuvi na mifugo ambavyo ndio mwajiri mkubwa hivi sasa.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na kuweka msisitizo katika Viwanda, Kilimo, Mifugo na Uvuvi hatuna budi kuwawezesha vijana wetu kuanzisha shughuli mbalimbali za uzalishaji kwa viwango mbalimbali. Ili hili liwezekane, na sisi tutalifanya, linahitaji mambo mawili makubwa.

Kwanza, kuwaandaa vijana wetu vizuri kielimu na kiujuzi. Hatuna budi kuweka mkazo katika viwango vya ubora vya elimu na stadi za kazi wanazopata vijana wetu. Nalisema hili kwa sababu hatuwezi kuzungumzia uendelezaji wa viwanda ikiwa hatujaandaa vijana wenye uwezo, ujuzi, na stadi za kufanya kazi hizo kwa ubora na ufanisi wa hali ya juu; hatuwezi kutaka kuwekeza katika viwanda vya nguo au samani ikiwa hatuna wahandisi wa mitambo wazuri, wabunifu  wa zuri na wenye viwango vinavyotakiwa na kukubalika. Aidha hatuwezi kuwa na vijana wenye uthubutu wa kuanzisha shughuli za uzalishaji kama hawana elimu na maarifa ya kubuni miradi na kuiendeleza. Kwa hivyo tutaelekeza nguvu zetu katika kuhakikisha kuwa shule na vyuo vyetu katika ngazi mbalimbali vinafundisha na kutoa vijana wenye viwango vya hali ya juu vya elimu, maarifa, ujuzi na ufundi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pili, ni suala la uwezeshaji wa vijana hasa wale watakaotaka kujiajiri. Katika kutekeleza lengo hili Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itachukua na kutekeleza hatua mbalimbali ikiwemo:

• Kuwawezesha vijana wanaohitimu Elimu ya Juu na Vyuo vya Ufundi kupata mitaji ya kuwasaidia kuanzisha makampuni yao kulingana na fani walizosomea;
• Kuwawezesha vijana kuanzisha  SACCOS zao na kupitia SACCOS hizo kuwawezesha kupata mikopo;
• Kuwawezesha vijana wajasiriamali kujiunga na Mifuko ya Hifadhi ya Jamii ili waweze kupata mikopo na kunufaika na mafao mengine katika mifuko hiyo.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tatu, ni kuzitambua na kuziheshimu kazi na shughuli mbalimbali zinazofanywa na makundi mbalimbali ya kinamama na vijana. Hapa namaanisha shughuli za kina Mama lishe, wachuuzi mbalimbali, Machinga, waendesha Boda Boda na Maguta, na vijana wa kike na wa kiume wanaojitafutia kazi mbalimbali halali za kujipatia mapato kwa ajili ya kuendesha maisha yao, n.k. Shughuli za makundi haya zinatusaidia sana katika kupunguza makundi ya vijana wetu ambao wangekaa tu na kuzurura zurura ovyo bila shughuli ya kufanya. Na kwa kuwa kwa sasa uwezo wetu wa kuwapatia ajira tofauti ni mdogo ni jukumu letu kuwasaidia na kuwawezesha kufanya shughuli zao kwa utilivu bila bugudha. Niliahidi, na nataka nirudie hapa, kwamba Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano ikishirikiana na Halmashauri zetu, pamoja na Wakuu wa Mikoa na Wilaya itaweka mipango na taratibu nzuri na rafiki kwa aina ya shughuli ambazo baadhi nimezigusia. Aidha, ushuru usio wa lazima na wenye usumbufu kwa wafanyabiashara wadogo wadogo utokanao na shughuli nilizozitaja tutauondoa. Tunaamini ikiwa tutaweza kuongeza ukusanyaji mapato, na kuziba mianya ya wakwepaji wakubwa wa kodi ambao huipotezea Serikali mabilioni ya fedha tutakuwa hatuna sababu ya kufukuzana na kina mama na vijana mitaani. Viongozi na watendaji wa Serikali na hasa wa Halmashauri watenge maeneo kwa ajili ya wafanyabishara wadogo na waandae mipango ya kupunguza ushuru usio wa lazima.

Afya

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Dhamira ya kujenga uchumi wa kisasa na suala la kupambana na umasikini linakwenda sambamba na kuwa na wananchi wenye afya bora. Kwa kutambua ukweli huu na mahitaji ya huduma bora za wananchi wetu Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itahakikisha kwamba wananchi wanapata huduma bora za afya kwa kufanya baadhi ya mambo yafuatayo:

• Kwanza, kuimarisha huduma za afya pale zilipo na kuanzisha pale ambapo hazipo. Lengo ni kuhakisha kwamba kila kijiji kinakuwa na Zahanati, kila Kata inakuwa na Kituo cha Afya, kila wilaya inakuwa na Hospitali, na kila Mkoa unakuwa na hospitali ya Rufaa.
• Pili, tutaimarisha na kuboresha huduma za afya kwa kuongeza utaalamu katika Nyanja za afya kwa kuwapatia mafunzo watumishi wake ndani na nje ya nchi; kwa kuzipatia vifaa bora na vya kisasa hospitali, vituo vya afya na zahanati zetu. Lengo la kufanya hivyo ni kuwezesha upatikanaji wa huduma mahsusi hapa hapa nchini na hivyo kutolazimika kupeleka watu wetu kutibiwa nchi za nje.
• Tatu, tutaongeza bajeti ya dawa na kuboresha mfumo wa upatikanaji ili kuhakikisha dawa zinapatikana katika hospitali, vituo vya afya na zahanati zetu. Aidha, tutahamasisha wananchi wajiunge na Bima ya Afya.

Elimu

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Natambua juhudi kubwa zimefanyika katika upanuzi wa elimu ya awali, msingi, sekondari na vyuo vikuu.  Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itajielekeza katika kuongeza ubora wa elimu inayotolewa ikiwa pamoja na na kuongeza mkazo katika masomo ya sayansi.  Aidha, tutahakikisha kwamba vifaa vya kufundishia na kujifunzia vinapatikana ikiwa ni pamoja na maabara, vitabu, madawati, n.k. Tutahakikisha kuanzia Januari mwakani elimu kuanzia darasa la kwanza hadi kidato cha nne inatolewa bure, kama tulivyoahidi kwenye kampeni.  Tutahakikisha kwamba wanafunzi wengi zaidi wa elimu ya juu wanapata mikopo kwa wakati.  Tutashughulikia maslahi na kero za walimu wa ngazi zote ikiwa ni pamoja na kujenga nyumba za walimu vijijini na kuiunga mkono Benki ya walimu ili iweze kuwanufaisha zaidi.

Maji

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Wakati wa kampeni nimekutana na malalamiko mengi sana ya ukosefu wa maji. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itahakikisha kwamba inaongeza kiwango cha upatikanaji wa maji kufikia asilimia 85 kwa maeneo ya vijijini na asilimia 95 kwa maeneo ya mijini ifikapo 2020. Tutakamilisha miradi iliyokwishaanza na kuanzisha miradi mipya mikubwa na midogo ya maji kutoka katika mito, maziwa na vyanzo vingine vya uhakika vya maji  ikiwa  pamoja na kuvuna maji ya mvua. Tunataka tuwatue akina mama ndoo kichwani. Tunatambua umaskini hauwezi kuondoka nchini kama wananchi hawapati maji safi na salama.

Umeme

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Suala la upatikanaji wa umeme limeendelea kuwa tatizo katika nchi yetu pamoja na jitihada kubwa zilizofanywa na Serikali zilizopita. Hatuwezi kuzungumzia suala la kujenga viwanda wakati umeme hautoshi. Serikali yangu itahakikisha kwamba umeme unapatikana wa kutosha na wa uhakika. Tutakamilisha miradi ya umeme iliyopo na kujenga mingine mingi mipya ili wananchi wengi zaidi wanufaike na nishati ya umeme na viwanda vingi zaidi vidogo vidogo, vya kati na vikubwa vianzishwe.

Madawa ya Kulevya

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Madawa ya kulevya yamekuwa ni janga kubwa kwa taifa letu na kundi linaloathirika zaidi ni vijana wa kiume na kike. Familia nyingi zimeathirika na nguvu kazi ya taifa imepotea.  Tutaushughulikia mtandao huo hususan wafanyabiashara wakubwa wanaojihusisha na madawa ya kulevya bila ajizi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Masuala mengine tutakayoyawekea mkazo katika utawala wa Awamu ya Tano ambayo ninaamini yatasaidia katika kujenga uchumi wetu ni pamoja na masuala ya Utalii, Mawasiliano, Madini, Ardhi na Makazi, Ujenzi na Miundombinu, Bandari, Barabara, Ulinzi na Usalama, utunzaji wa mazingira, Vijana, Wanawake, Watu wenye Ulemavu na Ualbino, Wazee, Wafanyakazi, Wasanii na Wanamichezo, wanahabari, wafanyabiashara, wawekezaji, wajasiriamali, sekta binafsi, n.k. Utekelezaji wa masuala haya umefafanuliwa vizuri katika Ilani ya CCM ya mwaka 2015. Tutayatekeleza ipasavyo.

Mapambano Dhidi ya Rushwa na Ufisadi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Jambo moja nililolisemea kwa nguvu kubwa wakati wa kampeni ni mapambano dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi. Sikufanya hivyo kwa sababu nilitaka tu kuwarubuni wananchi ili wanipe kura zao na kunifanya kuwa Rais wao. Nililiongea jambo hili kwa dhati kabisa, na nilichokisema na kuwaahidi wananchi ndicho hasa nilichokikusudia.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Wananchi wanachukia sana rushwa na ufisadi, na wamechoshwa na vitendo hivyo. Mimi pia ninachukia rushwa na ufisadi. Sifurahishwi kabisa na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vinavyoendelea hapa nchini. Vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vinawanyima haki wananchi na kuitia hasara serikali kwa mamilioni ya fedha ambazo zingeweza kutumika kwa ajili ya kujenga miradi ya maendeleo kwa ajili ya watu wetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Chama changu, Chama cha Mapinduzi, kimejengwa katika misingi ya kukataa rushwa na ufisadi. Ndio maana moja ya Imani kuu za CCM ni ile isemayo: “Rushwa ni adui wa haki, sitatoa wala kupokea rushwa”

Kwa Mtanzania mwaminifu kwa imani yake hatakuwa na kigugumizi katika kuwa mstari wa mbele katika kupambana na rushwa na ufisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Mmoja wa waasisi wa Taifa letu, Baba wa Taifa, Hayati Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, aliwahi kuifananisha rushwa na ufisadi ‘Kama Adui Mkubwa wa Watu’.  Akiongea Bungeni Mei 1960, Mwalimu Nyerere alisema yafuatayo kuhusu rushwa:

“Rushwa [na ufisadi] havina budi kushughulikiwa bila huruma kwa sababu naamini wakati wa Amani rushwa na ufisadi ni adui mkubwa kwa ustawi wa watu kuliko vita.”

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Haya ni maneno makali ya mtu na kiongozi aliyeichukia na kuikemea rushwa katika maisha yake yote ya uongozi. Ni maneno yanayotukumbusha tu nini kinaweza kikatutokea kama taifa endapo tutaendekeza rushwa na ufisadi. Chuki za wananchi dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi ni dhahiri, wamechoka kabisa, wamechoka sana, hawako tayari kuvumilia upuuzi wa serikali itayoonea haya rushwa na kulea mafisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Mimi nimewaahidi wananchi, na nataka niirejee ahadi yangu kwao mbele ya Bunge lako tukufu, kwamba nitapambana na rushwa na ufisadi bila kigugumizi na bila haya yoyote. Dawa ya jipu ni kulitumbua, na mimi nimejipa kazi ya kuwa mtumbua jipu. Najua kutumbua jipu kuna maumivu lakini bahati mbaya halina dawa nyingine. Hivyo ninaomba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania wote mniombee na muniunge mkono wakati natumbua majipu haya.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ninafahamu ugumu wa vita niliyoamua kuipigana. Nasema nafahamu ugumu na changamoto zake kwa sababu wanaojihusisha na rushwa sio watu wadogo wadogo. Vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vyenye madhara makubwa kwa nchi na ustawi wa nchi yetu hutendwa na watu wenye dhamana kubwa za uongozi na utumishi ambazo wamezipata kutokana na ridhaa ya watu.  Kwa hivyo ili niweze kufanikiwa lazima nipate ushirikiano mkubwa toka kwa Bunge lako tukufu na vyombo vingine vilivyopo na vyenye majukumu ya kupambana na vitendo hivi.

Aidha, tutashinda vita hii endapo wananchi pia watatuunga mkono. Sina mashaka kuwa kwa vile wao, kwa wingi wao, wanachukia rushwa na ufisadi, watakuwa tayari kutoa ushirikiano wao katika mapambano haya dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Katika kushugulikia tatizo hili nimeahidi kuunda mahakama ya Rushwa na Ufisadi. Ni matumaini yangu vyombo husika katika jambo hili havitanikwamisha.

Aidha, nataka niahidi mbele ya Bunge lako tukufu kwamba, kiongozi yeyote wa kuteuliwa, ambaye mimi nitakuwa nimemteua kwa mamlaka niliyonayo kikatiba, na ninayo mamlaka ya kumwajibisha, pindi tu nikibaini na kujiridhisha kuwa anajihusisha na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi nitamtimua mara moja. Baada ya mimi kuchukua hatua hizo hatua na taratibu zingine za kisheria zitafuata.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ninachotaka kusema ni kuwa Serikali yangu itafuatilia kwa karibu mienendo ya viongozi na watendaji wake ili kubaini kwa haraka nani anajihusisha na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi. Na tukishajiridhisha hatutasubiri, tutachukua hatua. Ni imani yangu wengine pia katika ngazi mbalimbali mtafanya hivyo. Kwa sababu bila kufanya hivyo rushwa na ufisadi vitazoeleka na kuwa wimbo unaoburudisha badala ya kuudhi na kukera.

Muundo wa Serikali na Utumishi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nilipokuwa nazunguka na kuzungumza na wananchi wakati wa Kampeni za Uchaguzi, niliahidi kuwa nitaunda serikali ndogo ya wachapa kazi.

Aidha, niliahidi pia kuunda serikali ambayo itawatumikia watu na hasa wananchi wa kawaida. Serikali nitakayounda, nataka iwe inawahudumia wananchi kwa haraka na sio kuwasumbua sumbua na kuwazungusha. Natoa rai kwa watumishi wa serikali, hasa ambao ni wazembe na wavivu, kujiandaa. Wamevumiliwa kwa muda mrefu sasa basi. Kwa sababu watumishi wa aina hiyo hawatavumuliwa katika serikali nitakayoiongoza. Lugha za “hiyo ni changamoto tutaishughulikia”, au “Mchakato unaendeela” hazitavumiliwa katika Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano. Mimi nataka watu wa Kazi Tu. Hatuwezi kulea watu ambao wanalipwa mishahara lakini hawafanyi kazi wanazotakiwa kufanya, au wamegeuza ofisi za umma kuwa ni mahala pa kuchuma bila kufanya kazi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na kuwataka watumishi wa Serikali kufanya kazi hatuna budi kuyaangalia na kuboresha mishahara na maslahi yao na mazingira yao ya kufanyia kazi kwa kuwapatia vitendea kazi bora na vya kisasa. Na jambo moja tutakalolitekeleza ni kuangalia namna ya kupunguza kodi ya mapato katika mishahara ya wafanyakazi yaani PAYE.  Pia tutajitahidi kuwatambua na kuwapa motisha wafanya kazi wachapa kazi.

Kuongeza Mapato na Kupunguza Matumizi ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kwa zaidi ya miaka mitatu sasa ukusanyaji wa mapato umekuwa chini ya makadirio kwa sababu mbalimbali. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaongeza nguvu katika upanuzi wa wigo wa kodi na kuongeza ufanisi katika ukusanyaji wa mapato. Tutahakikisha kwamba kila mtu anayestahili kulipa kodi analipa kodi stahiki.  Hatutasita kumchukulia hatua mtu yoyote atakaye kwepa kulipa kodi. Tunawaomba wananchi mhakikishe mnapewa risiti kila mnaponunua bidhaa au huduma. Kodi ni kitu muhimu lazima kila mtu anayestahili kulipa kodi alipe.

Aidha, tutahakikisha kwamba kila senti inayoongezeka katika mapato ya Serikali inaelekezwa katika kutoa huduma bora zaidi kwa wananchi. Tutaziba mianya ya upotevu wa fedha za Serikali ambayo inaipunguzia Serikali uwezo wake wa kuwahudumia wananchi. 

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nitataja baadhi tu ya maeneo ambayo tutayasimamia kwa lengo la kupunguza matumizi yasiyo ya lazima na kuziba mianya ya uvujaji wa fedha za Serikali:

Kwanza, safari zote zisizo za lazima nje ya nchi Serikalini tutazidhibiti na badala yake tutawatumia mabalozi wetu kutuwakilisha kwenye mikutano ya aina hiyo. Na pale inapolazimu kiongozi au mtumishi mwandamizi kusafiri tutahakikisa kwamba haandamani na msururu wa watu wengi ambao hawana umuhimu wala shughuli za kufanya katika safari hizo.

Katika kusisitiza hili napenda niwape takwimu za fedha zilizotumika ndani ya Serikali, Mashirika ya Umma na Taasisi nyingine za Serikali kwa safari za nje kati ya mwaka 2013/14 na 2014//2015. Jumla ya shilingi bilioni 356.324 zilitumika kwa ajili ya safari za nje kama ifuatavyo:

• Tiketi za ndege (Air ticket) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 183.160;
• Mafunzo nje ya nchi (Training Foreign) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 68.612;
• Posho za kujikimu (Per Diem Foreign) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 104.552;

Wizara na Taasisi zinazoongoza kwa matumizi ya safari za nje ni pamoja na Bunge, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikano wa Kimataifa, Wizara ya Fedha, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu, Ofisi ya Taifa ya Ukaguzi wa Hesabu za Serikali (NAOT), Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani, n.k.

          Hizi fedha zingeweza kutumika vizuri kuboresha huduma za wananchi wa maisha ya chini, kama afya, maji, elimu, umeme n.k. Mfano; fedha hizi zingetosha kutengeneza kilometa 400 za barabara za lami, tujiulize zingeweza kutengeneza zahanati ngapi?, nyumba za walimu ngapi?, madawati mangapi? n.k. Hivyo tunapodhibiti safari za nje tunawaomba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania wote mtuelewe na mtuunge mkono.

Pili, tutahakikisha tunadhibiti safari na ziara za mafunzo nje ya nchi zinazogharamiwa na serikali ambayo yanapatikana hapa nchini.

Tatu, tutadhibiti warsha, semina, makongamano, na matamasha ambayo kwa kweli yanatumia fedha nyingi tu za serikali lakini hayana tija na wala hayaongezi ufanisi katika utekelezaji na usimamizi wa sera na mipango ya Serikali.

Nne, tutasimamia kwa ukamilifu Sheria ya Manunuzi ya Umma ili kuhakikisha kwamba mianya yote ya fedha za umma inayotokana na usimamizi hafifu tunaiziba. Ni matarajio yangu kutakapoleta Mswada wa Marekebisho ya Sheria ya Manunuzi ya Umma Waheshimiwa Wabunge mtatuunga mkono.

Tano, tutasimamia na kudhibiti ukiukwaji wa maagizo na maelekezo mbalimbali yaliyokwisha kutolewa na Serikali siku za nyuma kuhusu ununuzi wa bidhaa kama samani kwa ajili ya matumizi ya Serikali. Samani zote kwa ajili ya matumizi ya Serikali zinatakiwa ziwe zile zinazozalishwa hapa hapa nchini.

Sita, Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itasimamia kwa karibu na kuthibiti ununuzi wa magari ya gharama kwa ajili ya Viongozi na Watumishi waandamizi wa Serikali; na

Saba, tutaendelea kuchunguza na kudhibiti matumizi ya Serikali na Taasisi zake zote yasiyo na tija kwa uchumi wa taifa letu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Kwa ajili hiyo, vipaumbele vya Serikali ninayotarajia kuiunda vitakuwa ni: kupunguza urasimu ili kuongeza kasi ya utekelezaji wa maamuzi na miradi ya Serikali; kubana matumizi kwa kupunguza yale ambayo kutokana na hali yetu ya uchumi kwa sasa yanaweza kuepukika; na kurejesha nidhamu ya  Serikali na utumishi wa umma kwa kuongeza uwazi na uwajibikaji.

          Tutatekeleza vipaumbele hivyo kwa kufanya pamoja na mambo mengine kupunguza ukubwa wa Baraza la Mawaziri; kuongeza usimamizi katika ukusanyaji wa mapato ya kodi na maduhuli ya Serikali kwa kuziba mianya ya ukwepaji kodi, tutahakikisha kwamba wale wote wanaotakiwa kulipa kodi wanalipa ipasavyo. Tutaongeza nidhamu ya matumizi ya Serikali ili kuhakikisha fedha zinazookolewa zinakwenda kwenye miradi ya maendeleo; na kusimamia sheria, kanuni na taratibu za uwajibikaji wa viongozi na watumishi wa umma ili wawajibike kwa wananchi ambao ndio wateja na waajiri wakuu wa watumishi wa umma. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaendelea kubainisha maeneo mengine ya matumizi yasiyo ya lazima ambayo yanaigharimu Serikali fedha nyingi na kuyadhibiti. Aidha, nitoe wito kwa Watanzania wote kila mmoja wetu afanye kazi iwe shambani, ofisini, kiwandani, sokoni, n.k.  Badala ya tabia ya sasa iliyoanza kujengeka kwa Watanzania kutokupenda kufanya kazi na hivyo kupoteza muda mwingi vijiweni, muda ambao ungetumika kufanya kazi ndiyo maana kauli mbiu yangu ni HAPA KAZI TU!

Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa

Kikanda na Kimataifa

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Nchi yetu imepata mafanikio makubwa katika Nyanja ya diplomasia na ushirikiano wa kimataifa katika awamu zilizotangulia za uongozi. Serikali yangu itaendeleza sifa hiyo kwa kujenga juu ya msingi imara uliowekwa na awamu zilizotangulia na awamu ya nne chini ya Rais Mstaafu Dkt. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. Tutaendelea kuwa waumini na tutaendeleza sera ya ujirani mwema na nchi zinazotuzunguka kwa lengo la ustawi wa watu wetu na maslahi mapana ya nchi yetu. Tutaendelea kuwa waaminifu wa utangamano wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki (EAC) na daima tutatekeleza wajibu wetu kwa mujibu wa Mkataba wa Uanzishwaji wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki, itifaki zake na maamuzi ya vikao vya nchi wanachama. Tutaendelea kutekeleza matakwa ya Mkataba huu wa kujenga utengamano wetu hatua kwa hatua.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tanzania itaendelea kuwa mwanachama mwaminifu wa Jumuiya ya Maendeleo ya Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC) na kuendelea kushirikiana kwa karibu na nchi wanachama ambao tunauhusiano wa kihistoria na kidugu. Tutaendelea kuamini katika Umoja wa Afrika (AU) na azma ya ndoto ya waasisi wetu ya kuunganisha bara la Afrika. Tutaendelea pia kushiriki kikamilifu katika Jumuiya ya Nchi za Maziwa Makuu (ICGLR) na kushirikiana na nchi wenzetu wanachama kutafuta majawabu ya kudumu ya amani, usalama na maendeleo katika eneo la maziwa makuu.

          Tutaendeleza na kustawisha mahusiano na marafiki zetu wote Magharibi, Mashariki ya Mbali na Mashariki ya Kati kwa lengo la kushirikiana kwa maslahi ya nchi zetu na watu wetu. Tutapenda kutumia fursa nzuri ya mahusiano yetu mazuri kisiasa kukuza mahusiano yetu ya uchumi kwa kutumia diplomasia ya uchumi. Tutafanya hivyo pia kwa ushirikiano wa kimataifa kwa kuendeleza mahusiano yetu na Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) na taasisi zake, Jumuiya ya Madola, Benki ya Dunia, Shirika la Fedha Duniani (IMF) na Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika (AfDB), n.k.

Aidha, tutazitaka Balozi zetu zionyeshe matunda yanayolingana na thamani ya fedha tunazowapelekea hususan katika kuvutia uwekezaji, biashara, utalii na mchango wao katika ukuzaji wa sekta ya viwanda. Tunataka kuona diplomasia yetu na Sera yetu ya nje ikijibu changamoto zetu za ndani za ajira, miundombinu, masoko ya mazao ya wakulima, viwanda n.k.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Naomba kabla ya kuhitimisha nitoe wito kwa Waheshimiwa Wabunge, Bunge hili linalo nafasi ya kuweka historia ya kuwa kitu kimoja na kuweka masilahi ya Taifa mbele. Kama kuna kitu ambacho wananchi wanachukia ni lugha za vijembe, mipasho, na ushabiki wa vyama bungeni. Kwanza, tukumbuke wote bila kujali itikadi za vyama vyetu sisi ni kitu kimoja; na pili tumechaguliwa kuwawakilisha wenzetu. Baada ya miaka mitano kila mmoja atarudi kwenye jimbo lake kuomba kura na huko atapimwa kwa maendeleo aliyopeleka. 

Tusimame pamoja, Tanzania ni yetu sote tutangulize masilahi ya nchi mbele, na kwa mara ya kwanza Watanzania waone Bunge tofauti na sio Bunge la kuzomea, kutoka nje, kutukanana, mipasho, n.k. Tunaitwa Waheshimiwa kwa heshima ya dhamana tuliyopewa na Bunge hili Tukufu, tutunze heshima hiyo ili tuzidi kuheshimiwa.

Aidha, napenda kusisitiza kuwa kazi iliyoko mbele yetu ni kubwa. Matarajio na matumaini ya Watanzania waliotuchagua na kutupa ridhaa ya kuwaongoza katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo ni makubwa. Wanachotaka kuona ni nchi yetu kupiga hatua kubwa za maendeleo zitakazojibu matumaini yao na kutatua shida na kero zao. Nyie na mimi, baada ya miaka mitano toka sasa, tutapimwa kwa namna tutakavyokuwa tumetekeleza mambo ambayo tumewaahidi Watanzania wenzetu. Mimi nina amini kabisa kwa ushirikiano wetu na kwa kufanya kazi kwa bidii na ubunifu tutaweza kuzitimiza ndoto za Watanzania wenzetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Sasa natamka kwamba nimelifungua rasmi Bunge la 11 la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza!

Mungu libariki Bunge letu na Wabunge wake!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza

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.