Waziri Mkuu  Mizengo Pinda akisisitiza jambo wakati akizungumza na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar esSalaam Salaam mara mara ya kuongoza mkutano maalum wa Mpango wa kukuza kilimo kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT), akizungumzia umuhimu wa uwekezaji katika sekta ya kilimo, kulia ni Waziri wan chi Ofisi ya waziri Mkuu Uwekezaji na Uwezeshaji, Dkt. Mary Nagu na Kushoto ni Waziri wa Kilimo, Bw. Christopher Chiza.

PRIME Minister Mizengo Pinda, stresses a point to journalists shortly after chairing the SAGCOT Investor ShowCase  meeting which emphasized the need of increasing more agricultural investments in Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT),looking on (Right) is the Minister in Prime minister’s Office (Investment and Facilitation),Dr Mary Nagu and left is the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Christopher Chiza.

Serikali yasisitiza kushirikiana na wadau kuendeleza kilimo

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Serikali ya Tanzania imesisitiza kuwa itaendelea kuimarisha ushirikiano na sekta binafsi na wadau wengine ili kufikia mapinduzi ya kilimo hapa nchini na hivyo kupatikana usalama wa chakula na maendeleo.

Msimamo huo umetolewa na Waziri Mkuu, Mizengo Pinda alipokuwa akifungua mkutano mkubwa wa kilimo unaofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam jana.

Mkutano huo wa siku mbili umetayarishwa na Kituo cha Uwekezaji Tanzania (TIC), kwa kushirikiana na Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu na Kituo cha mpango maalum wa uendelezaji kilimo katika ukanda wa kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT).

Mkutano huo unalenga kuvutia wawekezaji katika maeneo ya kilimo, biashara na miradi ya maendeleo kijamii na kiuchumi katika eneo la SAGCOT.

“Ushirikiano uliopo kati ya serikali, sekta binafsi, wadau wa maendeleo, wakulima na wadau wengine wa kilimo umesaidia kuendeleza sekta hii hapa nchini,” alisema.

Waziri Mkuu aliyashukuru makampuni 20 ambayo tayari yameshatoa ahadi ya kuwekeza katika sekta ya kilimo Tanzania katika miaka ijayo na wakati huo huo akaitaka sekta binafsi kufanya uamuzi zaidi wa kuwekeza zaidi katika sekta hiyo.

Hata hivyo alisisitiza kwamba wawekezaji wote katika ukanda wa SAGCOT watapewa kipaumbele pale ambapo uwekezaji wao unalenga pia kushirikisha wakulima wadogowadogo..

“Ni muhimu kusisitiza kwamba tunahitaji zaidi uwekezaji ambao utajali kushirikiana na wakulima wadogo na wajasiriamali wadogo na wa kati,” alisema.

Alisisitiza kwamba hata mapendekezo ya sera za uwekezaji katika kilimo zitoe kipaumbele kueleza jinsi wakulima wadogo na watanzania wa kawaida watakavyofaidika na uwekezaji katika ukanda wa SAGCOT.

Waziri Mkuu aliwahakikishia wawekezaji kwamba kupitia sheria mbalimbali Tanzania inatoa vivutio vingi na vizuri kulinganisha na nchi nyingine za Afrika.

“Kuwekeza Tanzania pia kunawahakikishia soko la uhakika katika eneo hili la Afrika,” alisema.

Alisema Tanzania imesaini mikataba mbalimbali ya kimataifa inayohakikisha usalama wa wawekezaji.

Akitoa mada katika mkutano huo, Waziri wa Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika, Mhandisi Christopher Chiza alitaja baadhi ya maeneo yanayolengwa katika uwekezaji SAGCOT kama kilimo cha miwa, matunda, ufugaji, nafaka na mazao ya misitu.

Katika siku ya pili ya mkutano huo wawekezaji watapata fursa ya kutembelea maeneo maalum ya miradi pamoja na kuangalia miradi ya kuimarisha miundombinu katika ukanda huo wa SAGCOT.

SAGCOT ni mpango unaoshirikisha sekta binafsi na ya umma unaotegemewa kuleta mapinduzi makubwa katika usalama wa chakula nchini kwa kushirikisha pia wakulima wadogo wadogo katika mazingira endelevu.

Mwisho 

Tanzania to host agribusiness investment conference this week

By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

Tanzania will this week host a first ever Agribusiness Investment Showcase Event to be held in Dar es Salaam.

The two day conference under the theme ‘Accelerating Tanzania’s Agribusiness Investment’ is organized by Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Southern Agriculture Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Centre.

Announcing the conference over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, the Acting Executive Director of TIC, Mr. Raymond Mbilinyi said the event meant to harness the potential for investment in agriculture, trade and socio-economic development in the SAGCOT region with a view to introducing prospective investors through tailor made targeted investment promotion and physical visits.

Mr. Mbilinyi told journalists that SAGCOT Investor Showcase is expected to attract 70 foreign prospective investors and over 40 local companies ready to seize all existing investment opportunities falling under the corridor.

“The government is actively promoting SAGCOT,” he told journalists.

He said President Jakaya Kikwete and Premier Mizengo Pinda has shown dedication in promoting agriculture in the country and that it is now a time to put things in action for the benefit of local and foreign investors and the country at large.

He said that the conference will be an opportunity for local agribusiness investors to network with their counterparts from abroad.  It is expected that participants from outside the country will come from Asia, Europe and Far East.

“This event will give a splendid opportunity for both local and foreign investors to learn and understand why to invest in SAGCOT,” he explained, adding that a variety of ministers will present papers on various ways for which to attain development through modern agriculture from different perspectives.

There will also be presentations on specific investment projects in the rice, sugar and livestock sectors, including dedicated breakaway discussions and questions and answers sessions.

There will be also an opportunity to visit earmarked investment sites on the second day and see work underway to improve supporting infrastructure.

On her part, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SAGCOT Centre, Ms. Jennifer Baarn said the conference is an opportunity to showcase what the country has to offer, but more specifically, what its investment priorities are.

“SAGCOT is Kilimo Kwanza in action, targeting Tanzania’s south-central “granary” region. ” she said, referring to the country’s initiative (Agriculture First) that seeks to transform the agriculture into a highly productive sector and an engine of economic.

SAGCOT is a public-private partnership that hopes to catalyze responsible private sector investment that will bring major benefits to domestic food supply, engage with smallholder farmers and local communities, and strive to do so in an environmental sustainable way.

Ms. Baarn said that SAGCOT is looking forward to work with the Tanzanian government in addressing specific policy reforms that will enable both local and foreign investors to make sustainable investments in the corridor.

The 2011 SAGCOT investment blueprint envisions clusters of profitable farming and agricultural services businesses supported by coordinated investments in infrastructure, value chains, farming systems, and human capital.

Innovative financing mechanisms, including a multi-donor catalytic investment fund, will leverage over $2bn of private investments.

Ends

RUBADA agrees with a Korean company on Iringa project

The Director General, Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA), Mr. Aloyce Masanja (second left) exchanges a document with Director General of a South Korean based Korea Water Resources Corporation (K Water) Mr. Woo Kyu, Kang yesterday in Dar es Salaam.  The Korean company will conduct a feasibility study on Iringa Water Development Project.  Others in the picture are the Chairman of RUBADA Board of Directors, Prof. Raphael Mwalyosi (left) and a K Water senior official, Mr. Jaemin NAM (centre).

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mamlaka ya Uendelezaji wa Bonde la Mto Rufiji (RUBADA), Bw. Aloyce Masanja (wa pili kushoto) akibadilishana nyaraka na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Kampuni ya Water Resources Corporation ya Korea Kusini, Bw. Woo Kyu, Kang jana jijini Dar es Salaam.  Kampuni hiyo ya Korea itafanya upembuzi yakinifu wa mradi wa uzalishaji wa nishati ya umeme na maji kwa matumizi mbalimbali katika Bonde la Mto Ruaha mdogo.  Wengine katika picha ni Mwenyekiti wa bodi ya RUBADA, Prof. Raphael Mwalyosi (kushoto) na afisa mwandamizi wa kampuni hiyo, Bw. Jaemin NAM (katikati).

RUBADA yasaini makubaliano ya utafiti wa awali Mto Ruaha Mdogo

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Mamlaka ya Uendelezaji wa Bonde la Mto Rufiji (RUBADA) imesaini makubaliano na Water Resources Corporation (K Water) ya Korea Kusini kufanya upembuzi yakinifu wa mradi wa uzalishaji wa nishati ya umeme na maji kwa matumizi mbalimbali katika Bonde la Mto Ruaha mdogo.

“Tumekuatana hapa leo kufikia makubaliano na wenzetu wa Kampuni hii ya Korea Kusini kuanza kufanya upembuzi yakinifu wa kuzalisha nishati ya umeme, kupata maji kwa ajili ya Manispaa ya Iringa na maji kwa ajili ya kilimo cha umwagiliaji kwa wananchi wa maeneo hayo,”alisema Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa RUBADA, Bw. Aloyce Masanja mbele ya waandishi wa habari jana jijini Dar es Salaam.

Alisema Mkoa wa Iringa umepata bahati ya kuwa na mvua za kutosha na kwamba mto huo unaweza kuwa chanzo kizuri cha kuzalisha umeme, matumizi bora ya maji kwa ajili ya matumizi ya kawaida na kwa ajili ya kilimo cha umwagiliaji.

Maeneo ambayo yana uwezekano wa kuzalisha umeme katika bonde hilo ni pamoja na maanguko ya Tosamaganga, Manyandamonda, Ibosana Nginayo.

Alisema kampuni hiyo itafanya kazi hiyo kwa kipindi cha mwaka mmoja ili kuona kama kuna uwezekano wa kupata huduma zote za umeme, matumizi ya kawaida na umwagiliaji au kupata mojawapo.

Alisema mwaka 1984 Shirika la Kimataifa la Maendeleo la Norway NORAD lilifanya upembuzi yakinifu katika eneo hilo na kubaini kuwa linauwezo wa kuzalisha Megawati 87.

“Umeshapita muda mrefu, sasa tunataka kuangalia kama bado uwezo ni huo la mambo yamebadilika,” alisema.

Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi RUBADA, Profesa Raphael Mwalyosi alisema mto Ruaha mdogo una maji kwa kipindi chote cha mwaka kutokana na mazingira mazuri ya mvua za kutosha.

“Tukifanikiwa katika hili itakua ni kichocheo kikubwa cha maendeleo kwa sababu Iringa inakua kwa kasi, kuna viwanda na huduma za maji zinahitajika,”alisema Profesa Mwalyosi.

Alisema maji hayo yanaweza kutumika katika matumizi mseto ikiwa ni pamoja na kuzalisha nishati ya umeme, kilimo, mifugo na matumizi ya watu na hivyo kuwa chachu ya maendeleo.

Alisema ni muhimu kuhakikisha vyanzo vya maji vinalindwa ili kuwa ma matumizi yanayoendana na mabadiliko ya tabia nchi kwa ajili ya kuwa na mazingira endelevu.

Naye Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Kampuni ya Water Resources Corporation ya Korea Kusini, Bw. Woo Kyu, Kang alisema kampuni yao ni kongwe na yenye uzoefu mkubwa.

Ilianzishwa mwaka 1967 na imejihusisha na miradi mikubwa ya uzalishaji umeme ikiwemo ya nchini Philipines na Pakistan.

Alisema mradi wa Iringa katika Bara la Afrika wanauchukulia umuhimu mkubwa kwa faida ya pande zote mbili.

“Tunashukuru kwa serikali ya Tanzania kuonyesha uaminifu kwetu,” alisema.

Alisema wanategemea ushirikiano mkubwa kutoka kwa wadau mbalimbali hapa nchini ili kukamilisha kazi watakayoanza kufanya na kuahidi kuifanya kwa uaminifu na ufanisi mkubwa.

Mwisho. 

Thabo Mbeki to discuss African leadership in Dar

By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

The former South African President, H.E. Thabo Mbeki is expected to attend a breakfast roundtable that will discuss African leadership in Dar es Salaam today (Thursday).

The event, jointly organised by UONGOZI Institute and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, will bring together key stakeholders in Tanzania to have an open and objective discussion on the critical role of leadership in determining the future of the continent.

“The intention is not to prescribe a theory of leadership for Africa, but a discussion of the kind of leadership needed to address the development challenges facing the continent is crucial,” said Prof. Joseph Semboja, CEO of UONGOZI Institute in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The Institute aims for the discussions, which will be moderated by Hon. Cleopa David Msuya, former Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania,  to go beyond just identyfying challenges facing the continent and the usual criticism of governance, and address issues to do with the kind of leaders needed and what preparation is required in order for them to possess the necessary skills and ability to lead.

“It is imperative for Africa to have leaders with the capacity to face today’s challenges and take Africa and her people to the next level,” added Prof. Semboja.

Discussions will further explore the capability for leaders to act, in terms of tools and resources, the state of institutions, and the domestic and external environment - whether it supports, obstructs or is ambiguous to what leaders set out to accomplish.

UONGOZI Institute organises roundtable discussions with the aim of bringing leaders together to reflect on issues specific to realising sustainable development for the continent.

Ends 

BANK OF AFRICA TANZANIA PARTNERS AIRTEL

The Head of Retail Banking with Bank of Africa Tanzania, Ms  Mwanahiba Mzee clarifies points to journalists during the press conference shortly after the launch of Airtel Money and Aggregator Financing services in Dar es Salaam. Looking on left is Mr Shyamkumar Balakrishnan of Connexions and right is the Bank’s Head of IT, Mr Willington Munyaga. The function was held at Airtel Head offices.

Mkuu wa shughuli za rejareja za kibenki wa Benki ya Africa Tanzania, Bi.  Mwanahiba Mzee akifafanua jambo kwa waandishi wa habari wakati wa uzinduzi wa huduma ya clarifies Airtel Money and Aggregator Financing ambayo itakuwa ikitolewa na benki hiyo katika iliyofanyika Jijijni Dar es Salaam jana. Wengine kushotoni Bw.Shyamkumar Balakrishnan wa Connexions na kulia ni Mkuu wa Mifumo wa Mawasiliano wa Benki, Bw. Willington Munyaga.

The Head of Retail Banking with Bank of Africa Tanzania, Ms  Mwanahiba Mzee (right) exchanges documents with Airtel Money Manager, Mr John Ndunguru (second left) signify the bank’s launch of Airtel Money service in a function held in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Others looking on left is Mr Shyamkumar Balakrishnan of Connexions and second  right is the Bank’s Head of IT, Mr Willington Munyaga.

Mkuu wa shughuli za rejareja za kibenki wa Benki ya Africa Tanzania Mwanahiba Mzee (kulia) akibadilishana nyaraka na Meneja wa Airtel Money, Bw. John Ndunguru (wa pili kushoto) kuashiria uzinduzi rasmi wa huduma ya  Airtel Money kwa benki. Wanaoshuhudia (kushoto) ni  Shyamkumar Balakrishnan wa Connexions  na wapili kulia ni Mkuu wa Mifumo wa Mawasiliano wa Benki Willington Munyaga.

The Chairman of Miss Tanzania Committee, Mr. Prashant Patel (centre) talks during the inauguration of the website, www.misstanzaniatreasures.com, over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.  Others in the picture are the Managing Director of the website, Mr. Ali Zoeb (left) and the project’s Media Consultant, Mr. Peter Keasi.

Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Miss Tanzania, Bw. Prashant Patel (katikati) akizungumza wakati wa uzinduzi wa tovuti itakayokuwa inajulikana kama www.misstanzaniatreasures.com mwishoni mwa wiki jijini Dar es Salaam.  Wengine katika picha ni Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa tovuti hiyo, Bw. Ali Zoeb (kushoto) na mshauri wa habari wa tovuti hiyo, Bw. Peter Keasi.

Miss Tanzania yazindua tovuti, yasisitiza umuhimu wa urembo

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Jamii imesisitizwa kuona shughuli za urembo kama fani nyingine ambayo ikifanywa vizuri inaweza kumkomboa mshiriki kiuchumi na kumuibua kama mtu wa muhimu katika jamii.

Wito huu umetolewa na Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Miss Tanzania, Bw. Prashant Patel aliyekua mgeni rasmi katika uzinduzi wa tovuti ya mashindano hayo, www.misstanzaniatreasures.com, mwishoni mwa wiki jijini Dar es Salaam.

“Lengo la tovuti hii ni kutaka kueneza elimu hiyo na kuonyesha kwamba urembo ni kazi au fani kama nyingine na wala haina uhusiano wowote na uhuni kama baadhi ya watu wanavyoendelea kuamini,” alisema Bw. Prashant.

Alisema wengi wa warembo waliowahi kufanikiwa kutwaa taji la Miss Tanzania leo hii ni watu wenye mafanikio makubwa, kila mtu akifanya kile anachokipenda na kukiweza. 

Alisema tovuti hiyo inataka kuwaibua siyo tu washindi wa Miss Tanzania waliopita, bali washiriki mbalimbali waliwahi kushiriki katika mashindano hayo na kuonyesha wako wapi, wanafanya nini, ndoto na matarajio waliyonayo na hata changamoto wanazokumbana nazo.

Hadi sasa kuna jumla ya washiriki zaidi ya elfu tano tangu Miss Tanzania ianzishwe mwaka 1994. 

Alisema kamati ya MissTanzania inaamini warembo hawa ni hazina na hivyo wanataka kuonyesha hazina iliyopo katika taifa.

Alisema juhudi hizi za kuanzishwa kwa tovuti hii zitafuatiwa na uanzishwaji wa jarida litakalojulikana pia kama Miss Tanzania Treasures.

Akielezea zaidi alisema sehemu ya faida itakayotokana na tovuti hii na jarida hilo itatumika katika kuchangia maendeleo ya warembo hawa kama elimu na shughuli mbalimbali wanazofanya kwa utaratibu utakaopangwa.  Pia, faida itakayopatikana itatumika katika kusaidia watoto yatima hapa nchini.

“Tovuti hii itasaidia dunia nzima kushuhudia na kujua kwa undani kuhusu Miss Tanzania.  Hii ni fursa nyingine katika kukuza sekta ya utalii hapa nchini maana hakuna ubishi kwamba Miss Tanzania imekua moja ya njia za kukuza utalii wetu nje ya nchi,” alisisitiza.

Akielezea zaidi alisema tovuti ni njia muafaka katika kipindi hiki cha Teknolojia ya Habari na Mawasiliano (TEHAMA) ambapo maendeleo yanategemea zaidi ufanisi katika mawasiliano.

“Tovuti hii itasaidia kujenga mtandao baina ya warembo wenyewe na wakajua jinsi ya kushirikiana katika maswala mbalimbali ya kijamii na kiuchumi na hivyo kuchochea maendeleo,” alisema.

Alisisitiza kuwa tovuti hii pia itasaidia kujenga mahusiano na mawasiliano kati ya warembo wa Miss Tanzania kwa upande mmoja  na wadau wa maendeleo ndani na nje ya nchi.

“Tutawashirikisha wadau mbalimbali katika swala hili muhimu na ni wito wetu kwamba wasituangushe kwa faida ya nchi yetu,” alisema Bw. Prashant.

Kwa upande wake, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa tovuti hiyo, Bw. Ali Zoeb aliwaahidi warembo walioshiriki uzinduzi huo kuwa tovuti hiyo itasaidia sana katika kuwaunganisha na wadau mbalimbali ndani na nje ya nchi na kuwasisitiza warembo popote walipo kuanza kujenga mazoea ya kutembelea tovuti hiyo na kujua kinachojiri.

Naye, mshauri wa habari wa tovuti hiyo, Bw. Peter Keasi alisema tovuti na jarida litakaloanzishwa hivi karibuni vitasaidia kurahisisha mawasiliano kufanya kazi kama daraja baina ya warembo hapa nchini, jambo alilosema ni muhimu kwa maendeleo.

Uzinduzi huo ulishuhudiwa na warembo walioko kwenye kambi ya Miss Tanzania kwa sasa pamoja na wadau wengine wa urembo hapa nchini.

Mwisho 

The Manager, Public Private Partnership (PPP) Coordination Unit, Mr. Saidi Amiri stressing a point when talking to journalists over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.

Meneja wa kitengo cha uratibu wa mpango wa ubia kati ya serikali na sekta binafsi (PPP), Bw. Saidi Amiri akisisitiza jambo alipokuwa akiongea na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar es Salaam mwishoni mwa wiki.

Watanzania wahamasishwa kuwekeza miradi ya PPP

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Watanzania wamepewa changamoto kuchangamkia miradi itakayotayarishwa chini ya utaratibu wa ubia kati ya serikali na sekta binafsi (PPP) mara utekelezaji wake utakapokuwa tayari.

Wito huu umetolewa Meneja wa kitengo cha uratibu wa mpango huo wa PPP, Bw. Saidi Amiri alipokuwa akiongea na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar es Salaam mwishoni mwa wiki.

“Sheria iliyounda mpango huu inasisitiza sana uwezeshaji wa wananchi kwa njia ya kushirikishwa katika miradi mbalimbali ya maendeleo,” alisema, akiongeza kwamba kwa sasa kitengo hicho kiko katika hatua za kupitia miradi hiyo itakayogusa sekta mbalimbali.

Utaratibu huu utatekelezwa kwa sheria namba 18 ya mwaka 2010.

Alisema miradi hiyo ya ubia ikifanikiwa itasaidia kwa kiasi kikubwa kuunga mkono malengo ya taifa ya maendeleo ya miaka mitano na dira ya taifa ya mwaka 2025.

Alisema kwa sasa wanafanya upembuzi yakinifu wa miradi hiyo itakayohusisha sekta mbalimbali katika maeneo ya miundombinu, kilimo na nyinginezo na kwamba kipaumbele kitakuwa kwa wafanyabiashara wazawa watakaokuwa na uwezo.

Kitengo cha PPP kimeunda na vitengo viwili; kile cha uratibu kilicho katika kituo cha Uwekezaji Tanzania na kile cha fedha kilicho katika wizara ya Fedha.

 Alisema Serikali kupitia wizara na taasisi zake itaibua miradi ya ubia na kuifikisha kitengo cha uratibu TIC ambapo  itachambuliwa kitaalamu na kuifikisha Wizara ya fedha kwa ajili ya uhakiki wa mwisho.

Alisema baada ya hapo miradi itatangazwa kwenye vyombo vya habari kwa ajili ya kupata wawekezaji kwa kushirikiana na serikali.

Akielezea zaidi Bw. Amiri alisema katika miradi ya namna hiyo mwekezaji anaweza kujenga barabara,bandari, na viwanja vya ndege vizuri na vyenye viwango vya kimataifa na kuwatoza fedha wanaotumia vitega uchumi hivyo.

Akitoa mfano alisema mpango kama huu umesaidia sana kufikiwa kwa maendeleo makubwa katika nchi ya Afrika Kusini hasa katika sekta ya miundombinu ya barabara.

Alisema kitengo hicho kilichoanzishwa mwezi Machi mwaka huu kinazidi kutoa elimu kwa watumishi wa ummma na jamii kwa ujumla ili kuwa na ufahamu zaidi juu ya swala hilo ili kufikia malengo yake.

Alisema kwa kuanzia katika kila Wizara patakuwa na maafisa wa PPP na ili kusaidia kubuni miradi na kuifikisha TIC iweze kufanyiwa upembuzi wa kitaalamu na kufikishwa Wizara ya fedha. 

Bw. Amiri alihamasisha wawekezaji hasa taasisi za ndani za fedha kutumia fursa hiyo kuwekeza katika miradi mbalimbali itakapokuwa tayari.

Mwisho

Bank of Africa Tanzania head of Human Resources and Administration, Ms Mercy Msuya (third right) shakes hand with the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Haika Mawalla when the bank donated USD 10,000 to support the hospital’s efforts in improving children’s healthcare in the country yesterday in Dar es Salaam.  Others in the picture are the bank’s officials Mr. Solomon Haule and Ms. Berly Oluga (first and second on the left) and Mr. Kaisha Boge (in black suit) and Mr. Henry Baghayo the right.

Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Raslimali Watu na Utawala cha Benki ya Afrika Tanzania, Bi. Mercy Msuya (wa tatu kulia) akishikana mkono na Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu Msaidizi wa CCBRT, Bi. Haika Mawalla wakati benki hiyo ilipotoa mchango wa dola za kimarekani 10,000 kusaidia juhudi za hospitali hiyo kusaidia watoto wenye ulemavu wa aina mbalimbali jana jijini Dar es Salaam.  Wengine katika picha ni maafisa wa benki hiyo, Bw. Solomon Haule na Bi. Berly Oluga (wa kwanza na wa pili kulia) na Bw. Kaisha Boge (mwenye suti nyeusi) na Bw. Henry Baghayo mwisho kulia.

Bank of Africa Tanzania donates to CCBRT

By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Bank of Africa Tanzania has donated USD 10,000 to support the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) efforts in improving children’s healthcare in the country.

Talking during the handover brief ceremony yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the bank’s head of Human Resources and Administration, Ms Mercy Msuya said the bank is thankful to be able to offer its continued support to CCBRT through the Invest in Your Future campaign.

“Our bank has continually focused on providing solutions to the development sector in Tanzania and our coming together with CCBRT shows our commitment to that cause,” she said.

She explained that while the future of the nation depends on many different things, the health of citizens is one of the most important contributors to ensuring a vibrant Tanzania.

She noted that ensuring Tanzania’s children grow up to realize their full potential as productive citizens requires that they have access to good educational resources  and that of utmost importance is that they are in good health.

“This is why our bank supports efforts geared towards improving the health sector in Tanzania…it is our belief that our contribution will enhance positive development in Tanzania by enabling future economic growth through investment in the young generation,” she said, urging other corporate organizations to come and support the campaign so as to build a better Tanzania.

On her part, the CCBRT Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Haika Mawalla said the bank’s donation will enable them to continue treating children under the age of 5 free of charge, and that this will ensure that they increase the number of children who receive access to education in Tanzania.

“We aim to improve access to education for children with disabilities by working to prevent disabilities through early identification treatment, raise awareness, empower families, and by working with over 170 schools in Dar es Salaam to make them more inclusive,” Ms. Mawalla said.

She noted that the earlier a child with a disability receives medical care and treatment the more positive the outcome is likely to be.

Bank of Africa Tanzania has a longstanding relationship with CCBRT whereby it supports a number of initiatives including monthly staff donations to the hospital under the Friends of CCBRT program, assistance in creation of awareness of CCBRT’s services and initiatives to the bank’s customers and financial support for the upcoming Baobab Maternity hospital which is part of the institution-sponsorship of the HIV/AIDS Unit.

Established in 1994, CCBRT is responsible to the needs of people with disabilities in and around Dar es Salaam.  It is the largest indigenous provider of disability and rehabilitation services in the country, providing quality rehabilitative services to 120,000 people with disabilities and their caregivers each year.

In 2011, over 11,000 life changing operations improved the lives of children, women and men.

Ends

Maadili ni muhimu kufanikisha TEHAMA vyuo vikuu

Na mwandishi wetu, Arusha

Taasisi za elimu ya juu nchini zimepewa changamoto ya kuzingatia maswala ya maadili katika sera zinazohusu Teknolojia ya Habari na Mawasiliano (TEHAMA)kama vinataka kupata faida kubwa katika eneo hilo.

Ushauri huu umetolewa na Naibu Makamu Mkuu wa chuo kikuu cha Mtakatifu Agustino Tanzania (SAUT), Taaluma, Fr. Dkt. Thadeus Mkamwa wakati wa kongamano la nne la Elimu ya Juu lililomalizika hivi karibuni jijini Arusha.

“Ni muhimu kuzingatia maswala haya ya maadili katika sera zinazohusu TEHAMA katika taasisi hizi za elimu ya juu…bila kufanya hivi tunaweza kujikuta tumepoteza mwelekeo,” alisema Dkt. Mkamwa, akiongeza kuwa ingawa TEHAMA inafaida kubwa bado pia inaweza kuleta hasara kama maadili katika matumizi yake hayatazingatiwa.

Alisema swala hili ni muhimu zaidi sasa ambapo vyuo vikuu vinakabiliwa na changamoto nyingi, mpya na kubwa.

“Ni vyema tukajua kwamba sasa tuna aina mpya ya wanafunzi ambao wanatumia vifaa vya kisasa kama simu na kompyuta na wamezungukwa na maswala mengi yanayohusu TEHAMA…kama tusipokua makini tutashindwa kuwapatia muongozo unaofaa,” alisema, na kuongeza kwamba vyuo vinatakiwa kuwaongoza wanafunzi kuwa watu gani baadae, wafahamu nini na wafanye nini.

Kwa msingi huo, Dkt. Mkamwa alisema kwamba ni muhimu kuangalia vitu vitakavyosaidia kujua uzuri wa TEHAMA hasa wakati huu ambapo wanafunzi wengi na watu wengi katika familia wanapendelea zaidi kutumia vifaa vya TEHAMA ili kuepuka athari mbaya zinazoweza kutokea na kuondoa faida.

Alisema chuo cha SAUT tayari kinaliangalia hili kwa kufundisha masomo yanayohusiana na maadili ili kuwafanya wanafunzi kujua uzuri na ubaya wa TEHAMA kama isipotumiwa vyema.

“Mtaala wetu unatayarisha wanafunzi kuwa wataalamu na vilevile watu wenye maadili yanayofaa,” alisema.

Mapema, akiwasilisha mada kuhusiana na nafasi ya TEHAMA katika uongozi wa vyuo Tanzania, Prof. Beda Mutagahywa toka Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam alisema nafasi ya teknolojia katika vyuo vikuu ni swala lisiloepukika.

“Ni lazima taasisi za elimu ya juu ziingize TEHAMA katika mikakati yake na program zake za masomo,” alisema Prof. Mutagahywa.

Alisema ni muhimu vyuo vikuu vikaeleza wazi jinsi teknolojia itakavyosaidia kuimarisha tafiti na vilevile vijenge uwezo katika eneo hilo.

Kauli mbiu katika kongamano hilo lililotayarishwa na kamati ya Makamu Wakuu wa Vyuo Vikuu na Wakuu wa Vyuo nchini Tanzania (CVCPT) kwa kushirikiana na taasisi ya Trust Africa ilikuwa

ni Utawala Bora kwa Elimu Bora Endelevu ya Vyuo Vikuu Tanzania.

Washiriki wa kongamano hilo la siku mbili walikuwa pamoja na wenyeviti wa mabaraza ya vyuo vikuu, makamu Wakuu wa Vyuo Vikuu, Wakuu wa Vyuo, Manaibu wakuu wa Vyuo wa vyuo vyote vya serikali na vya umma, Tume ya Vyuo Vikuu nchini (TCU) na wadau wengine wa elimu ya juu kutoka ndani na nje ya nchi.

CVCPT imeanzishwa chini ya kifungu cha 53 cha Sheria ya Vyuo Vikuu ya mwaka 2005.

Mwisho

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, ST. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Fr. Dr. Thadeus Mkamwa (standing) contributing during the fourth higher education forum ended in Arusha town recently.  Others in the picture are the Vice Chancellor of Teofilo Kisanji University, Prof. Tuli Kassimoto (right) and the Vice Chancellor of Mzumbe University, Prof. Joseph Kuzilwa (front).

Naibu Makamu Mkuu wa chuo kikuu cha Mtakatifu Agustino Tanzania (SAUT), Taaluma, Fr. Dkt. Thadeus Mkamwa akichangia mada wakati wa kongamano la nne la Elimu ya Juu lililomalizika hivi karibuni jijini Arusha.  Wengine katika picha ni Makamu Mkuu wa chuo kikuu cha Teofili Kisanji, Prof. Tuli Kassimoto (kulia) na Makamu Mkuu wa Chuo Kikuu Mzumbe, Prof. Joseph Kuzilwa (mbele).

Ethical, moral values crucial in implementing ICTs in academic institutions

By a Correspondent, Arusha

Higher learning institutions in the country have been urged to link some aspects of ethical and moral values in their policies regarding Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) if they want to reap full benefits.

The advice has been given by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, ST. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Fr. Dr. Thadeus Mkamwa during the fourth higher education forum ended in Arusha town recently.

 “If we have any ICT policies in universities we should be able to put some aspects of ethical and moral values that we want them be appalled otherwise we can be driven out by the good aspects of ICT not knowing that though it has some solutions but still it can rob us of the values that we actually uphold to our university students,” he explained.

Dr. Mkamwa said his concern is if universities will not be careful in integrating ICT with good governance, their negative aspects may rob freedom and values especially now as academic institutions are facing new challenges.

“We have new types of students who use smart phones, Ipads and they are surrounded with issues which are ICT based…if we are not careful then we cannot manage them in the sense of giving them better university pedagogy like making sure that we follow and give them some guidelines on what we want them to do, what we want them to be and what we want them to know,” he said.

In this regard, Dr. Mkamwa said if universities do not link ethical values and if they do not look at aspects that help understand how ICT is good, they may lose the track because despite the good aspects of ICT there are lot of challenges whereby most of students and family members now days do not want to listen, but to play with gadgets they get from ICT. 

He said SAUT courses and programmes include social ethics and other aspects of ethical values that can help students understand the good and bad sides of ICT. 

“Our curriculum is integrated which improves on what students can know as professionals and as persons.  We are training a person and we are training a profession,” he noted. 

Earlier, presenting a paper on the role of ICTs in university governance in Tanzania, Prof. Beda Mutagahywa from the University of Dar es Salaam said the integration of ICT in education is inevitable as it will cater for increasing demand for higher education, the need for online learning and lifelong learning.

“ICT trend is towards mobile technology, virtual world, social networking, cloud computing and other aspects,” he said, adding that higher learning institutions should integrate these technologies into their programs and strategies.

He said higher learning institutions should clearly identify specific roles for ICTs to enhance research capacity and provide for adequate infrastructure and capacity building.

He said ICT is a strategic resource for those academic institutions and as such ICT governance should be prioritised and made part of the Institutional governance.

The main theme for the forum that was prepared by the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals, Tanzania (CVCPT) in collaboration with Trust Africa was Good Governance for sustainable quality University Education in Tanzania.

CVCPT was established under section 53 of the Universities Act, No.7 of 2005.

Members of CVCPT include Vice Chancellors, Principals and Provosts of all public and private Universities and University Colleges and the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).

Ends 

Higher learning institutions to discuss governance, education in Arusha

By a Correspondent, Morogoro

Public and private higher learning institutions in Tanzania are expected to converge later this week in Arusha to take part in the 4^th higher education forum.

The two day forum to start on this Thursday is prepared by the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals, Tanzania (CVCPT) in collaboration with Trust Africa.The Chancellor of Mzumbe University, Prof. Joseph Kuzilwa is the committee’s Chairman.

The main theme for the forum is Good Governance for sustainable quality University Education in Tanzania.

According to the information from the Directorate of Communication and Information at Mzumbe University and signed by its Director, Ms. Rainfrida Ngatunga, the guest of honor for the opening is expected to be the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal.

“The main objective of the forum is to bring together key stakeholders in higher education sector to share common experiences and best practices on University good governance as a strategy to address current and future challenges facing universities in Tanzania,” reads part of the release.

Mzumbe University as a current chair of CVCPT is organizing the forum on behalf of CVCPT.

According to Ms. Ngatunga specific objectives of this forum are to assess the quality of governance structures and the extent to which they facilitate or hinder good governance in universities; to examine challenges facing Universities and how good governance may provide solutions; and to develop joint strategies for improving good governance in Universities.

Participants of this forum will be Permanent Secretaries of different ministries, Chairpersons of University Councils, Vice Chancellors, Principals and Provosts, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deputy Principals and Provosts of Private and Public universities in Tanzania.

Commissioned papers include Governance and Performance of Universities in Tanzania: Trends and Challenges; Governance structures, processes, relationships and opportunities in running universities; and Students Governance and Democratization of Universities.

Others will be on role of Information Communication Technology (ICTs) in university governance in Tanzania;Governance, interdependencies and linkages amongst higher education institutions in Tanzania and Workload models and human resource management in universities in Tanzania: what can we learn from each other.

CVCPT was established under section 53 of the Universities Act, No.7 of 2005.

Members of CVCPT include Vice Chancellors, Principals and Provosts of all public and private Universities and University Colleges and the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).

Ends

Mradi wa Makaa ya Mawe Ngaka kupunguza ghrama za uzalishaji viwandani

Na Mwandishi wetu, Mbinga

 Uzalishaji katika viwanda nchini unatarajia kuimarika zaidi kutokana na mradi wa Makaa ya Mawe wa Ngaka, makaa hayo mengi na bora zaidi katika Mkoa Ruvuma ,Wilaya ya Mbinga katika kijiji cha Ruanda yanapatikana kwa gharama nafuu ambapo itasaidia kutoa msukumo mkubwa katika uchumi wa nchi.

Mwenyekiti wa Kampuni ya TANCOAL,Bw.Graeme Robertson alisema hayo wakati alipofanya ziara ya kujionea maendeleo ya mradi huo wa makaa ya mawe na gesi asilia ambayo imegundulika katika eneo la mradi wa Makaa ya mawe Ngaka ambapo katika ziara hiyo aliambatana na Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Shirika la Maendeleo la Taifa (NDC),Bw.Gideon Nasari na Mbunge wa Mbinga Mashariki Bw.Gaudence Kayombo. 

“Mradi huu mkubwa wa taifa umekuja  wakati mwafaka kwa ajili ya kupata nishati kwa gharama nafuu kwa ajili ya viwanda vyetu kwa vile gharama za uzalishaji imekuwa juu kutokana na bei ya nishati ya umeme waoutumia hivi sasa zimepanda,”alisema Bw.Robertson mwishoni mwa wiki.

Alisema mradi huo kuzalisha makaa ya mawe na kuyasambaza kwa watumiaji kwajili ya nishati ya viwandani ambayo inatumika badala ya umeme wa gesi asilia inayotoka mikoa ya kusini na ule wa kufua kupitia mafuta ya dizeli.

“Mbali ya uzalishaji huu wa makaa yam awe tunnajiandaa kujenga  mtambo wa kuzalisha umeme wa megawati 200  ifikapo mwaka 2015,” alisema Bw. Robertson,  ambapo Songea mjini na vijijini pamoja na vijiji vya jirani vilivyopo karibu na eneo la mgodi kuweza kupata nishati ya umeme.

Alisema pia katika mradi wa Ngaka imetokea bahati kubwa ya kugundulika kwa gesi asilia mpya inayokaa chini ya makaa ya mawe ( coal bed methane) ambapo kampuni yao inafanya kazi kwa karibu sana na Shirika la Maendeleo la Taifa (NDC) katika kuhakikisha inazalishwa kwa ajili ya watanzania na uchumi wao.

Mbunge wa Mbinga Mashariki, Bw.Gaudence Kayombo alisema mradi wa makaa ya mawe Ngaka unatarajia kukidhi mahitaji ya shida ya nishati ya umeme ambayo ni muhimu kwa maendeleo ya wakazi wa jimbo lake na Mkoa Mzima wa Ruvuna.

“Ninayo furaha kuwa tangu maradi uanzishwe mwaka 2006 unaendelea vizuri na kwa bahati nzuri eneo hilo pia limegundulika kuwa na gesi asilia chini ya makaa ya mawe ambapo matumaini yetu utaleta kichocheo cha maendeleo kwenye vijiji vyetu vyote kwa kupata umeme,”

Alisema mradi hadi sasa umeleta faida kubwa kwa wananchi hasa vijana wameweza kujipatia ajira na wengine kujiajiri kutokana na kuwepo kwa mradi huo jambo linalochochea kuwepo kwa mzunguko mzuri wa uchumi na maendeleo katika eneo hilo.

Alisema Tanzania pamoja na kwamba kuna sera nzuri, sasa hivi inahitajika kujitayarisha kuona miradi kama hiyo, taifa linakuwa na hisa aslimia 50 na mwekezaji 50 au 49 kwa 51 ili kuchochea ukuaji wa uchumi pamoja na kuchota ujuzi na teknoloji mpya.

Alisema pia nchi inatakiwa kujitayarisha mapema kuanza kuandaa kujenga uwezo wa kimtaji na ujuzi ili miradi kama hiyo iweze kufanywa na watanzania wenyewe na wageni wawe wajiriwa tu kwa lengo la kuleta manufaa zaidi kwa nchi.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji ambaye pia ni Ofisa Mkuu Mtendaji wa Shirika la Maendeleo la Taifa (NDC), Bw. Gideon Nasari alisema shirika limefanikiwa kufungua mradi wa kwanza wa makaa ya mawe wa Ngaka ambao una mawe mengi na bora zaidi.

“Viwanda vingi hapa nchini sasa vinapata mawe kutoka hapa badala ya Afrika Kusini ambako walikuwa wananunua tani moja dola 250 lakini hapa wananunua nusu ya gharama hiyo hivyo ni neema kwa viwanda vyetu,”alisema Bw.Nasari.

Alisema Pia makaa ya mawe hayo wanauza nchi jirani ya Malawi ambao wananunua kwa ajili ya kukaushia zao la chai na sasa hivi wanajipanga kwaajili ya kuzalisha nishati ya umeme.

Alisema mazungumzo ya makubaliano na TANESCO ya mradi huo kuzalisha umeme yanaendelea ambapo tayari wameshafanya upembuzi yakinifu na tafiti hivyo wanatarajia baada ya kukamirika makubaliano watatafuta vyanzo vya fedha kwa jili ya kujenga mtambo kuzalisha nishati hiyo.

Viongozi hao wa kampuni hiyo ya TANCOAL, Shirika la Maendeleo ya Taifa (NDC) na Mbunge wa Mbinga Mashariki walifanya ziara ya kujionea maendeleo ya mardi na pia kuangalia rasirimali ya gesi asilia ambayo imegundulika katika eneo hilo la mradi.

Mwisho.