Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Whether during the rainy or dry season, overflowing sewage from manholes in several streets in Kariakoo continues to trouble traders, food vendors and thousands of people who visit the busy commercial hub for business.

In streets including Uhuru, Msimbazi and Sikukuu, wastewater frequently spills onto roads, producing foul odours and unsanitary conditions. Despite repeated interventions by the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa), which has periodically set up repair camps in Kariakoo to rehabilitate sewerage and drainage infrastructure, the problem persists in the densely populated and congested area.

Investigations by The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi, conducted at different times in January, found that ongoing construction activities in Kariakoo are among the major contributors to the problem. The dumping of solid waste such as clothes, stones, tyres and plastic materials into sewer systems has also been cited as a key cause of blockages.

A petty trader along Sikukuu and Mchikichi streets, Mr Salehe Othman, said the problem directly affects business as customers cannot comfortably stop to browse. “When sewage overflows, the whole area smells.

Customers cannot stand here; they pass quickly or go elsewhere,” he said. A household goods trader, Mr Shaaban Said, said the situation becomes worse during heavy rains, when parts of Kariakoo turn into pools of dirty water and, in some areas, human waste floats on the surface.

“You arrange your goods and suddenly water starts coming out slowly, and later it flows with sewage. When it rains, the situation becomes even worse,” he said.

A food vendor operating along Uhuru and Sikukuu streets, Ms Zainabu Zawadi, said the problem disrupts daily business activities whenever manholes overflow. “When people see sewage flowing near a place where food is sold or displayed, they hesitate to buy because they fear contamination from nearby buildings,” she said.

Pedestrians also complained of constant inconvenience, saying they are sometimes forced to walk through sewage or change routes, increasing health risks. A resident of Dar es Salaam, Ms Sauda Shaibu, said women wearing long dresses often struggle to avoid dirty water.

“Those of us who wear long dresses have a hard time. You have to hold your dress to avoid the dirty water.

On Msimbazi Road, motorcycles and cars splash filthy water, which is very risky,” she said. Kariakoo West Street chairperson, Mr Said Omary said the sewage problem has become chronic due to ongoing construction that blocks drainage channels and underground systems.

“We were informed that the old systems would be removed and replaced with new ones, and we are still waiting. Construction activities have blocked existing systems, so when water reaches blocked areas it has nowhere to go except to overflow,” he said.

What authorities say Dar es Salaam City Council engineer, Mr Issack Mtega, said the problem is largely caused by illegal connections of sewer lines into storm-water drainage systems. He explained that storm-water systems were designed strictly to carry rainwater, but they have been interfered with by sewage connections, reducing efficiency.

“People have connected sewage lines to storm-water systems. When it rains or when toilets are flushed, wastewater backs up and floods the streets,” he said.

Mr Mtega said the current strategy involves inspecting houses one by one and directing property owners to disconnect improperly connected systems. “This problem affects the entire Kariakoo area and some other parts of the city.

We may even need consultants to reassess the whole system. The city allocates up to Sh300 million annually for unblocking drains,” he said.

He added that whether it rains or not, conditions in Kariakoo remain the same because systems have been altered, exposing residents and traders to contaminated water. “People end up walking in water mixed with sewage, which poses serious health and environmental risks,” he said.

Unplanned construction Mr Mtega acknowledged that ongoing construction in Kariakoo has worsened the situation, with some drainage channels being blocked or built over without observing infrastructure layouts. “In the past, there were separate sewer and storm-water systems, but many have been blocked.

People build without considering underground infrastructure,” he said. He added that while some areas have been upgraded with new systems, older ones remain in place, causing inefficient water flow.

Dawasa Director of Sewerage, Ms Lidya Ndibalema, said frequent blockages result from improper use of sewer systems, including the dumping of solid waste into toilets and drains. She said Dawasa operates 24-hour emergency teams equipped with vacuum trucks and high-pressure cleaning machines to respond to blockages.

“Blockages are common because people use toilets daily and foreign materials get stuck in the lines. When we respond, we often find sand and debris.

Once we receive reports, our teams act immediately,” she said. Ms Ndibalema added that sewer cleaning is part of routine maintenance, not only an emergency response, with lines cleaned section by section to prevent major blockages.

She said Dawasa is also constructing modern wastewater treatment plants in areas such as Buguruni and Jangwani. Large pipelines, she explained, collect wastewater from residential areas through the city centre, including Upanga, before pumping it to central treatment plants.

“These major plants are accompanied by rehabilitation of old systems to increase capacity for collecting and treating wastewater as the city’s population grows,” she said. She stressed that controlling blockages depends heavily on public cooperation in using sewer systems properly and reporting problems early.

“Even after cleaning today, blockages may occur again tomorrow. That’s why our teams remain on standby.

But if residents use the systems correctly, the problem will significantly reduce,” she said. Ministry strategy On January 14, 2026, Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said cooperation between the governments and South Korea will strengthen sewerage services in Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas.

Speaking after holding talks with South Korea’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ahn Eunju, Mr Aweso said the two countries are jointly implementing a $90 million (Sh223.65 billion) sanitation improvement project expected to benefit about 1.8 million residents in the city, noting that the project is being implemented by Dawasa.

He said discussions held in Dodoma focused on strengthening water supply and sanitation services, water resource management, wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting and investment opportunities in the water sector. Mr Aweso said the project is currently being implemented in Dar es Salaam City and Kinondoni council and has reached 10.8 percent completion.

He added that the project will improve wastewater management systems to match the expected increase in clean water usage. Mr Aweso said a modern wastewater treatment plant being constructed in Buguruni will replace the outdated pond-based treatment system currently in use.

.

Dar es salaam. What started as a modest attempt to link family planning with economic empowerment has, over two years, reshaped how thousands of young people in Zanzibar access health information, services and life skills.

The Sh890 million Start Small project, presented to The Citizen by project manager Ms Domitila Masalla, was implemented between 2024 and 2025 by MSI Tanzania in partnership with the Zanzibar Youth Forum Association (ZAFAYCO). The project it covered West Urban, Unguja North and Unguja South, targeting adolescents and young people under the age of 25, alongside women and girls of reproductive age.

Rather than treating sexual and reproductive health as a standalone issue, the project deliberately combined family planning education with entrepreneurship and life-skills training–an approach implementers say responded to the realities young people face on the ground. “We learned early on that young people’s health decisions are closely linked to their economic situation and self-confidence.

By integrating family planning, life skills and economic empowerment, we enabled young people to make informed choices about both their health and their future,” Ms Masalla said. Through 30 supported public health facilities, community outreach programmes, school-based clubs, youth bonanzas and peer-to-peer ‘kijiweni’ networks, the project reached thousands of adolescents and young people across the three regions, many of whom would otherwise have struggled to access youth-friendly services.

According to project records, the initiative contributed to averting an estimated 27,316 unintended pregnancies, 8,945 unsafe abortions and 27 maternal deaths during its lifespan–outcomes that health experts say highlight the importance of accessible and non-judgmental family planning services for young people. MSI Tanzania, led technical support and service delivery through outreach programmes and an embedded nurse model, working closely with public health facilities.

Continuous mentorship helped strengthen provider skills, improve quality of care and ensure client safety. Annual clinical assessments showed that all service providers involved maintained Level One competence, allowing them to deliver services independently, while supportive supervision addressed gaps related to infection prevention and service provision.

Beyond health facilities, much of the project’s impact was driven at community level. ZAFAYCO mobilised young people through learning-institution outreach, youth-friendly service camps and girls-only sessions delivered using Ministry-approved training manuals.

Care clubs in schools and entrepreneurship networks for out-of-school youth helped link health education with practical life skills. District Education Officer for North A, Juma Abdallah Juma, said the project strengthened awareness among students by delivering information in formats young people could easily relate to.

“The way the education was delivered made it possible for many young people to understand quickly, starting from the lowest levels. This approach significantly boosted awareness in schools and communities,” he said.

Health officials reported similar gains. District Medical Officer from North A, Ms Fatma Abdallah said the project strengthened the capacity of frontline health workers and reduced barriers that often discourage young people from seeking services.

“Health workers were empowered to serve young clients efficiently and without judgement. Young people were given priority, misinformation was addressed, and service uptake improved in our facilities,” she said.

District nursing and reproductive health coordinators noted that the presence of embedded nurses helped build trust among adolescents, making it easier to discuss sensitive family planning and reproductive health issues. For beneficiaries, the impact was felt most strongly through peer-to-peer engagement.

Youth Kijiweni member Zainabu Mwinyi Mwinyi said reaching young people through fellow youths proved more effective than conventional awareness campaigns. “Through the kijiweni networks and bonanzas, we reached thousands of young people.

Because we are young and speak the same language, it became easier for others to open up and seek services without fear or stigma,” she said. Despite the progress, Ms Masalla said implementers encountered challenges that could not be fully addressed within the project’s lifespan, including limited equipment, staff shortages, inadequate privacy in some health facilities and persistent stigma–particularly against unmarried adolescent girls and young women.

“Some facilities still lack adequate equipment and private spaces for young people, and staff shortages remain a challenge. In addition, stigma continues to discourage some adolescent girls from seeking services,” she said.

She added that geographical barriers, and bureaucratic procedures also constrained implementation in some areas. “In hard-to-reach communities, distance and transport costs affected access, while administrative processes sometimes slowed down the implementation of planned activities,” Ms Masalla noted.

Still, stakeholders say the project’s achievements outweigh its limitations, with the closure of Start Small marking the end of a pilot phase that demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating family planning with economic empowerment for young people. “What this project has shown is that when health interventions are combined with economic empowerment, the impact goes beyond service uptake to changing mindsets and behaviour,” she said.

Ms Masalla said lessons from the initiative have directly informed the design of a follow-up programme, Kijana Kwanza, which will run from March 2026 to September 2027 with a stronger focus on public sector strengthening and long-term sustainability. “Kijana Kwanza will build on these lessons by strengthening public systems so that youth-friendly services continue even after project funding ends,” she said.

For many young people across Zanzibar, she added, the legacy of Start Small extends beyond improved access to family planning services. “The real legacy is empowering young people to understand the link between their health, opportunities and the choices they make about their future,” Ms Masalla said.

On her part, Deputy Director of Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, Dr Fatma Mohammed Kabole, said the Start Small project has contributed significantly to strengthening youth-friendly services across the islands. “Start Small has demonstrated the importance of providing accessible and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health services to young people.

The Ministry appreciates the integrated approach that combines family planning with economic empowerment, because it addresses the real-life challenges faced by adolescents and young people.” She said the Ministry is committed to sustaining the gains made through the project, particularly by ensuring that public health facilities continue to offer youth-friendly services.

“Government facilities have been strengthened through mentorship and capacity building, and we are working to ensure that these improvements are maintained. We will continue to support youth-friendly spaces, strengthen provider competence and promote accurate information to reduce stigma.

” Dr Kabole also highlighted the need for male involvement and community support to further improve uptake of family planning services among young people. “Engaging men and community leaders is essential in ensuring that young women and girls can access services without fear or discrimination.

We encourage all stakeholders, including families, religious leaders and community groups, to support youth empowerment and to work together to create an environment where young people can make informed choices about their health and futures.” .

Dodoma. Tanzania’s Parliament will on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, open its second sitting, with five major developments expected during the two-week session.

It will be the first sitting of the 13th Parliament under Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu with a fully constituted government, including a Prime Minister, Attorney General (AG) and all Cabinet ministers. When President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the 13th Parliament on November 13, 2025, the government had not yet appointed ministers.

AG Hamza Johari was already in office, while Dr Mwigulu Nchemba was later appointed Prime Minister. Among the key items expected is debate on President Hassan’s inaugural address, as well as the first Prime Minister’s Question and Answers session since Dr Nchemba assumed the role.

In the 12th Parliament, former Premier Kassim Majaliwa served as government exwcutive, while Dr Nchemba was Minister for Finance. Question and Answers session to the premier is provided for under parliamentary standing orders.

Another item will be the swearing-in of two newly elected MPs, Dr Godwin Mollel (Siha) and Ms Asha Hussein Saleh (Fuoni), both from CCM, following by-elections held on December 30, 2025, after the original polls were postponed due to the death of candidates. The fourth agenda item is the confirmation or election of three parliamentary committee chairpersons.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, CCM’s Central Committee, chaired by President Samia, endorsed three nominees: Deodatus Mwanyika, Cecilia Pareso and Najma Murtaza Giga, currently chairing standing parliamentary committees. Mr Mwanyika heads the Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Ms Pareso chairs the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, while Ms Giga leads the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Committee.

In the 12th Parliament under former Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, Mr Mwanyika and Ms Giga served as parliamentary chairpersons, while Ms Pareso was a special seats MP for Chadema before later joining CCM and being appointed an MP by the President. The fifth item will be a Speaker’s statement on the deaths of two MPs, Ms Jenista Mhagama (Peramiho), who died on December 11, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma following heart complications, and Ms Halima Idd Nassor, a special seats MP who died on January 18, 2026, at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam.

Ms Mhagama had represented Peramiho for 20 years since 2005 and served in several ministerial positions. In her inaugural address, President Hassan emphasised the implementation of the National Development Vision 2025/50, focusing on inclusivity, prosperity, justice and prioritising employment-intensive sectors and infrastructure projects.

She also addressed post-election violence, urging patience as a commission of inquiry was formed, a process she said has since been completed. The President pledged to maintain close engagement with the youth, including the creation of a dedicated ministry.

Mpanda Rural MP, and Infrastructure Committee chairperson, Mr Seleman Kakoso, CCM, said MPs would give strong attention to the President’s address, noting it contained important national directives. He said key discussion areas would include healthcare, youth employment, including small-scale mining, and infrastructure development.

“We will focus on issues that directly affect citizens, such as hospital detention of bodies, universal health insurance, and major infrastructure projects including high-speed rail to open up the country,” said Mr Kakoso. A veteran MP and former minister, who requested anonymity, urged lawmakers to exercise caution in their contributions to avoid alienating voters or contradicting government priorities.

“You cannot praise everything and still represent voters honestly, but excessive criticism also creates tension. MPs must balance carefully,” said the MP.

Retirees Association coordinator, Mr Ezekiel Oluoch said the country remained wounded following the general election and urged MPs to avoid hypocrisy and focus on national healing. “There is a deep fracture in the nation arising from election grievances.

Parliament must guide the government to compensate victims and address unresolved concerns,” said Mr Oluoch. He cited the leadership example of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who resigned as Minister for Home Affairs following violence in Shinyanga, saying accountability should not be feared.

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director, Dr Anna Henga, said parliamentary debates should prioritise healing and national reconciliation. She referred to public sentiments expressed during the funeral of Chadema founder and first Bank of Tanzania governor Edwin Mtei, who died on January 19, 2026, in Tengeru, Arusha.

During the funeral on January 24, political leaders from both government and opposition, including Prime Minister, Dr Nchemba representing President Hassan called for national healing. Dr Henga said Parliament should create space for open dialogue to allow citizens to express grievances and rebuild trust.

“We want MPs to avoid political grandstanding and instead promote genuine national dialogue so the country can heal,” she said. .

Tanga. Nearly one-third of bridges in Handeni Rural District, Tanga Region, are in poor condition and pose a serious threat to residents’ lives, particularly during the rainy season, The Citizen has established.

A three-month investigation by The Citizen has found that rains, which farmers traditionally regard as a blessing, have instead become a source of fear, disrupted communication and interrupted social and economic activities in several villages. The situation is largely driven by the deteriorating condition of bridge infrastructure, with many structures either dilapidated or built as temporary facilities, rendering them unsafe.

In some areas, there are no bridges at all, only makeshift crossings built using trees, timber and logs, conditions that significantly heighten risks during the rainy season. Data from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), Handeni District, show that 70 percent of bridges in the district have been repaired, while 30 percent remain in a dilapidated state.

Tarura Handeni District manager Judica Makyao acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Seventy percent of bridges in this district have been repaired. The remaining ones, including the Mligazi River Bridge, are at the assessment stage.

Due to financial constraints, we are forced to prioritise areas with the most urgent needs.” The danger intensifies during the rainy season, when residents are forced to rely on informal crossings to traverse rivers.

Villages such as Kwasunga, Miono and Kwamsisi are among the worst affected due to the absence of a bridge over the Mligazi River, which links Handeni and Bagamoyo districts. For rural residents, a bridge is not merely infrastructure, it is the backbone of daily life.

It enables students to reach schools, patients to access healthcare, farmers to transport produce and traders to reach markets beyond their villages. For more than six decades since Mainland Tanzania (Tanganyika) gained independence in 1961, no permanent bridge has been constructed in the area.

Instead, residents have depended on temporary crossings made of trees, timber, logs and soil. Because of the materials used, these structures rot and collapse within a short period, especially during the rainy season.

The Citizen observed the hazardous condition of the crossing, where timber and logs have already decayed, some trees have snapped and support pillars are leaning to one side, posing serious risks to motorcycles and three-wheelers using the route. A resident of Kwamsisi Village, Kauye Semboga, said the absence of a bridge over the Mligazi River has become a major barrier to children’s education.

“I have a child in Form Six. I was compelled to send him to live with his aunt in Miono because during the rainy season he cannot attend school.

Once the temporary crossing collapses, the only alternative route is via Mkata, which is very far,” she said. A resident of Kwekonje in Kwasunga Ward, Ms Hadija Salum, said residents are exhausted from living in constant fear.

“When you cross, you pray to God. If a child or a motorcycle slips, you fall into the river.

During the rainy season, communication is completely cut off. We are tired of living in fear,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Juma Mohamed, said the bridge has become a political tool during election campaigns, with no action taken afterwards. “Leaders come asking for votes, but after elections nothing happens.

We are appealing to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to help us, this problem has persisted for too long,” he said. From residents’ accounts, the Mligazi River Bridge is not simply an infrastructure inconvenience but a threat to lives, education and the local economy.

The lack of a bridge has also undermined economic activities, forcing farmers to sell produce at low prices due to high transport costs. “Even when harvests are good, traders won’t come because of the poor road and bridge.

We sell at a loss. Some farmers have stopped growing cassava because it is no longer profitable.

A full truckload fetches Sh70,000 instead of Sh100,000,” said Malua Said. Poor infrastructure has also contributed to deaths among pregnant women and patients who fail to reach distant health facilities in time.

“I recently buried my own child because of the lack of a bridge. It was during the rainy season in 2022. My daughter was pregnant and began bleeding heavily until she lost consciousness.

She had to be taken to Mkata, but by the time an ambulance reached the dispensary, she had already lost too much blood,” said Ms Pili Mungeni, a resident of Kimbuguru Hamlet in Kwasunga Ward. Another resident of Pozo, Ms Pili Mrisho, claimed that at least three people die each year due to the absence of a bridge, accusing leaders of neglect.

“There is a former MP who even went to Parliament, yet we never heard him raise the bridge issue. People are dying here, but it seems no one cares,” she added.

Kwasunga Village chairperson Ntumbo Mnenga admitted the bridge problem has persisted for many years, noting that efforts by residents and village leaders have stalled due to lack of funds. “This is a long-standing challenge and information about this bridge has reached higher levels.

Leaders are aware and we have been working together with residents. We will continue following up until implementation steps are taken.

We have informed the current MP, who said he has taken up the matter and will raise it in Parliament so that, God willing, it can move to the implementation stage,” he said. Kwasampa Hamlet chairperson in Kwasunga Ward Hussein Kamnama said leaders have yet to receive construction funds from councils, forcing residents to rely on self-help contributions.

“It has been a year since the 2024 local government elections, yet this bridge remains a major concern. It has become a constant topic of discussion in the village.

Some residents have tried to build a wooden crossing while we wait for government funding, at least a temporary solution as we continue waiting for a permanent bridge,” he said. “We have not received funds from higher levels.

Instead, we contributed among ourselves through three village councils: Kwandugwa, Kwanyanje and Kwasunga. Each contributed Sh1 million for construction.

” Tarura Handeni District Tarura manager Judica Makyao said initial technical assessments have already been carried out, confirming the site is suitable for construction. “It is true that the Mligazi River Bridge connecting Bagamoyo and Handeni districts is a major obstacle for residents.

However, a geological survey was conducted to assess the strength of rocks and subsurface layers to ensure the bridge to be built will be safe,” she said. “After preliminary assessments, we found that the bridge spans more than 50 metres and cannot be designed at the district level.

Its design is therefore being handled by Tarura headquarters. We submitted requests in 2022 and I believe it is now a matter of following up on progress.

” Ms Makyao explained that a rural road improvement project involving community participation and the opening up of social and economic opportunities (RISE) is at the final design stage and, once completed, will include the bridge. “If it is completed early and on schedule, we hope the challenge of this bridge and the road as a whole will be resolved,” she said, adding that the first phase of the SindeniKwedikwazu road (38km) and MichungwaniKwadoya road (19km) are at the final stage of preliminary design, while the second phase will include the Mligazi Bridge and its access road.

The manager further noted that tenders have been advertised for the MkataKwasunga (21km), KabukuMzungi (18km) and KwachagaKwamkonje (10.1km) roads, but contractors have yet to be secured. Ms Makyao also said Tarura was facing budget constraints and is therefore awaiting government funding.

“At Tarura, we prioritise the most critical needs. For example, bridges at Mchafu River, Mbabwi River and Gole are given higher priority because they have been causing accidents and loss of life,” she said.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Universal Health Insurance (UHI) scheme officially starts today, Monday, January 26, 2026, to ensure that every Tanzanian can access healthcare services without financial barriers.

The scheme is being implemented under the Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, which was passed by Parliament on November 1, 2023, assented to by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 19, 2023, and subsequently published in Government Gazette No. 48 of December 1, 2023. With all legal procedures completed, including parliamentary approval, presidential assent, and gazettement, the law now makes health insurance mandatory for every Tanzanian citizen.

A statement by Health Minister, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, says the rollout will begin with vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Their premiums will be covered by the government, with monitoring conducted through fingerprint and facial recognition systems to prevent fraud.

Last week, the minister delegated implementation responsibilities to regional commissioners across the country, giving them direct accountability within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Speaking during a working session attended by regional administrative secretaries, district commissioners, district executive secretaries, and council directors, Mr Mchengerwa said the first phase of implementation would coincide with the introduction of an essential healthcare benefits package.

He said the package would be provided through health insurance schemes, targeting vulnerable groups to ensure they receive medical services without financial hardship. “The price of this package is Sh150,000 per household of up to six members, and it follows the referral system within health facilities contracted by health insurance schemes,” said Mr Mchengerwa.

“This is not the work of a single ministry; it is a national commitment to our citizens. The success of this programme will be measured not by speeches or directives, but by the number of people protected from medical costs and able to access dignified healthcare,” added Mr Mchengerwa.

In addition to the basic package, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which will oversee the scheme, has prepared additional packages based on members’ ability to pay. For a household of six, the Tarangire package costs Sh796,560; Ngorongoro Sh1,684,800; Mikumi Sh2,621,760; Serengeti Sh3,880,800, while the highest package, Tanzanite, costs Sh11,162,640. NHIF has provided detailed explanations on how the UHI scheme will operate, including registration procedures and the costs of different packages for households of up to six members.

The basic package, which covers 277 services, allows a household head to pay either in a lump sum or through mobile money, starting with as little as Sh14,000, followed by incremental deductions until the full Sh150,000 premium is settled. In an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, held on December 22, 2025, NHIF Director General, Dr Irene Isaka, said the UHI scheme implementation had already begun.

She said the systems were fully operational and tested, allowing citizens to self-register, employers to enrol their workers, and contributions to be paid online. According to Dr Isaka, the foundation of the scheme is the essential healthcare package costing Sh150,000 per year for a household of up to six people, enabling members to access essential treatment at primary healthcare levels, in line with the referral system.

“Households that cannot afford to pay will be identified through Tasaf (Tanzania Social Action Fund), and supported by the government. Beneficiaries will start enjoying services immediately once implementation begins,” she said.

The second tier involves mandatory contributions for the formal sector, both public and private, where three percent is deducted from the employee, and another three percent is contributed by the employer, bringing the total to six percent. The third tier is voluntary, targeting the informal sector, whereas NHIF will collaborate with providers such as Jubilee, Strategy, Assembly, and NSSF, which offer their own insurance packages.

Some experts said on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the launch of universal health insurance marks a major shift in the country’s healthcare system, but its success will depend on adequate preparation. “In principle, this is a good programme for social equity.

The challenge will be whether health facilities can handle a large number of patients without delays or compromised service quality,” said Tanzania Medical Association president, Dr Mugisha Nkoronko. Dr Nkoronko said doctors would like to see all citizens contribute to the fund, noting that without broad participation, the scheme would not achieve meaningful results.

“It is important to research so health economists can determine how much, on average, one person needs for healthcare per year, and ensure everyone contributes in one way or another so funds flow directly into the pool,” he said. Health economists also say the scheme could reduce poverty caused by medical expenses if well managed.

“Many households fall into debt due to healthcare costs. Universal health insurance can change this, but transparency in contributions and payments to service providers is crucial,” said economist Ms Catherine Mwinuka.

Some residents interviewed expressed optimism, while others called for greater clarity on how the scheme will operate. A Temeke resident in Dar es Salaam, Ms Asha Mohammed, said: “If the costs are truly affordable and services are provided smoothly, this will help us greatly, especially those of us with children.

” A petty trader based in Mwanza, Mr Juma Selemani, said he supports the initiative but remains cautious about implementation. “We have heard good plans before, but challenges often come during execution.

We hope this starts with transparency and quality service,” he said. The government says it is committed to ensuring effective implementation of the scheme through collaboration between NHIF and private healthcare providers.

Public education campaigns will continue to help citizens understand their rights and obligations under the new health insurance system. .

Dar es Salaam. Taifa Gas has launched a programme aimed at promoting tourism and environmental conservation through a Mount Kilimanjaro climb scheduled for January 2031, 2026. The initiative, known as Guardians of the Peak (Season Two), is being implemented under the theme “Embrace Clean Energy, Protect Tomorrow” and combines mountain tourism with environmental awareness activities.

In addition to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, participants will take part in tree planting, climate change education and campaigns promoting the use of clean cooking gas as an alternative to firewood and charcoal, which contribute to environmental degradation. Speaking on the sponsorship, Taifa Gas manager Mr Davis Deogratius, said the programme builds on the company’s long-standing efforts to promote clean cooking energy in order to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

“Through this initiative, Taifa Gas has sponsored students and some of our employees to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, plant trees in various areas of Moshi Municipal Council, provide education on clean cooking energy to groups of women entrepreneurs, and distribute gas cylinders to them,” he said. Mr Deogratius said the company has been at the forefront of supporting government efforts to protect the environment by expanding access to clean cooking energy in both urban and rural areas across the country.

He added that Taifa Gas has received several awards from the government as well as local and international institutions in recognition of its environmental conservation efforts. He noted that the Guardians of the Peak programme also supports the agenda of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote clean cooking energy and market Tanzania’s tourism attractions globally.

The second season of Guardians of the Peak brings together youth, environmental and tourism stakeholders, as well as experts who will produce tourism documentaries aimed at promoting Tanzania’s attractions internationally while raising awareness about the conservation of Mount Kilimanjaro. .

Geita. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, has ordered that a dispute over commercial buildings in Katoro town be resolved within 14 days.

Prof Shemdoe issued the directive on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while addressing Geita Municipal Council officials during a visit to oversee projects in schools, roads, and a health centre. The intervention follows a video circulating on social media showing an investor constructing buildings on land previously used as a football field and arguing with local representatives.

The Geita Council Finance and Economic Committee, led by District Council Chairman Jumanne Misungwi, visited the site after discovering that buildings had been demolished without council approval. The committee initially suspended the investor pending discussions over the land’s proper use.

In the video, the investor, Mr Rashid Kwanzibwa, is seen arguing with Geita Rural MP Joseph Kasheku Msukuma, accusing him of demolishing four buildings, some damaged during unrest following the October 29, 2025, general election, without authorisation. The dispute escalated further when Katoro legislator Kija Ntemi intervened.

In the circulating video clip, Mr Kwanzibwa is heard saying: “Did I sign a contract with you? Show me the contract. If you want a contract, go to court.

I am an investor; I have no reason to speak with you here. This is not government land.

” Reports indicate that Mr Kwanzibwa had been granted a contract to construct commercial buildings on land owned by the ruling CCM in Katoro ward. However, he allegedly violated the contract by demolishing four CCM-owned buildings without following proper procedures.

MP Msukuma said the committee visited the site after receiving repeated intimidation threats from the investor. Investigations revealed that no formal contract exists at any level, from the ward office to higher party offices, and that the site has traditionally hosted cultural sports activities.

Attempts to contact the investor by phone and text were unsuccessful. Following the unrest, Prof Shemdoe directed the Geita Regional Commissioner to verify whether the investor holds a valid contract and, if not, to initiate legal action.

“At Katoro, there is a bully who has taken government land, demolished existing buildings, and started a business. He disrespects government leaders.

Determine if this person has any contracts,” said the minister. “If he does not, legal action must be taken.

I expect feedback within 14 days on the government’s position. The matter cannot be toyed with, even if the person has money,” added Prof Shemdoe.

CCM Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training in Geita Region, Mr Emmanuel Mnenke, said the party leadership is reviewing the case through the Regional Political Committee. He said copies of all contracts have been requested from the district CCM office, and an official response will follow.

“We have seen what is happening on social media. The Regional Political Committee is meeting to verify all contracts before issuing a response,” Mnenke said.

.

Dar es Salaam. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the agency, describing the move as a risk to both the US and global health.

On January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued a notice of withdrawal through an executive order, with the exit becoming official on January 22, 2026. The US said it would work directly with other countries rather than through international organisations on disease surveillance and other public health priorities. WHO said the withdrawal notice, received on January 22, 2026, raises issues to be discussed by the WHO Executive Board during its regular session starting February 2, 2026, and at the World Health Assembly in May 2026. In a statement issued on Saturday, January 24, 2026, WHO rejected US claims that it had harmed the country’s reputation, disrespected it, or threatened its sovereignty.

The organisation stressed that it has worked with the US in good faith while respecting its authority and independence. The US cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including delays in sharing critical information, as a reason for withdrawal.

WHO defended its response, noting that no government or organisation can act perfectly during a global health emergency. “WHO recommended masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, but never imposed mandatory mask-wearing, vaccination, or lockdowns.

We supported governments to make decisions in the best interests of their people,” reads part of the statement. WHO highlighted its early response to COVID-19, including requesting information from China after initial reports of pneumonia cases in Wuhan on December 31, 2019, and establishing its Emergency Response System.

By January 11, 2020, when China reported its first death, the WHO had alerted the world through official channels, public updates, social media, convened international experts, and published guidance to protect citizens and health systems. During the early weeks of the pandemic, the Director-General repeatedly urged countries to act swiftly, warning that windows of opportunity were closing rapidly.

Following assessments of its COVID-19 response, the WHO said it has strengthened operations and supported countries in improving preparedness and emergency response capacities. Its 24/7 systems have contributed to safeguarding nations, including the US.

WHO also rejected claims of pursuing a politically motivated agenda against American interests, describing them as false. “As a specialised UN agency governed by 194 member states, WHO remains independent and impartial, serving all countries with respect, without fear or favour,” reads the statement.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with all member states to tackle global health threats, both infectious and non-communicable. Last year, member states adopted the WHO Pandemic Accord, which, once ratified, will provide a framework to strengthen global preparedness for future emergencies and ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics.

WHO expressed hope that the US will re-engage fully in the future, noting that, as a founding member, it has historically contributed to major achievements such as the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. .

Arusha. Former Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe said the nation remains in deep pain due to the political situation, noting that prisons still hold leaders who deserve to be free and unite with fellow Tanzanians in witnessing and contributing to the country’s progress.

Mr Mbowe made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the burial of Chadema founder, the late Edwin Mtei, held at the family cemetery at his home in Tengeru, Arusha Region. In his first public address since stepping down from Chadema leadership and retiring from politics a year ago, Mr Mbowe said the nation must re-examine itself on freedom, justice, and genuine reconciliation to promote peace and development.

He urged the government to acknowledge the truth and release political prisoners currently in jail, saying such a move would help heal the deep pain being experienced by Tanzanians. In his speech, Mr Mbowe asked Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba to convey his message to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying Chadema is ready to take part in nation-building if it sees genuine goodwill from the government.

“Chadema wants to build this country. We want to see all groups given their rightful space in accordance with the Constitution.

There is nothing more fundamental than the freedom of people in their own country,” said Mr Mbowe. He emphasised that the vision of the late Mzee Mtei centred on building a nation founded on justice, democracy, and equality, adding that honouring him in practice requires political courage, genuine reconciliation, and respect for constitutional principles.

Mr Mbowe’s remarks came at a time when Mzee Mtei’s burial became a platform for various leaders to offer broader reflections on the future of democracy, unity, and national reconciliation, describing the deceased as a symbol of firmness, wisdom, and a peaceful struggle for political reforms in the country. Mr Mbowe, who also served as the family’s spokesperson, said in his vote of thanks that he decided to speak out today as he marked one year and one day since he officially retired from politics and returned to business.

Throughout his speech, which drew repeated cheers from the crowd, Mr Mbowe began by saying the gathering comprised groups carrying deep pain, adding that having known and worked closely with Mzee Mtei, he was an honest man who never wavered in his principles and always fulfilled his commitments. “Prime Minister, you and other government leaders must recognise that our nation is still in deep pain.

I would be a hypocrite if I did not say this. The development you have told us the government will oversee is a good thing, and we are grateful, but nothing is more fundamental than the freedom of people in their own country,” he said.

“The best way to bring development to a country is first to restore people’s freedom, happiness, and rights, and to acknowledge the truth where the government has erred, instead of hesitating to say, ‘We were wrong here, let us correct it’,” added Mr Mbowe. He said he believes even leaders of his party would be ready to listen to seek a better future for the country.

“This party is called the Party for Democracy and Development, recognising that where there is genuine democracy, development will follow. Prime Minister, since you have said you have been entrusted with ensuring the nation stabilises, stand firm on this.

This is a major party with millions of members. “Put in place a deliberate mechanism to correct matters, and you leaders of all opposition parties should find ways to work together so that, in a structured manner, we unite this nation and it does not continue to be fragmented into political camps.

We want one nation founded on development and love, so that even those in leadership positions at various levels can perform their duties with happiness and peace,” he said. “I believe that our coming together today, in the presence of this bereavement and Mtei’s coffin, is God’s plan.

And as for these words we are saying, do not leave here thinking Chadema is unruly. Chadema is not unruly; Chadema has been wronged, and when wronged, it must stand firm, because that is what we taught in this party.

I said I would speak on this today. Since I retired, I have not spoken about politics.

Today marks one year and one day since I officially retired from politics and returned to business. “And many have asked which side Mbowe stands on, oh Mbowe, ah This is not about political parties; this is about our country.

These leaders are not unruly; they are forced to be so. Chadema members and leaders, whom I call my younger brothers and sisters, let us seek solutions to our country’s problems.

But the good intention I ask you to uphold will only be realised if the government side shows genuine commitment.” Prime Minister Earlier, before Mr Mbowe spoke, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, representing President Hassan, said he had received the message on behalf of the government and that, fortunately, political will exists.

He said he had been sent to oversee the process and assured the public that the government would not be an obstacle to national unity. “I assure you the government will not be an obstacle to ensuring the country becomes one and moves forward.

We will overcome, and Tanzania’s long-standing dignity will be preserved,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government has received and is ready to act on calls from religious leaders and politicians urging the nation to come together, embrace truth, and engage in reconciliation talks aimed at healing wounds and strengthening unity.

Speaking about Mtei, he said he will be remembered for his principles, courage, vision, patience, and love for the country, and for making a significant contribution to the development of multiparty democracy. He said the President directed that Mzee Mtei be honoured through concrete actions, ordering supervision of the construction of the ArushaMoshi Road (TengeruUsa River section), ensuring the procurement process proceeds to leave a lasting mark in Mtei’s honour.

He added that the Usa RiverKia section (28 kilometres), whose design has reached 80 percent, should be completed quickly and that a tender be announced for the construction of the four-lane road in honour of Mtei as a champion of development. “Mzee Mtei was a proponent of development.

The President has directed me, as supervisor, to instruct the Regional Commissioner, the Mayor, and council directors to identify areas where small traders operate and improve them so the environment is business-friendly,” he said. Bishop calls for reconciliation Preaching during the burial service, retired Anglican Bishop Saimon Makundi said Mtei was a man of integrity, a fact he personally attested to.

“He was not someone who loved corruption. Even when given an opportunity, live a life like that of Mzee Mtei.

You must speak out when there are differences, whether in a nation or a family. There are people in our nation who, you know, can bring reconciliation when there is a problem,” he said.

“Even if we are stuck somewhere, and you know it, let us not remain there; let us move forward. That is what is required in our nation: to sit down, talk in justice, truth, and wisdom, and move forward regardless of what has happened, because we are human beings,” he said.

He added that even during his own leadership, there were times he became stuck, but through careful and wise dialogue, issues were resolved. “This elder lived his spiritual and physical life with integrity.

Even if you differ with your brother, you can sit together at home, stay awake, not give up, talk things through, and repent where you went wrong, because the Word of God says that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves,” he concluded. .

Dar es Salaam. The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam, in partnership with international Rotary partners, including the Rotary Club of Vancouver, has begun handing over 640 school desks under its Gift of Education Global Grant Project.

The desks, valued at Sh192 million, are being distributed in phases, starting with Mbopo Primary School, followed by Mwananyamala B, Nakasangwe, and Mtongani primary schools. Speaking during the handover, the President of the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam, Mr Abdulkadir Hamid, said the initiative forms part of the club’s commitment to supporting education and improving learning conditions in public primary schools.

He explained that each desk is designed to accommodate three pupils, a move aimed at easing classroom congestion and ending the practice of pupils sitting on the floor. “The project seeks to restore dignity to pupils while creating a more conducive learning environment,” said Mr Hamid.

Beyond providing desks, he noted that the Global Grant adopts a holistic approach to education, integrating classroom infrastructure, teacher capacity building, and environmental sustainability. Under the project, 80 teachers from the beneficiary schools will receive ICT training focused on practical digital skills to enhance teaching and learning.

In addition, 1,200 trees will be planted within school compounds to improve the learning environment and offset timber use in desk production. Since its launch in 2020, the Gift of Education initiative has delivered about 5,000 desks, benefiting an estimated 15,000 pupils across Dar es Salaam.

The programme has also contributed to environmental conservation, with 8,620 trees planted so far, transforming school compounds into greener, healthier learning spaces. Mr Hamid added that the desks are manufactured using treated hardwood and reinforced steel frames to ensure durability and long-term use in public schools.

Mbopo Primary School head teacher, Mr Selestin Kindole, thanked the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam and its international partners, including the Rotary Club of Vancouver, for the support. He said the desks, combined with teacher training and tree planting, would greatly improve learning outcomes and restore pupils’ dignity.

He also pledged that the schools would take good care of the desks and nurture the planted trees to ensure sustainable benefits. The Global Grant project will be implemented between January and March 2026 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and local authorities, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to creating learning environments where every child has an opportunity to thrive.

.