Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania National Football Team, also known as Taifa Stars, are on the brink of elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) unless they secure a victory over Uganda in their next match.

With hopes of progressing to the knockout stage on the line, this game is a must-win for Tanzania as they continue their campaign in Group C. The match against Uganda will take place tomorrow at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm East Africa Time.

This game is pivotal for the Taifa Stars’ qualification chances, and there is no room for error. After their opening match defeat against Nigeria, which ended 2-1, Tanzania needs a win against Uganda to revive their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

Their final group match will come on December 30, when they face Tunisia at the Rabat Olympic Stadium at 7pm East Africa Time. In Group C, Tanzania has a tough road ahead, with Tunisia and Nigeria both tied at the top with three points each, though separated only by goal difference.

Tunisia enjoys a +2 goal difference, while Nigeria sits at +1. Tanzania, meanwhile, are third in the group without a point, and Uganda currently sit at the bottom. The pressure is mounting for both teams, as only the top two from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage.

Despite the defeat to Nigeria, Tanzania’s hopes are still very much alive, thanks to the Afcon format, which also allows the top four third-placed teams across all groups to advance. At present, Tanzania sits second in the third-place standings, with a goal difference of -1, level with Angola and Equatorial Guinea, but behind Zambia, who have collected one point.

This means the battle for qualification as one of the best third-place teams remains wide open. If the Taifa Stars win their remaining matches, they can still secure a spot in the knockout round, either by finishing in the top two of the group or by being one of the best third-place teams.

M’Mombwa calls Taifa Stars’ attacking midfielder, Charles M’Mombwa, is optimistic about the team’s chances, despite the disappointing start to the tournament. M’Mombwa, who scored Tanzania’s only goal in the 2-1 loss to Nigeria, believes that the team can still reach the knockout stage if they improve their performance in the upcoming fixtures.

Speaking about the Nigeria game, M’Mombwa expressed confidence that the team had shown resilience and determination, especially in the second half, which should serve as motivation for the remaining games. “The chance to qualify is still there,” said M’Mombwa.

“What we need is to win the remaining two matches. We know the games will not be easy, but we must fight hard.

Against Nigeria, we played well against world-class players, and that should give us confidence. In the next two matches, we must show even more.

” While acknowledging the competitive nature of Group C, with each team capable of causing problems, M’Mombwa emphasized that Tanzania’s performance against Nigeria had demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level. The second half against Nigeria showed flashes of brilliance, and if the team can build on this, they will have a good chance of beating both Uganda and Tunisia.

Looking ahead to the Uganda match, M’Mombwa made it clear that the team’s immediate focus must be on securing three points. “We have to take it one game at a time.

Uganda is a tough opponent, but if we play with confidence and unity, we can get the result we need,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. Experts have expressed broad support for the government’s proposal to create a 24-hour response unit for public grievances and feedback, suggesting that successful execution of the plan would greatly enhance institutional transparency and bolster citizen confidence.

The proposed unit was announced on December 23, 2025, by the minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Mr Deus Sangu, during a meeting with stakeholders from social, political and economic groups in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region. According to Mr Sangu, the new unit will serve as a central platform where citizens can directly submit their concerns without bureaucratic barriers, enabling the government to receive real-time feedback and respond promptly to public needs.

He said the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance communication between the government and the public, strengthen accountability and build trust in public institutions. Political analysts, governance experts and academics have described the move as timely, noting that growing public expectations, digital engagement and demands for transparency require new approaches to statecitizen interaction.

A political analyst and lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dr Onesmo Kyauke, said the initiative reflects an evolving understanding within government that effective governance today must be participatory rather than top-down. “For many years, citizens have felt that their concerns disappear once they submit complaints through existing channels.

A 24-hour unit, if properly resourced and independent, can restore confidence that the government is listening,” he said. However, he cautioned that the success of the initiative would depend on political will and clear operational frameworks.

“The challenge has never been the absence of platforms, but weak follow-up mechanisms. If this unit becomes another office that only receives complaints without feedback or action, public trust could be further eroded,” he added.

From a legal and governance perspective, Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) said the move aligns with constitutional principles of accountability and good governance. “The Constitution places an obligation on the government to serve the people and ensure their voices inform decision-making.

Establishing a permanent, accessible feedback mechanism is consistent with that obligation,” Prof Ussi said. He noted, however, that the success of such a unit would depend on clear legal backing, transparency in handling complaints and protection for citizens who raise sensitive issues.

“People must feel safe to speak freely without fear of victimisation. That assurance must be built into the system, both legally and administratively,” he added.

Sociologists have also weighed in, describing the move as a reflection of changing statesociety relations in Tanzania. A sociologist from St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Mr Alfani Mduge, said the initiative signals a gradual shift from a command-style governance approach to a more consultative one.

“In recent years, citizens–especially young people–have become more vocal about governance, service delivery and accountability. Creating a formal space for dialogue acknowledges that reality,” Mr Mduge said.

He noted, however, that public trust is shaped not only by listening but by visible action. “If people raise concerns about health services, employment or local governance and see no change, frustration may grow.

Communication must therefore be matched with tangible responses,” he said. Another sociologist, Ms Evelyne Kiratu of the University of Dar es Salaam, said the proposed unit could help bridge the gap between policymakers and ordinary citizens, particularly marginalised groups whose voices often go unheard.

“For women, youth and people in rural areas, access to decision-makers is often limited. A well-designed feedback system could democratise participation, provided it is accessible in terms of language, technology and awareness,” she explained.

Ms Kiratu added that public education would be crucial to ensure citizens understand how to use the platform and what outcomes to expect. From an economic perspective, an economist at SAUT, Dr Isac Safari, said improved government responsiveness could have positive implications for economic planning and service delivery.

“Economic policies are more effective when they are informed by real-time data from citizens. Complaints about service delays, corruption or inefficiencies can help the government identify structural problems affecting productivity,” he said.

Dr Safari added that investor confidence is also influenced by how responsive and transparent public institutions are. “When citizens and investors see that grievances are addressed professionally, it sends a strong signal about the seriousness of governance reforms,” he said.

While welcoming the initiative, analysts cautioned that similar platforms introduced in the past have struggled due to poor coordination, limited staffing and lack of feedback mechanisms. They urged the government to clearly define the mandate of the new unit, ensure inter-ministerial cooperation and establish measurable performance indicators.

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Dar es Salaam. Passenger and cargo traffic through Tanzania’s airports continued to expand in the year ended June 2025, signaling a steady recovery in tourism, business travel, and trade, according to the central bank.

Data from the Bank of Tanzania’s Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report indicated that by June this year, there was an increased number of international passengers to about 2.16 million, up from 2.

09 million a year earlier, representing a 3.3 percent rise.

International flights grew faster, climbing to more than 34,000 movements, from roughly 30,941 in 2023/24, an increase of about 10 percent, as airlines added capacity on key regional and intercontinental routes. Dar es Salaam remained the country’s dominant aviation hub, handling about 1.

58 million international passengers, an increase of roughly 12 percent from 1.41 million a year earlier.

The city also recorded nearly 22,000 international flights, up about 7.5 percent, from 20,428 flights a year earlier, underscoring its role as the primary gateway for tourists, investors, and traders.

Board director of ground handling firm Celebi Tanzania, Mr Gaudence Temu, said airlines had ended the year strongly after careful planning and steady investment. “This end year is traditionally the peak season for aviation in the country, so we expect to close even stronger,” he said.

Mr Temu said the sector had performed well throughout 2025, supported by new operational innovations and the opening of additional domestic and regional routes. “Air Tanzania has done well for its growing footprint on local routes, with reliability and frequency of flights thus stimulating travel demand across the country,” he sadid.

According to the central bank’s data the Northern Zone, anchored by Kilimanjaro International Airport, recorded one of the fastest expansions. International passenger traffic rose to more than 572,000, from about 680,000 the previous year, translating into a decline of 16 percent, while there was an increase in international flights to nearly 10,000, up about 17 percent.

Domestic travel remained resilient, with total passengers reaching almost 2.66 million, compared with 2.

72 million in 2023/24, representing a modest 2.2 percent decline.

Domestic flights edged down slightly to 108,336, from about 108,402, effectively flat year-on-year. Dar es Salaam again dominated domestic aviation, carrying nearly 1.

22 million passengers, a decrease of about 5 percent from 1.28 million the previous year.

In contrast, the Northern Zone saw domestic passengers rise to 731,962, from 676,876, marking an 8 percent increase, as tourism and business links between Arusha, Kilimanjaro and other urban centres strengthened. Cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances, with total volumes climbing to about 37,052 tonnes, from 34,654 tonnes, an increase of roughly 6.

9 percent. Dar es Salaam handled more than 28,190 tonnes, up about 6.

3 percent, while the Northern Zone expanded cargo throughput to over 6,350 tonnes, representing a sharp 11 percent increase, buoyed by growth in horticultural exports and pharmaceutical imports. Smaller zones also posted meaningful gains.

Cargo volumes in the Southern Highlands rose by nearly 10 percent to about 1,245 tonnes, while the South Eastern Zone registered an increase of about 8 percent, reflecting the gradual diversification of trade routes beyond the traditional Dar es Salaam corridor. The Bank of Tanzania says the improving performance of the aviation sector mirrors broader economic recovery trends, particularly the rebound in tourism receipts and cross-regional trade.

While domestic passenger numbers softened slightly, the expansion in international travel and cargo points to strengthening external demand and Tanzania’s growing integration into regional and global markets. With airport upgrades and route expansions underway, policymakers expect aviation to play an even bigger role in supporting trade, investment and regional development in the coming years, turning Tanzania’s airports into critical engines of economic growth rather than mere transit points.

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Dar es Salaam. The highly anticipated TPC Open golf tournament will now be staged next month at the picturesque TPC Golf Course in Moshi, bringing together more than 100 golfers from across the country.

The tournament was initially scheduled to take place in November but was postponed by the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) due to unavoidable reasons. With the new dates confirmed, preparations are now in top gear as golfers and officials look forward to one of the most competitive events on the local golf calendar.

According to the organisers, the tournament is expected to attract a strong field of players representing various golf clubs nationwide. Golfers heading to Moshi will come from Arusha Gymkhana, Moshi Club, Dar es Salaam Gymkhana, TPDF Lugalo Golf Club, Morogoro Gymkhana, Kilombero Golf Club, Mufindi Golf Club and the host club, TPC Golf Club.

The TPC Open has traditionally been regarded as a key platform for golfers to test their skills against the country’s best while also gaining valuable ranking points. With a large turnout expected, competition is anticipated to be intense across all categories.

The event will feature several competitive categories, including the overall gross winner and overall gross runner-up, as well as the overall net winner. In addition, prizes will be up for grabs in Division A, Division B and Division C, with winners and runners-up recognised in each division.

Juniors will also have their own category, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to nurturing young golfing talent in the country. In a move aimed at adding more excitement and professionalism to the tournament, there will be preceding side events specifically for professional golfers.

These professionals will take to the course ahead of the amateurs, giving fans and fellow players an opportunity to watch top-level golf action before the main competition begins. TPC Golf Club officials have assured players of excellent course conditions, noting that the Moshi-based course is in prime shape following ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

The scenic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro is also expected to add to the tournament’s appeal. With the new schedule in place, golfers and fans alike are eagerly counting down to what promises to be a thrilling and memorable TPC Open next month.

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If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that survival is not a small thing, even though the world keeps pretending it is. Somewhere along the way, we were taught that a year only matters if it ends with announcements.

Engagements. Promotions.

New cars. New countries.

Before-and-after photos that scream “growth”. We were taught that if you can’t show receipts, then maybe you didn’t try hard enough.

But 2025 had other plans. This was the year many of us were simply trying to stay afloat.

Trying to show up. Trying not to fall apart in public spaces.

Trying to smile through responsibilities while privately negotiating with exhaustion. And yet, when December arrived, there was still pressure to sum it all up neatly, to be grateful, optimistic, and victorious.

But what if the victory was quieter? What if the win was waking up on days you didn’t want to? What if it was choosing not to go back to what hurt you, even when loneliness tempted you? What if it was staying, in your job, your marriage, your body, your life, when leaving would have been easier? We don’t talk enough about how heavy this year felt. How many people carried invisible loads including grief that didn’t come with funerals, anxiety that didn’t have names, and disappointments that couldn’t be posted.

We smiled through weddings while mourning our own stalled timelines. We clapped for others while questioning our own progress.

We showed up because we had to, not because we were okay. And that matters.

Survival doesn’t always look like triumph. Sometimes it looks like choosing rest over explanation.

Like setting boundaries, no one applauds. Like accepting that you didn’t become who you thought you would be, but you became someone who endured.

2025 humbled a lot of us. It stripped away the illusion of control.

Plans fell apart. People changed.

Promises dissolved. And for the first time, many of us realised that effort doesn’t always equal outcome.

That being good doesn’t guarantee ease. That doing everything “right” doesn’t protect you from loss.

But here’s what we don’t say enough surviving a hard year rewires you. It teaches you discernment.

You stop wasting energy on things that don’t pour back. You learn that peace is louder than applause.

You begin to respect your own limits, not as weaknesses, but as wisdom. You understand that rest is not laziness, and silence is not failure.

If all you did this year was hold yourself together, that counts. If you outgrew people quietly, that counts.

If you stayed when leaving would have cost you too much, that counts. If you started again, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and without an audience, that counts.

As the year ends, I hope we resist the urge to belittle our own journeys just because they weren’t flashy. Not every year is for blooming.

Some years are for rooting deep, unseen, necessary. So here’s your permission slip: you don’t need to justify your year.

You don’t need to explain why you’re tired. You don’t need to package your pain into inspiration.

You survived 2025. And that, truly, is enough. .

Moshi. Experts from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) have established a base at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Barafu area, to conduct a thorough investigation into the Kilimedair rescue helicopter crash that killed five people.

A statement issued on Thursday, December 25, by Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa, the crash occurred on December 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

, as the helicopter was en route to pick up patients on Mount Kilimanjaro. Commander Maigwa said the helicopter was carrying five people: two tourists from the Czech Republic, two Tanzanian nationals (a tourist guide, and a doctor), and a pilot from Zimbabwe.

All died in the crash. Speaking on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in Moshi, Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) Commissioner Musa Kuji said the cause of the crash remains unknown.

He added that TCAA and TAA officials are at the scene investigating the circumstances of the accident. Commissioner Kuji identified the deceased as David Plos (30) and Anna Plosova (30), both Czech nationals.

Others are a Zimbabwean pilot residing in Soweto, Moshi, Constantine Mazonde (42), a doctor with Kilimedair and resident of Rau, Moshi, Jimmy Daniel (32), a tourist guide, and Innocent Mbaga. “On December 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.

m., at the Barafu Guest Camp within Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi District, a Kilimedair rescue helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of five people, one woman and four men,” said Mr Kuji.

He added that the tourists had begun their climb on December 20, 2025, via the Machame route with Mikaya Tours on a six-day expedition. “It was a normal tourism expedition, and the incident occurred during their descent,” he said.

He further stated: “Before completing their six-day journey, on December 24, they were involved in the accident and died. The bodies of the deceased have been preserved at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Referral Hospital.

” Mr Kuji said diplomatic procedures are underway between the government and the Czech Republic embassy to determine the repatriation of the tourists’ bodies. “Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and cause of the crash.

Protocols will be followed between the government and the Czech Embassy regarding handling this matter, and once procedures are completed, we will provide updates,” he said. According to Tanapa, the helicopter involved was a Kilimedair Airbus AS350 B3 .

Vatican City. Pope Leo said in a Christmas Eve sermon on Wednesday that the story of Jesus being born in a stable because there was no room at an inn should remind Christians that refusing to help the poor and strangers today is tantamount to rejecting God himself.

Leo, who has made care for immigrants and the poor key themes of his early papacy, said Jesus’ birth showed God’s presence in every person as the pontiff led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics into Christmas at a Mass in St.

Peter’s Basilica. “On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person.

To refuse one is to refuse the other,” said the pope during the solemn service, attended by about 6,000 inside the basilica. Leo, the first U.

S.-born pope, is celebrating his first Christmas after being elected in May by the world’s cardinals to succeed the late Pope Francis.

The pope, who has criticized US President Donald Trump’s divisive immigrant crackdown, quoted a line from the late Pope Benedict XVI lamenting that the world does not care for children, the poor, or foreigners. “While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person,” said Leo, adding.

“Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God. Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple.

” Outside the basilica, about 5,000 people watched the service on screens from St. Peter’s Square, holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos under a hard rain in Rome.

Leo, 70, came outside to greet them before the start of the Mass. “I admire and respect and thank you for your courage and your wanting to be here this evening,” he said, “even in this weather.

” On Thursday, the pope will celebrate a Christmas Day Mass and deliver a twice-yearly “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message and blessing. .

Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. Meat prices across Tanzania have surged sharply amid seasonal supply and demand pressures, a survey by The Citizen shows.

The rise comes as Christians in the country join their fellow adherents globally today to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. The Citizen’s survey shows that in Dar es Salaam, beef prices that ranged from Sh10,000 to Sh12,000 per kilogramme earlier this month have climbed to as much as Sh15,000, an increase of between 16.7 and 36.4 percent.

In Dodoma, prices have risen from Sh10,000 to Sh12,000 per kilogramme, an average increase of 20 percent, despite falling cattle prices at auctions. Zanzibar is recording some of the highest prices, with beef selling for up to Sh17,000 per kilogramme, influenced by transport costs from the mainland.

The trend highlights how festive-season demand, combined with logistical and quality constraints in cattle supply, is translating into higher retail prices for consumers. Dar es Salaam vendors said they have recorded a steep rise in beef prices as Christmas draws closer, driven by various factors.

A meat vendor at Bahari Beach said a kilogramme is currently selling at Sh14,000, up from Sh12,000 just a week ago, a rise of about 16.7 percent. “Right now, meat prices have increased because of Christmas celebrations, which have sharply increased demand,” he said.

Gongo la Mboto resident Juma Ali said a kilogramme had reached Sh15,000 on Tuesday compared to Sh11,00012,000 three days earlier, a 36 percent increase. “This has prompted people to buy meat and store it because they do not know how high prices will go by Christmas Day,” he said.

Similarly, a resident of Rainbow, Mbezi Beach, Ms Christine Shayo, said meat prices have climbed to Sh14,000 per kilogramme, a level she described as burdensome for households preparing for Christmas. “The government should intervene to control meat prices, which appear to be rising daily as people approach religious festivities such as Christmas, Idd and Easter,” she said.

However, a slaughterhouse trader in Kimara Suka, Mr Issaya Zakaria, said they are currently selling beef at Sh12,000 per kilogramme, a price that has remained stable for most of December. He noted that between December 8 and 9, prices briefly rose to Sh15,000, a 25 percent increase, before stabilising again.

Mr Zakaria added that large and heavy cattle are currently bought at between Sh1.7 million and Sh1.8 million, while medium-weight animals sell for Sh700,000 to Sh1 million. Retail beef prices across Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods now range between Sh12,000 and Sh14,000. In Dodoma, prices in many butcheries have risen by Sh2,000 per kilogramme, from the previous Sh10,000 to Sh12,000, a 20 percent increase.

Butcheries at Sabasaba Market are among the few still selling at the old price of Sh10,000, while others charge Sh11,000. This rise has occurred despite falling cattle prices, attributed to shortages of pasture and water, which have forced herders to sell animals to reduce herd sizes. Butchery owner Mnyausi Njamasi said the main challenge is finding cattle of good quality.

“Although more cattle are being sold at auctions, many are thin. Taking such animals to butcheries would drive away customers, so traders spend more time and money searching for healthy stock,” he said.

In Zanzibar, a kilogramme of beef was yesterday selling for between Sh13,000 and Sh17,000, depending on the cut. A meat vendor in Kwerekwe, Mr Khamis Khamis, said prices vary according to whether customers want mixed cuts or steak.

“Meat prices in Zanzibar are affected by transport costs, as cattle are brought from mainland Tanzania. This explains why prices are slightly higher,” he said.

In Mbeya, beef in some butcheries has risen significantly, from Sh12,000 to Sh14,000 per kilogramme, depending on quality. The increase is also attributed to limited cattle availability and higher transport costs.

In contrast, beef prices in Arusha have remained stable, with reports saying as of yesterday, one kilogramme is still selling at Sh13,000, unchanged from previous months. In Mwanza, beef prices have remained normal, with one kilogramme selling at Sh11,000. Traders, however, report reduced customer numbers, affecting businesses and keeping the market subdued.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Tanzania Meat Board (TMB) Marketing Officer Jeremiah Ikangala said the board manages, coordinates and develops the meat industry in Tanzania. On price ceilings, he said TMB addresses factors influencing increases.

“During Christmas and other festivities, demand for meat typically exceeds supply, leading to higher prices. Once the festive period ends, demand is expected to decline and align with supply, resulting in price stabilisation,” he said.

Additional reporting by Habel Chidawali (Dodoma), Elieziel Mgeta (Mwanza), Hawa Mathias (Mbeya), Janeth Mushi (Arusha) and Jesse Mikofu (Zanzibar) .

Dar es Salaam. Natural gas production and consumption in Tanzania fell sharply in the year ended June 2025, according to the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report.

The report shows that natural gas production declined by 25.7 per cent to 61,495.6 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF), while consumption dropped by 25.5 per cent to 59,822.0 MMSCF compared with the previous year. The BoT attributes the decline largely to reduced use of gas in power generation following the commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).

With the new hydropower plant significantly boosting electricity supply, demand for gas-fired power generation fell, leading to lower overall natural gas consumption and production. Power-generating plants remained the largest consumers of gas, accounting for 75.2 per cent of total consumption, while industrial users made up 23.9 per cent and other sectors consumed a minimal share.

The report notes that the reduction reflects a shift in the country’s energy mix rather than an economic slowdown. Greater reliance on hydropower has eased pressure on gas resources and altered long-standing consumption patterns within the energy sector.

Overall, domestic electricity generation increased by 19.5 per cent to 12,728.8 Gigawatt hours (GWh) due to expanded economic activity and rural electrification. Growth was particularly notable in the South Eastern and Lake zones, driven by the operationalisation of the JNHPP and the Rusumo hydropower plant.

Conversely, electricity generation in Dar es Salaam declined as thermal power was replaced by hydropower from JNHPP. Meanwhile, production in the Northern, Central and Southern Highlands zones fell due to ongoing rehabilitation works at Hale, Kidatu, Kihansi and Mtera power stations.

In September, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (Pura) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said the drop does not indicate weakening prospects for the sector. Natural gas remains vital to Tanzania’s economic growth, supporting industry, transport, households and the government’s clean cooking initiatives.

Pura Director General Charles Sangweni told The Citizen that while Tanesco has historically been the main gas consumer, new demand is emerging. “We are implementing the clean cooking agenda and natural gas is among the renewable energies where demand will grow,” he said, adding that Pura will continue to explore petroleum resources and foster a favourable environment for investors.

He noted that natural gas will play a key role in Vision 2050, which aims for a $1 trillion economy powered by diverse renewable sources. TPDC Acting Director for Petroleum and Gas Business Gilbert Emmanuel said the decline was expected as hydropower capacity expanded, stressing that transitioning supply from Tanesco to new customers takes time.

“For example, a factory must first be built and equipped to use gas–it is not a matter of Tanesco releasing gas today and another customer immediately taking over,” he explained. TPDC is seeking customers in fertiliser production, industry, households and transport.

Mini-LNG technologies are also being explored to supply gas to areas beyond pipeline reach. Earlier this year, TPDC Production Manager Felix Nanguka said discussions with companies interested in mini-LNG were advanced.

“Transporting natural gas via pipeline is expensive. Once finalised, regions beyond pipeline reach will be able to access gas through these technologies,” he said.

TPDC is also in talks with Uganda on constructing a pipeline along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) corridor, opening another potential export market. Despite the shifts in consumption, Tanzania’s gas sector has recorded strong revenue growth.

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show earnings rose from $55.1 million in 2020 to $144.1 million in 2024, a 161 per cent increase. .

Dar es Salaam. Parents and guardians have been urged to heighten vigilance to protect children from various risks during the festive season, a period characterised by increased movement, social gatherings and reduced supervision as families celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Experts warn that although the holidays are meant for rest and celebration, they often expose children to greater danger as they spend more time outdoors, interact freely with different people and visit crowded or high-risk areas with minimal adult oversight. A sociologist at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Margaret Rugambwa, said the festive period often creates a false sense of security among families, leading to relaxed supervision.

“Many parents assume that because it is a joyful season, nothing bad will happen. Unfortunately, that assumption exposes children to avoidable dangers, especially around swimming pools and beaches, where accidents can occur within minutes,” she said.

Dr Rugambwa stressed that children should only swim in designated areas and under the supervision of responsible adults or trained lifeguards. She warned against allowing children to swim alone or with peers of the same age.

She also advised parents to set clear boundaries during the festive period, including curfews and restricted areas. Entertainment spots such as bars, nightclubs and overcrowded events, she said, are unsuitable for children and expose them to inappropriate behaviour and potential harm.

“Parents should remember that children learn by observing adults. If adults behave recklessly during celebrations, children are likely to imitate that behaviour.

Responsible parenting during the festive season is not about denying children joy, but ensuring celebrations do not turn into tragedy,” she said. According to Dr Rugambwa, some of the most common risks during the holidays include road accidents, drowning, abuse and poor food safety.

Road safety remains a major concern, particularly in urban areas where traffic volumes rise sharply during the festive season. Children, who are on school break and often playing outside or running errands, are more likely to cross busy roads carelessly.

A traffic police officer in Dar es Salaam said incidents involving children tend to increase towards the end of the year due to negligence by both motorists and pedestrians. “During Christmas and New Year, there is increased movement of vehicles, including long-distance buses, motorcycles and private cars.

Children often cross roads without caution while playing or being sent on errands. Parents must ensure children understand basic road safety rules and, where possible, escort younger ones,” he said.

Parents have also been warned against allowing children to visit beaches, rivers, ponds or swimming pools without proper supervision, even if instructors are present. A swimming instructor in Dar es Salaam, Ms Rabia Khamis, emphasised that parental responsibility cannot be delegated.

“It is not right for parents to allow their children to go to beaches, rivers, ponds or swimming pools without a responsible adult supervising them, even if there are instructors at the site,” she said. Dr Rugambwa noted that cases of drowning, particularly involving children who swim without adult supervision, are reported every year.

Another growing concern is children moving around with, or accepting company from, people they do not know well. With increased social gatherings and visitors during the festive season, children are more likely to interact with strangers without their parents’ knowledge.

Security experts warn that such situations can expose children to abuse. “Parents must know where their children are at all times, who they are with and where they are going.

Children should also be taught not to accept gifts, food or favours from strangers, regardless of how friendly they may appear,” Dr Rugambwa said. Food safety has also emerged as a critical issue, particularly as children attend parties, street events and entertainment venues where food and drinks are often shared freely.

Another sociologist at St Augustine University of Tanzania, Ms Linah Kabula, said children should be constantly reminded about personal safety. “During school time, teachers emphasise safety rules, but once children go on holiday, that responsibility shifts entirely to parents.

Simple lessons such as informing parents before leaving home and avoiding food from strangers can save lives,” she said. Parents themselves acknowledge that keeping children safe during the festive season requires deliberate effort.

A Dar es Salaam mother of three, Ms Faudhia Nasoro, said the holidays present unique challenges, particularly for working parents. “Children are excited and want to move around, visit friends and attend events.

As a parent, you must balance giving them freedom and ensuring their safety. I always insist that my children tell me where they are going and return home before dark,” she said.

Another parent, Mr Isack Simbila, said open communication between parents and children is essential, noting that children who feel comfortable speaking to their parents are more likely to report uncomfortable or dangerous situations. “This is a good season, but it can easily turn into a season of tears for parents who fail to pay attention to their children’s movements,” he said.

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