Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. A new book by an 18-year-old Tanzanian writer is sparking conversation about the often-silent struggles young people face at home and how family environments shape their emotional lives.

Broken Mirrors, written by Ethan Bakanga and launched on December 13, explores the impact of family dysfunction, unresolved conflict and emotional neglect on children’s mental health and development. The book reflects realities familiar to many Tanzanian households, where cultural norms and respect for elders often discourage children from questioning difficult family situations.

Through its characters, the book examines how experiences at home influence self-worth, relationships and the ability to cope with challenges later in life. Ethan says the stories are meant to help young people articulate emotions they may struggle to express, while also encouraging parents to reflect on their role in shaping their children’s wellbeing.

Speaking to The Citizen, Ethan said his inspiration came from reading novels and watching their film adaptations, paying close attention to how characters deal with inner pain, trauma and personal growth. “Storytelling allows young people to see themselves and understand that what they feel is valid,” he said.

He explained that the title Broken Mirrors is symbolic. “Broken” represents dysfunctional family settings, while “mirrors” call for self-reflection, encouraging readers to look inward and understand the roots of their struggles.

“Once young people understand themselves and their family dynamics, they can begin breaking cycles of pain,” he said. The book’s journey from idea to publication took nearly ten months and involved writing, editing, design and close collaboration with publishers.

Ethan says the process taught him discipline and resilience, lessons he hopes will inspire other young people to pursue their passions. “If you love something, commit to it.

Don’t let others define your path,” he said. The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office [Employment, Labour and Youth Development], Ms Rahma Riadh Kisuo, said the book addresses a critical but often overlooked issue.

“This book speaks directly to the mental health challenges young people face at home. It does more than tell a story; it offers guidance on how families can respond,” she said.

She called on institutions that work with youth to support young writers. Ethan’s mother, Ms Prudence Masako, Country Director at CARE Tanzania, said the writing process brought the family closer together.

“It takes persistence to keep going despite exhaustion and doubt. But sharing a story like this matters,” she said.

Tanzanian author and poet Ms Nahida Ismail, who reviewed the manuscript, said Ethan’s growth as a writer reflects a broader shift in the country’s reading culture. “For years we were told Tanzanians do not read.

Young writers are proving that wrong,” she said. Through Broken Mirrors, Ethan Bakanga invites young people to speak openly about their experiences, urges parents to listen, and challenges society to create safer spaces for youth–one story at a time.

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Dar es Salaam. Commercial drivers will soon face stricter limits on how long they can stay behind the wheel under new regulations aimed at reducing fatigue-related road accidents and improving public safety.

The draft Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Fatigue Risk Management for Drivers) Regulations, 2025, introduce clear caps on daily and weekly driving hours, alongside mandatory rest periods, as part of a broader effort to manage fatigue risks in public and commercial transport. Under the proposed rules, a driver will not be allowed to drive a public service vehicle for more than nine hours within a 24-hour period, nor exceed 48 driving hours in seven days.

In addition, drivers must not drive for more than five consecutive hours without taking a resting break. To reinforce safety, the regulations make rest compulsory.

Drivers will be required to take at least 10 hours of rest within every 24 hours, a 30-minute break after every five consecutive hours of driving, and 24 consecutive hours of rest within seven working days. Additionally, drivers will be required to take mandatory breaks every four hours for at least 10 to 20 minutes, ensuring they are fit to drive.

The Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting for December 22. Latra legal services head Mwadawa Sultan told The Citizen that the proposed regulations aim to address a significant gap in road safety oversight by formally recognising driver fatigue–a growing factor in serious road crashes. “While current laws cover aspects like licensing and penalties for speeding, they fall short in dealing with the dangers posed by driver fatigue,” she said.

With Tanzania operating a 24-hour transport system, Ms Sultan acknowledged its advantages, yet warned of the risks involved. “Accidents can occur not just from speeding, but also when a driver is tired, sick, or falls asleep, leading to serious collisions,” she said.

According to her, focusing solely on speeding does not address a crucial cause of road accidents. “A driver might not be speeding, but fatigue can still result in severe consequences for passengers and other road users.

” Ms Sultan noted that some private companies in Tanzania already implement fatigue management systems, including alert devices designed to warn drivers exhibiting signs of exhaustion. “These measures aim to prevent overworking drivers, which poses risks to passengers, other road users, and the entire transport sector,” she said.

The proposed regulations explicitly prohibit both drivers and service providers from allowing a vehicle to be driven if the driver is fatigued or suspected to be unfit to drive, citing risks to passengers, other road users and road infrastructure. Service providers will now be required to prepare and implement a Fatigue Risk Management Plan, detailing how driving hours, rest breaks, driver exchanges and fatigue monitoring will be managed.

These plans must be approved by Latra and reviewed whenever operational changes occur. For long journeys exceeding eight driving hours, the regulations require the use of co-drivers, particularly for intercity buses, with clearly designated driver-change points.

Goods-carrying and commuter vehicles will also be required to ensure driver rest or exchange once the eight-hour threshold is reached. Drivers, for their part, will be obliged to formally declare their fitness before starting each journey, accurately record working and resting hours in an official workbook, and report fatigue whenever they are unfit to continue driving.

Failure to do so may attract penalties or suspension of certification The regulations give Latra powers to suspend or revoke licences and driver certificates for repeated violations, particularly where non-compliance poses a threat to public safety. Both drivers and service providers may also face fines or imprisonment upon conviction for breaching the rules The regulations also place emphasis on education, requiring both drivers and service providers to have basic knowledge of the causes and prevention of fatigue, including the risks associated with long working hours, poor sleep, stress and alcohol use Officials believe that once fully implemented, the new framework will significantly reduce fatigue-related accidents while promoting a safer and more disciplined road transport sector.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania navigates the diplomatic aftershocks of the October 29 General Election, the government has intensified high-level engagement with key international partners, with the United States emerging as a central focus of its outreach.

This week, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, began what the government has described as an official working visit to Washington, a move widely seen as part of a broader strategy to steady relations and sustain dialogue amid heightened international scrutiny. In a statement issued on December 16, 2025, the Tanzania Embassy in Washington, DC, said the visit aims to engage “various important stakeholders in strengthening relations between Tanzania and the United States.

” The phrasing reflects Dodoma’s intent to keep diplomatic channels open and reassure international partners following a politically sensitive post-election period. While in the United States, Mr Kombo is expected to hold a series of high-level engagements, including meetings with American lawmakers.

“Among other issues, the Minister will also meet and hold in-depth discussions with the government and various Members of the United States Congress,” reads part of the statement, adding. “The emphasis on Congress is significant.

In the aftermath of the October 29 polls, international partners, particularly Western governments, have closely followed political developments in Tanzania, with legislative bodies playing a critical role in shaping foreign policy positions, aid allocations, and oversight of bilateral relations.” One of the most notable engagements so far has been Mr Kombo’s meeting with Congressman Brian J.

Mast of Florida, a senior Republican lawmaker and Chair of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The embassy confirmed that the minister has already met “the outspoken Republican Congressman, Brian J.

Mast of the State of Florida, who is the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives.” According to the statement, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides agreeing on several areas to enhance cooperation between Tanzania and the United States.

In what diplomats view as a significant development, Congressman Mast also extended an invitation aimed at deepening parliamentary engagement between the two countries. The statement noted that Mr Kombo received “an invitation from his committee of the US Congress to make an official visit to Tanzania as soon as possible.

” If it materialises, such a visit would offer Tanzania an opportunity to engage US lawmakers directly on governance, economic cooperation, and regional security at a time when narratives around the country’s political direction are being actively debated abroad. Diplomatic observers say the timing of the Washington visit appears deliberate.

Following the October 29 election, Tanzania has faced questions from some international partners over political stability and democratic processes. By engaging senior US officials and legislators, the government appears keen to present its position firsthand, rather than allow external assessments to dominate the discourse.

The United States remains one of Tanzania’s most important partners, with cooperation spanning health, education, trade, security, and development assistance. Maintaining stable relations is therefore critical, particularly as Tanzania seeks to safeguard investor confidence and sustain ongoing development programmes.

Although the embassy statement did not detail all items on the agenda, its repeated emphasis on “in-depth discussions” and “strengthening relations” suggests a focus on reassurance, continuity, and mutual understanding. For Dodoma, the Washington engagement is not only about diplomacy but also about managing perceptions during a sensitive post-election period, as the government seeks to reinforce confidence among strategic partners and reaffirm its place on the international stage.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian health experts have cautioned the government against hastily endorsing a new United States global health aid model, warning that poorly negotiated agreements could undermine data sovereignty and roll back hard-won gains in reproductive health.

The warnings come as Kenya’s High Court last week suspended the implementation of a $2.5 billion (Tsh6.13 trillion) health assistance memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the US, citing concerns over the sharing of sensitive personal and medical data. Reproductive health specialists in Tanzania say the agreement, now under discussion in several African countries, could impose conditions that restrict access to reproductive health information and services if adequate safeguards are not established.

Although the full text of the MoU has not been made public, regional experts note that similar arrangements have previously caused confusion among service providers, reduced community outreach, suspended mobile clinics, and heightened fear among health workers of breaching donor conditions. EngenderHealth Tanzania country director Moke Makoma said accepting such agreements without scrutiny could prove costly.

“Family planning is clearly not a priority under these arrangements, and the conditions may reduce access to reproductive health services, increase maternal deaths, and reverse gains made in family planning,” she said. Dr Makoma warned that any reduction or restructuring of US support through MoUs could lead to the scaling down of critical reproductive health services.

UNFPA Tanzania Representative Jacqueline Mahon underscored the economic and social risks, noting that every dollar invested in family planning can save up to six dollars in emergency healthcare costs and wider socio-economic consequences. A senior reproductive health expert told The Citizen that any policy limiting access to family planning or post-abortion care would have immediate and severe effects.

“Any policy that restricts family planning or post-abortion services will directly increase maternal mortality. Rural women will suffer the most,” the expert said on condition of anonymity.

These concerns have gained urgency following developments in Kenya, where a legal challenge has put the US-backed health agreement on hold. Kenya court intervention Kenya’s High Court issued interim orders barring authorities from implementing the MoU “insofar as it provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing or dissemination of medical, epidemiological or sensitive personal health data.

” The case was filed by consumer rights groups, including the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek), which argued that the agreement could expose Kenyans’ personal medical records and weaken the country’s strategic control over its health systems, particularly digital infrastructure such as cloud-based data storage. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said on December 12 that the government would comply with the court order while contesting it.

“We wish to clarify that the current conservatory orders relate specifically to data sharing and do not suspend the broader health partnership,” he said. Under the agreement, the US would contribute $1.7 billion (Ts.

17 trillion), while the Kenyan government would provide $850 million (Tsh2.08 trillion), gradually assuming a larger share of health financing. At the signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the deal as “historic”.

However, public concern has grown in Kenya amid fears that the MoU could allow external access to sensitive medical records, including HIV status, tuberculosis history, and vaccination data. President William Ruto sought to reassure citizens, saying the Attorney General had reviewed the agreement “with utmost diligence” to ensure Kenyan law governs citizens’ data.

The US has not publicly responded to the data privacy concerns. The case is scheduled to return to court on February 12, 2026. Broader shift in US aid The contested MoU is part of the newly launched America First Global Health Strategy, introduced months after the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Under the new approach, Washington is moving away from channelling aid through non-governmental organisations and international agencies, instead favouring direct bilateral agreements with recipient governments. The US has already signed similar agreements with Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, and Uganda.

Experts warn that unless African governments negotiate strong protections, the new aid architecture could increase unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths, while placing a heavier financial burden on already stretched public health systems. They argue that countries such as Tanzania must prioritise data sovereignty and safeguard reproductive health gains, which they say are central to national development and the well-being of future generations.

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Bukoba. The government has officially commenced the construction of a University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) campus in Kagera, valued at Sh14.09 billion.

This initiative places renewed scrutiny on the country’s oldest university to deliver quality, relevance, and impact beyond Dar es Salaam. Kagera Region has long been recognised as one of Tanzania’s most education-conscious areas, producing generations of scholars and senior civil servants who have significantly influenced national policy and public life.

However, despite this reputation, the region has historically faced the irony of lacking a university campus. During the foundation stone laying ceremony on December 15, 2025, conducted on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi emphasised that the project is about more than just buildings; it is about preparing the future workforce of Tanzania.

“Education, especially higher education, plays a crucial role in producing the nation’s human capital,” said Dr Nchimbi. He added, “This investment is intended to ensure that our young people acquire skills relevant to the economy and national development.

” The construction of the campus is part of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, which is financed by the World Bank and executed by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. This initiative aims to modernize universities, expand access, and align teaching and research with labor market needs.

Education minister Prof Adolf Mkenda stated that the Kagera campus reflects a deliberate policy shift initiated by President Hassan to address regional imbalances in access to university education. “Initially, the plan focused on improving existing campuses and centers.

However, the President directed that universities be spread to underserved areas,” explained Prof Mkenda. He emphasised the importance of this decision for Kagera, highlighting both its symbolic and practical significance.

At the ceremony, UDSM Chancellor and former President Jakaya Kikwete remarked on the region’s strong connection to education. “The identity of elders from this region is reflected in their levels of education.

In almost every village, you’ll find a professor or someone with a PhD,” he noted, pointing out that the absence of a public university campus starkly contrasted with this educational legacy. Acknowledging the need for a university, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed that a UDSM campus be established in Kagera.

“Your task now is to ensure that students enroll and that more land is reserved for future expansion,” Mr Kikwete explained. He stressed that UDSM must uphold academic standards as it grows.

“We are committed to providing higher education of international quality. We do not want graduates whose degrees are regarded as equivalent to diplomas abroad.

Our education must meet current global demands,” he insisted. The campus will feature lecture theaters, classrooms, computer laboratories, staff offices, student hostels, and support facilities.

It is expected to enroll its first cohort of 660 students, initially focusing on business and ICT-related programs, with plans to increase enrollment to 1,200 within three years. UDSM Vice-Chancellor Prof William Anangisye stated that this project aligns with the university’s broader mandate to support national transformation through teaching, research, and innovation.

He mentioned that UDSM has been allocated $49.5 million under the HEET program for strategic projects, including regional campuses. “This campus is not just an extension of UDSM; it serves as a tool for economic and social change,” said Prof Anangisye, noting that programs will be tailored to address the economic realities of the Lake Zone.

The project has been met with enthusiasm at the regional level. Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa expressed that the campus fulfills a long-held aspiration for the residents.

“This has been a significant dream for the people of Kagera to have an institution of UDSM’s caliber. The laying of this foundation stone is clear evidence that this dream is becoming a reality,” said Ms Mwassa.

She added that the region is already mobilising investors to support student hostels and other services, highlighting the campus’s potential to stimulate local economic growth. Local education analyst and retired teacher James Rutashobya stated that the arrival of UDSM could help reverse the trend of students and resources flowing out of Kagera.

“For years, our brightest students had to leave Kagera for higher education. This campus changes that narrative and creates new opportunities for families and businesses,” he said.

As construction commences, expectations are rising. For the government, the Kagera campus serves as a test case for its commitment to democratising access to quality higher education.

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Dar es Salaam. More than a decade after the East African Community (EAC) agreed to pursue a single currency, the region’s long-anticipated Monetary Union remains elusive, slowed by institutional delays, uneven economic convergence and mounting global pressures.

At the centre of the slowdown is the delayed establishment of key regional institutions, most notably the East African Monetary Institute (EAMI), which is expected to lay the groundwork for a future regional central bank. According to the EAC Secretary General, Ms Veronica Nduva, prolonged decision-making, delays in selecting a host partner state and limited resources have collectively stalled progress.

She told The Citizen that meeting agreed macroeconomic convergence criteria has also proved difficult as partner states grapple with volatile global conditions, including geopolitical conflicts, climate-related shocks and recent shifts in United States foreign aid and trade policies. “Divergent economic structures and varying levels of development among partner states continue to complicate harmonisation efforts and delay the realisation of the Monetary Union,” Ms Nduva said.

The EAC Monetary Union Protocol was signed on November 30, 2013 with the initial target to establish a single currency within 10 years (by 2024). However, the bloc has revised its timeline, pushing the target date back for the Monetary Union to 2031. Ms Nduva said the new deadline reflects a deliberate shift towards a more systematic approach aimed at building strong institutions and ensuring sustainable economic alignment before the adoption of a single currency.

Despite the delays, she noted that progress has been recorded under the convergence agenda, alongside steps to establish four anchor institutions: the East African Monetary Institute, the East African Statistics Bureau, the East African Surveillance, Compliance and Enforcement Commission, and the East African Financial Services Commission. “The legal process for operationalising the EAMI has been completed, and the EAMI Act came into force on July 1, 2021,” she said, adding that the Council of Ministers is still in the process of selecting the host Partner State.

Bills establishing the remaining three institutions were passed by the East African Legislative Assembly but returned for further review following comments from partner states. Under the revised roadmap, the partner states are required to meet four convergence criteria by 2028 and sustain them for three consecutive years leading up to 2031. These include keeping headline inflation below eight percent, maintaining foreign exchange reserves equivalent to at least 4.

5 months of imports, limiting the overall fiscal deficit to three percent of GDP including grants, and keeping gross public debt below 50 percent of GDP in net present value terms. Ms Nduva said performance across the bloc remains uneven.

In 2024, five Partner States–Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Rwanda–met the inflation criterion. Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania achieved the reserve requirement, while Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met the debt-to-GDP threshold.

Only Somalia, South Sudan and the DRC met the fiscal deficit target. Beyond fiscal and monetary indicators, institutional integration is also progressing at different speeds.

While the region has advanced in payment systems integration through a Payment Systems Masterplan adopted by central bank governors, and fiscal coordination has improved through Medium-Term Convergence Programmes, full alignment remains incomplete. “EAC partner states’ central banks have harmonised their monetary policy operations by adopting interest rate-based frameworks,” Ms Nduva said, noting that differences in implementation capacity still persist.

The bloc’s recent expansion to include the DRC and Somalia has further complicated the process, as new members must align with existing standards while managing domestic economic challenges. Commenting on the delays, Bank of Tanzania Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said all Partner States remain committed to the Monetary Union roadmap but warned that success depends on collective compliance and timely institutional set-up.

He said Tanzania has already met several benchmarks, including maintaining inflation within the three-to-five percent range and sustaining stable economic growth, supported by efforts to strengthen the fiscal position through business formalisation and improved revenue collection. Mr Tutuba also highlighted Tanzania’s rapid adoption of digital payment systems, including the Tanzania Instant Settlement System (TISS), noting that greater digitisation enhances transparency and tax collection across the region.

“Digital payments are secure, traceable and support stronger fiscal outcomes, not only for Tanzania but for the EAC as a whole,” he said An EAC report shows that all partner states have now developed technical criteria to guide the transition, including commitments to low inflation, controlled deficits, sustainable public debt and stronger foreign exchange reserves. Central banks are working towards full harmonisation of monetary and exchange rate policies by 2026, although some are still transitioning to forward-looking, interest rate-based frameworks.

The persistence of delays reflects the complexity of aligning diverse economies under a single monetary framework–an ambition that, while still alive, continues to demand patience, political will and institutional discipline. .

Sydney. Two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines before the assault, which killed 15 people, and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State, police said on Tuesday.

The attack on Sunday was Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community. The death toll stands at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police.

The man’s 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, identified by local media as Naveed Akram, was in critical condition in hospital after also being shot. Authorities probing Philippines trip Australian police said on Tuesday both men had travelled to the Philippines last month and the purpose of the trip is under investigation.

Philippine immigration officials said both men travelled to Manila and onward to Davao in the south of the country on November 1 and left on November 28, just weeks before the Bondi shooting. The father travelled on an Indian passport, while the son was on an Australian passport, officials said, adding it was not conclusive they were linked to any terrorist group or whether they received training in the country.

Islamic state-linked networks are known to operate in the Philippines and have wielded some influence in the south of the country. They have been reduced to weakened cells operating in the southern Mindanao island in recent years, far from the scale of influence they wielded during the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference. “These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion.

” Police also said the vehicle which is registered to the younger male contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS, a militant group designated by Australia and many other countries as a terrorist organisation. The father and son allegedly fired upon hundreds of people at the festival during a roughly 10-minute killing spree at one of Australia’s top tourist destinations, forcing people to flee and take shelter before both were shot by police.

Videos have emerged of the younger shooter preaching Islam outside train stations in suburban Sydney. Authorities are still trying to piece together how he went down the path of violence.

Memorial of flowers Some 25 survivors are receiving care in several Sydney hospitals, officials said. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited Bondi on Tuesday and urged the Australian government to take all required steps to secure the lives of Jews in Australia.

“Only Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship their gods behind closed doors, CCTV, guards,” Maimon told reporters in Bondi, after laying flowers at the temporary memorial and paying his respects to the victims. “My heart is torn apart it is insane.

” Australia has seen a string of antisemitic incidents in the past 16 months, prompting the head of the nation’s main intelligence agency to declare that antisemitism was his top priority in terms of threat to life. At Bondi, the beach was open on Tuesday but was largely empty under overcast skies, as a growing memorial of flowers was established at the Bondi Pavilion, metres from the location of the shootings.

Olivia Robertson, 25, visited the memorial before work. “This is the country that our granrents have come to for us to feel safe and to have opportunity,” she said.

“And now this has happened right here in our backyard. It’s pretty shocking.

” Ahmed al Ahmed, the 43-year-old Muslim father-of-two who charged at one of the gunmen and seized his rifle, remains in a Sydney hospital with gunshot wounds. He has been hailed as a hero around the world, including by U.

S. President Donald Trump.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed has raised more than A$1.9 million ($1.26 million). Thousands of Australians queued outside blood donation centres across the country to donate blood, responding to calls from medical agencies.

Tougher gun laws Australia’s gun laws are now being examined by the federal government, after police said Sajid Akram was a licenced gun owner and had six registered weapons. Akram received his gun licence in 2023, not 2015 as had been earlier stated, police said on Tuesday.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said gun laws introduced by the previous conservative Liberal-National coalition government following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania needed to be re-examined. Former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard, who introduced the gun restrictions in 1996, said on Tuesday he didn’t want to see gun law reform become a “diversion” from the need to tackle antisemitism.

The 15 victims ranged from a rabbi who was a father of five, to a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan, according to interviews, officials and media reports. Two police officers remained in critical but stable condition in hospital, New South Wales police said.

Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, said the family was devastated by her death. “We will be forever heartbroken,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s leading female golfer, Madina Idd, has called on stakeholders to support her participation in local and international competitions scheduled for the coming year.

Speaking to The Citizen on Monday, December 15, 2025, Madina revealed that over the years she has largely relied on personal funds, with only minimal contributions from sponsors, to represent Tanzania abroad. Golf is among the top sports in the country, and Tanzanian golfers, especially women, are performing exceptionally well when competing internationally,” said Madina.

She emphasized that with proper sponsorship and support, athletes like her could achieve even greater success while promoting the image of Tanzanian golf worldwide. Madina, who has had an impressive run in this year’s tournaments both locally and internationally, appealed to a wide range of supporters, including individuals, private companies, government agencies, and financial institutions such as banks.

She stressed that contributions would not only help cover participation costs but also inspire and motivate athletes to continue excelling. “By sponsoring our participation in local and international tournaments, the public and institutions can play a significant role in elevating golf in Tanzania.

This support will inspire us to keep pushing our limits and showcase our talent on global platforms,” she added. The 2026 golf calendar is expected to feature several high-profile tournaments that provide opportunities for exposure, skill development, and ranking improvements.

For Madina and other Tanzanian golfers, securing sponsorship will be crucial to ensuring that the country continues to produce competitive players who can excel on international stages. With her consistent performance and dedication, Madina Idd remains a key figure in Tanzanian golf, and her appeal highlights the growing need for structured support and investment in women’s sports in the country.

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Tunduma. As the government intensifies efforts to ease congestion caused by trucks crossing the Tunduma border into Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), drivers have accused vehicle clearing agents of being the main source of delays, alleging that they prioritise bribery over efficient border facilitation.

The allegations were raised during a meeting with Songwe Regional Commissioner Jabir Omary Makame, which brought together drivers’ associations, individual drivers, and government institutions at the conference hall of the Tunduma One-Stop Border Post. The meeting sought to find solutions to the persistent queues of trucks at the border.

Speaking at the meeting, truck driver Shaibu Mohamed said that despite the government’s efforts to resolve congestion, progress remained minimal because clearing agents were at the heart of the problem, pursuing personal gain rather than efficiency. He alleged that the agents collude with owners of truck parking yards, earning Sh2,000 per truck per day while truck owners pay Sh5,000 per day for parking.

“Agents deliberately delay documentation so that the longer a truck remains in the yard, the more they earn, Sh2,000 out of every Sh5,000 paid for each parked truck,” said Mr Mohamed. The Secretary of the Tanzania Drivers’ Association, Mr Nelson Mpinzile, said clearing agents operate without following established guidelines and exploit truckers for financial gain.

He claimed that drivers who fail to pay between Sh10,000 and Sh20,000 are denied clearance, forcing them to remain at the Tunduma border for 10 to 15 days. “Regional Commissioner, I can provide you with the names of clearing companies that behave like untouchables and cause congestion.

Without controlling how these companies operate, even if a six- or eight-lane road is built, the congestion problem will persist,” said Mr Mpinzile. Another driver, Mr Hassan Yusuph, said that in addition to clearing agents, congestion is worsened by delays in processing documentation for cargo trucks from Dar es Salaam.

He explained that the problem mainly affects cargo trucks, noting that tanker trucks are less affected when documentation is processed on time, adding that systems need to be integrated and able to communicate effectively. The drivers also accused police of using force to compel them to park trucks at the Chimbuya parking yard, calling for urgent investigations into its legality, arguing that it is privately owned rather than a government facility.

1 Participants attend a meeting on truck congestion at the Tunduma border during a joint session with Songwe Regional Commissioner Jabir Omary Makame. The meeting took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. PHOTO | DENIS SINKONDE Responding to the bribery allegations, Secretary of the Tunduma Border Post Clearing Agents, Mr Masoud Mandimbo, denied any involvement in bribery or collusion with parking yard owners, insisting that clearing agents operate in line with government regulations.

“We work closely with the Police Force to facilitate truck crossings. Clearing agents are not responsible for the congestion complained of by truck drivers,” he said, adding.

“Our main role is to find clients and represent our principals based in Dar es Salaam. We are also involved in processing documents for trucks coming from Zambia and the DRC to Dar es Salaam.

” Songwe Regional Commissioner Makame warned officials at the border against engaging in corrupt practices, urging them to deliver services with integrity and in accordance with required standards. “He also urged truck driver leaders to carry out their duties diligently, avoid fuelling conflict, and support drivers in overcoming challenges to promote unity and solidarity,” said Mr Makame.

The regional commissioner further urged leaders to relay feedback to drivers who were unable to attend the meeting, encouraging them to continue working in compliance with the law and in a fair manner. “Despite the congestion challenges outlined by drivers, the government has already begun seeking emergency funding to resolve the problem within four months at the Tunduma border,” he said, adding.

“This includes the construction of a four-lane road towards the Zambian side, as directed by the Minister for Works to the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) during a recent visit.” On December 12, 2025, during a visit to the Tunduma border, Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, instructed TANROADS to assess the Tunduma road for expansion.

Mr Ulega directed that funds be mobilised urgently, an assessment conducted and the road be expanded to allow three lanes to be constructed. He also said the ministry plans to build an additional weighbridge at Iboya to ensure all trucks travelling from Tunduma to Mbeya are weighed there, a move expected to ease congestion.

The minister further instructed TANROADS managers in Mbeya and Songwe regions to strengthen alternative routes, a measure expected to reduce traffic congestion in the area significantly. .

Dar es Salaam. Residents of Dar es Salaam, Simiyu, Coast, Morogoro, Dodoma and Arusha regions are grappling with one of the most severe water shortages in recent years, forcing households and businesses alike to adopt drastic coping measures to sustain daily life.

In Dar es Salaam, families have turned to buying bottled water for cooking, suspending activities that require large volumes of water, storing every available drop in buckets and drums, and relying heavily on privately owned wells. The shortage has reshaped routines, with many residents now planning household activities around erratic and unpredictable water supply schedules.

A 20-litre jerrycan of water in the commercial capital costs between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000, prices that many low-income households find difficult to sustain. In Morogoro, the situation is even more precarious, with some communities resorting to using contaminated water drawn from valleys and seasonal streams, raising concerns about public health risks.

The Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa) says production at the Lower Ruvu Water Treatment Plant has dropped sharply from 270 million litres per day to about 50 million litres, severely constraining supply to the city and surrounding areas. The authority attributes the decline to reduced water levels in the Ruvu River, compounded by prolonged dry conditions.

Earlier this month, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) attributed the rainfall deficit to La Niaa conditions, which are expected to ease by January. The country is also experiencing unusually high temperatures.

On November 21, Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region recorded 35.7C, about 4.2C above the long-term average, intensifying evaporation and water demand.

In Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods such as Goba, Mbezi and Tabata, residents say water now arrives sporadically, if at all. A Goba resident, Ms Rose Joseph, said her family keeps buckets permanently on standby but often ends up buying water when scheduled supply fails.

“Sometimes we buy a six-litre container for S,000 just for cooking. Even when salty tap water is available, long queues mean we may wait several days,” she said.

Similarly, Ms Rehema Rajab from Kimara Suka said her area has gone nearly three weeks without piped water. Households now depend on privately owned deep wells, where a bucket sells for Sh300 or more.

“For cooking, we have no option. Bottled water is essential because the salty water is unsuitable,” she explained.

In Magarisaba, landlord Mr Goodliving Emmanuel said he has advised tenants to temporarily suspend water-intensive activities such as laundry in order to conserve the limited supply. “They understand the situation, and many are relying on salty water from private wells for basic needs,” he said.

Dawasa Chief Executive Officer, Mkama Bwire, said the authority has taken several measures to mitigate the crisis, including restoring the Ruvu River to its natural course, rehabilitating boreholes and connecting them to the existing supply network. He urged residents to adopt water-saving practices, store water during the dry season and use available resources more efficiently.

Way forward Experts warn that without long-term strategies for source protection, storage and water harvesting, the crisis will continue to disrupt livelihoods and constrain economic activity. Among the proposed solutions is the construction of large reservoirs to capture and store rainwater during wet seasons.

These proposals align with the CCM 20252030 election manifesto, which pledges increased investment in boreholes and dams. Other recommendations include completing the national water grid, guiding households on installing and managing private wells, finalising major promised projects and strengthening public education on climate change adaptation.

Key strategies outlined in the National Water Policy include developing climate-resilient storage infrastructure, reducing the risks posed by droughts and floods, and exploring alternative water sources such as wastewater recycling, desalination and inter-basin water transfer systems. Speaking yesterday a senior lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Yohana Lawi, said current water supplies remain inadequate despite ongoing infrastructure improvements.

“Even during the rainy season, supply does not meet demand, and the situation worsens significantly during droughts,” he said, adding that many existing interventions are short-term. For sustainable solutions, Dr Lawi recommended sourcing water from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam, completing the national water grid and promoting household-level rainwater harvesting.

He also called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector in drilling and legally managing boreholes to ensure equitable access. Environmental expert Ms Rahel Elibariki said reliance on rainfall alone is no longer viable.

“It is essential to implement storage and harvesting measures, including dams and boreholes, to meet both current and future needs,” she said, stressing that large-scale tree planting should be treated as an emergency measure to help restore natural ecosystems. Another environmental specialist, Dr Aidan Msafiri, emphasised the need for permanent, coordinated solutions.

“Planning for 2026 and beyond must start now, rather than waiting for recurring crises,” he said. He added that while policies are sound, weak implementation and limited political will continue to undermine progress, calling for shared accountability across public and private institutions.

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