Category: The Citizen

Singida. The standardisation of laboratory machines across health facilities in Tanzania has significantly improved service delivery, including easier access to reagents and enhanced efficiency among laboratory professionals.

Health experts say the move has addressed longstanding challenges, where hospitals and health centres relied on different types of machines, complicating the distribution of reagents and, at times, delaying patient services. The remarks were made on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a media editors’ visit to Manyoni District Hospital in Singida Region.

The tour aimed to highlight improvements and the operational performance of the Medical Stores Department (MSD). Manyoni District Medical Officer, Dr Bwire Robert, said the government’s decision to introduce uniform laboratory machines across health facilities has brought positive changes, particularly in ensuring the availability of reagents.

Previously, he noted, each hospital operated different machines, making it difficult for MSD to guarantee timely supply of reagents nationwide. “Currently, we have standardised machines across the country.

In the past, it was a major challenge to ensure every hospital received reagents on time. When machines differ, distributing the required supplies becomes extremely difficult,” said Dr Bwire.

He added that the introduction of uniform machines has improved laboratory efficiency and reduced delays in delivering test results to patients. According to Dr Bwire, 99 per cent of health commodities in Manyoni District are supplied by MSD, with only one per cent sourced from development partners.

He cited Manyoni District Hospital as an example, noting that it has been upgraded with modern equipment, including an ultrasound machine capable of performing a wide range of diagnostic tests, as well as cardiac examinations (ECHO), thereby enhancing disease diagnosis. Meanwhile, MSD Dodoma Zone Manager, Mwanashehe Jumaa, said the institution previously faced significant challenges in meeting reagent demands due to the diversity of machines in use.

“In the past, we procured different types of machines. Each required its own specific reagents, and manufacturers often insisted that reagents be purchased exclusively from them.

This created major distribution difficulties,” he said. He explained that the government’s move to procure uniform machines for all levels of health facilities–from dispensaries to referral hospitals–has enabled MSD to distribute reagents more efficiently and on time.

MSD Communications Manager, Etty Kusiluka, said the agency supplies health commodities to more than 8,600 facilities nationwide, with distribution carried out six times a year through health committees. She noted that the standardisation of machines has strengthened the reagent supply chain and improved the efficiency of diagnostic services.

Beyond laboratory improvements, Manyoni District Hospital has also made notable progress in neonatal care, contributing to a reduction in infant mortality. Dr Bwire said that before the establishment of a dedicated neonatal unit, many low-birth-weight infants–ranging between 500 and 700 grammes–did not survive due to lack of medical equipment.

“In the past, it was extremely challenging to care for low-weight infants. Now, with modern equipment, we are able to treat them, and many survive and grow,” he said.

He added that even babies born prematurely at six months can now be treated successfully due to improved equipment and skilled personnel. These improvements, he said, have reduced neonatal deaths from an average of 12 per year to just one.

Additionally, the availability of modern equipment such as ventilators has helped save the lives of pregnant women and other critically ill patients. Residents of Manyoni have also expressed satisfaction with the services provided at the hospital, noting significant improvements.

Fatuma Ramadhani, a resident of Saswa village, said her positive childbirth experience in 2023 influenced her decision to return to the hospital for delivery. “I have very good memories of this hospital.

I delivered a baby weighing 4.5 kilogrammes, which was not easy, but the doctors handled the situation well and ensured both of us were safe,” she said.

She added that her trust in the hospital has grown, which is why she chose it again. Another resident, Maziku Abel, said his father is recovering well after receiving treatment at the hospital, unlike before when they relied on traditional remedies without success.

“The doctors examined him and diagnosed malaria. He is now undergoing treatment and improving.

We are very grateful for the good service,” he said. Such testimonies reflect growing public confidence in formal healthcare services, with improvements in infrastructure, equipment and management playing a key role in strengthening the health sector, particularly in rural areas.

Manyoni District Hospital continues to serve as a vital healthcare provider for residents of the district and surrounding areas, offering services including maternal care, outpatient treatment and management of common illnesses such as malaria. .

Hai. Former national chairman of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), Freeman Mbowe, has called on residents of Hai District to forgive former Hai District Commissioner Lengai Ole Sabaya, insisting that no human being is without fault.

Mr Mbowe made the appeal on April 23, 2026, when the two met during the funeral of the mother of Hai Constituency Member of Parliament (CCM), Saashisha Mafuwe. The burial was held at the family cemetery in Uduru Village, Machame North Ward.

Mr Sabaya was, in 2021, charged with several offences, including abuse of office, money laundering, obtaining money through corruption, and economic sabotage during his tenure as district commissioner. Addressing mourners, Mr Mbowe said he found Mr Sabaya already speaking upon arrival, describing him as both a younger brother and a friend.

“As you know, bereavement brings us together, humbles us and at times even restores strained relationships,” he said. He added that, despite past differences, society must embrace forgiveness and move forward.

“My brother Sabaya, it has been a long time since we last met. When I arrived, I found you explaining certain matters.

I too am educated and have gone through various experiences. I therefore urge fellow mourners to reflect on this.

My message is to encourage the family and remind everyone that there is life beyond politics,” he said. Mr Mbowe further called on leaders entrusted with authority to uphold justice for the benefit of all citizens.

“This nation belongs to all of us. The humility we demonstrate here today should guide us at all times.

We need one another. Those in positions of power must ensure justice prevails so that every citizen can live with dignity,” he said.

He added: “As for Sabaya, we have already forgiven him completely. People of Hai, life must go on.

If you see me with my brother Sabaya, even come home and I will offer you coffee. I bear no grudge; my heart is clear.

My brother, be at peace. I have long sought forgiveness for you from the people of Hai.

” For his part, Mr Sabaya said the challenges he had faced had transformed him. “I served as Hai District Commissioner for nearly two years before making mistakes.

While in prison, I found faith, and since then my conduct has changed. You can see that even my speech is now more respectful.

God has transformed me,” he said. He added that he shares a close relationship with Mr Mafuwe and has become more self-aware following his experiences.

“I came to mourn a mother I knew well. Losing a mother is like losing my own.

When I was in prison, you stood with me through difficult times. That place is like half of hell; if one goes through it and does not change, then one is lost.

That is why you can now see how much I have changed,” he said. .

Arusha. Through improvements in digital revenue collection systems, NMB Bank says it has enabled the government to collect more than Sh9.8 trillion via its digital platforms and inclusive financial services.

Speaking during the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) special general meeting held in Arusha, NMB Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Communications, Mr Innocent Yonazi, said the contribution was the result of close collaboration between the bank and public institutions in strengthening government revenue administration. He said NMB has invested in modern payment systems that enable citizens, traders, and institutions to make government payments more easily, transparently, and efficiently, helping to reduce loopholes associated with revenue loss.

“We have been part of the transformation of government revenue collection systems, and the result has been a significant increase in efficiency, with more than Sh9.8 trillion collected through our systems since 2018,” said Mr Yonazi. He added that the bank has continued to extend financial services to rural areas, reaching more than 3,000 villages across the country while opening more than two million new accounts for citizens.

Mr Yonazi also said NMB has continued to strengthen financially, with the bank’s asset base rising from Sh7.1 trillion in 2020 to Sh17.2 trillion in 2025, equivalent to a 142 percent increase. On profitability, he said the bank posted profit before tax of Sh1.1 trillion, a performance he said reflects the strength of the country’s financial sector.

Opening the meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged local government leaders to nurture the private sector so it can further drive national economic growth and support the country’s ambition of attaining a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050. He said the private sector is expected to contribute more than 70 percent of economic growth towards the National Vision 2050. Dr Nchemba called on local government authorities to remove unnecessary barriers for investors and instead create a more enabling environment that will allow the private sector to grow and sustainably increase domestic revenue. “Nurture the private sector because we depend on it greatly in creating jobs for women, youth, and special groups, while also paying taxes and making a major contribution to national revenue and the economy,” he said.

He added that revenue growth does not depend on collections alone, but also on the health of the private sector, underscoring the need to improve the investment and business environment. The premier also urged local government leaders to be more innovative in collecting domestic revenue, improving financial systems, and sealing loopholes that lead to the loss of public funds to accelerate the implementation of development projects.

For his part, ALAT Chairman Murshid Ngeze said the meeting aims to elect new leaders who will guide the association for the next five years, with more than 400 delegates taking part. He said the election meeting is being held under the theme: “Choose leaders who value work and human dignity to achieve the goals of Vision 2050.” .

By Annette Nkini Each year, Earth Day invites reflection. This year, the question feels closer to home.

As Tanzania grows, builds, and expands, what does responsible growth look like in practice? Across the country, progress is visible. Cities are expanding.

Businesses are scaling. Opportunities are opening up across sectors.

This growth carries energy and ambition. It also brings a shared responsibility to ensure that the way we grow today supports the future we want to see.

For a long time, growth was measured in output, expansion, and speed. That thinking has shifted.

Today, there is a broader understanding that how growth happens matters just as much as how much is achieved. The way businesses use resources, engage communities, and plan for the long term now sits at the centre of that conversation.

In Tanzania, this shift is taking shape within a strong foundation. The country continues to place value on its natural resources, its communities, and its long term development path.

This creates a clear opportunity to align economic progress with environmental care in a way that strengthens both. At its core, sustainability is not a technical concept.

It is a practical one. It is about how decisions are made every day.

It is about how businesses manage what they use, how they operate within communities, and how they think about the future beyond immediate returns. When done well, it becomes part of how an organisation works, not an activity that sits on the side.

This approach also makes business sense. Organisations that manage resources responsibly tend to be more stable.

They build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. They create trust.

Over time, these factors support resilience and long term growth in a way that short term gains cannot sustain. There is also a clear connection between business success and community well-being.

Businesses do not operate in isolation. They grow within communities, depend on local environments, and rely on people.

When communities are stronger and environments are healthier, businesses are better positioned to succeed. This is a shared journey.

Environmental action often starts with practical steps. Tree planting is one of the most visible examples.

It supports cleaner air, protects water sources, and improves the quality of shared spaces. It is also a reminder that small, consistent actions can contribute to long term change when they are sustained over time.

Beyond visible action, there is a growing need for knowledge and awareness. Many businesses are ready to take steps but are not always sure where to begin.

Building understanding and providing access to practical tools is an important part of moving from intention to action. At Stanbic Tanzania, this thinking has shaped how we approach growth over time, including initiatives such as Blue Roots, which focuses on planting one million trees across Africa, alongside efforts to support businesses with practical tools that help integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Tanzania stands at an important point in its development journey. The pace of growth is strong.

The opportunities are significant. This creates the right moment to embed approaches that ensure this progress is not only sustained, but strengthened over time.

This is not a responsibility for one organisation or one sector. It is a collective effort.

Businesses, institutions, and communities all have a role to play in shaping a future that balances progress with care. As we reflect on Earth Day, the focus is not only on what has been done, but on what comes next.

The choices made today will shape the environment, the economy, and the communities of tomorrow. Growth will continue.

The opportunity now is to ensure it happens in a way that protects what matters and builds a future that works for everyone. Annette Nkini is Specialist, Sustainability and ESG Performance, Stanbic Bank Tanzania .

Songwe. As a deepening global financing crisis tightens its grip on education systems, Tanzania is witnessing a notable shift, one that could redefine how the sector is funded and sustained.

From the rolling hills of Momba District in Songwe Region, a new strategy is taking shape: one rooted in collective responsibility, domestic resource mobilisation and grassroots action. During the 2026 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) which started April 20, 2026 more than 66 organisations under the Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET), an umbrella body of over 200 civil society groups, fanned out across schools and villages in some of the region’s most remote areas.

Their mission was not ceremonial; but to identify gaps, assess urgent needs and commit to co-financing solutions alongside government efforts. Their findings reflect a familiar but urgent reality- schools without adequate classrooms, a shortage of desks and science laboratories, insufficient teachers, and pupils walking long distances to access basic education.

These are not new challenges, but the response being proposed signals a shift in thinking. “We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of supporting the government to ensure all Tanzanians, regardless of their background, access inclusive and quality education,” said TEN/MET national coordinator, Ms Martha Makala.

She pointed to shrinking global aid and shifting international priorities as a wake-up call. “The continued decline in funding for key social sectors like education and health due to global policy shifts is a clear signal.

It requires us to mobilise our own resources and work in unison to support the implementation of the 2023 Education and Training Policy and the improved curricula,” she added. Her remarks echo a broader global concern.

According to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, the world is off track in achieving SDG 4 on quality education by 2030. The number of out-of-school children has risen to 272 million globally, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the largest burden. At the same time, a financing gap estimated at nearly $100 billion annually continues to hinder progress in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Even more telling, about 41 percent of countries do not meet the recommended benchmarks of allocating 4 to 6 percent of GDP or 15 to 20 percent of public expenditure to education. Tanzania is not immune.

Although the government has consistently increased its education budget over the years, it still falls short of global benchmarks. This makes the current shift towards domestic and partnership-driven financing not just timely, but necessary.

Songwe Regional Commissioner, Mr Jabir Makame, acknowledged both the progress made and the challenges ahead. “Education is the heart of the nation.

If we want to progress as a country, we must invest in it, through institutions, laboratories and qualified teachers,” he said. While noting ongoing infrastructure improvements, he admitted that the government cannot do it alone.

“The implementation of the 2023 education policy will not be possible if the government carries the burden alone. We need stakeholders, especially as we approach 2028 when two student cohorts will transition to secondary education,” he said.

The region has already allocated Sh6.4 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to support education projects, signalling commitment at the sub-national level. However, Mr Makame was clear: “We have done a lot, but we cannot manage on our own.

We need stakeholders’ investment to complement government efforts.” This is where TEN/MET’s model stands out.

By bringing together civil society organisations, local governments and communities, the network is pushing for a shared responsibility approach. Their engagements in Songwe included direct consultations with teachers, parents and local leaders, ensuring that proposed interventions reflect real needs.

Education experts say this model aligns with global recommendations. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has consistently emphasised domestic financing as the most sustainable backbone of education systems.

While international aid remains important, especially for programmes like early-grade literacy, school feeding and girls’ education, it is increasingly constrained. UNESCO data shows that although global education aid reached a record $16.7 billion in 2023, its share in total development assistance has declined.

Meanwhile, donor countries are redirecting funds towards humanitarian crises, debt servicing and geopolitical priorities. An education policy analyst based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Asha Mbelle, says Tanzania’s approach could serve as a blueprint.

“What we are seeing is a pragmatic shift, from dependency to co-creation of solutions. When communities, NGOs and local authorities invest in schools, accountability improves and interventions become more sustainable,” she noted.

Indeed, TEN/MET’s emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring access for rural learners, girls and children with special needs, reflects a broader understanding that equity must be central to financing strategies. .

Dar es Salaam. Rising fuel prices are rapidly reshaping the country’s transport energy mix, triggering a surge in demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) and opening fresh investment opportunities across the value chain as consumers and businesses seek more affordable and predictable energy options.

As of April 2026, petrol is retailed at about Sh3,820 per litre and diesel at Sh3,806 per litre in Dar es Salaam, following a sharp increase in the latest monthly price cap. The surge in global fuel prices has been driven partly by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The situation has created supply uncertainties in global oil markets, especially in the Middle East, a key region producing a significant share of the world’s crude oil. For many motorists and businesses, the spike has translated into higher operating costs, prompting a shift towards alternative fuels that offer greater stability and affordability.

It is within this context that CNG is gaining rapid traction. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, officials from Gas Company Limited (GASCO), which operates the CNG mother station along Sam Nujoma Road said the widening price gap between conventional fuels and gas is now driving behavioural change in the market.

GASCO senior mechanical engineer, Ms Flora Benedicto, said the company is witnessing a notable increase in new customers converting their vehicles to run on gas, with many citing recent fuel price hikes as the main trigger. GASCO is a subsidiary company of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

“In the CNG business, it is easy to distinguish between existing and new customers. Recently, we have seen a significant increase in new users who have converted their vehicles, and many of them tell us they made the switch shortly after fuel prices went up,” she said.

She added that the affordability of CNG, currently retailing at around Sh1,550 per kilogramme, is proving to be a major attraction compared to petrol and diesel, which are both hovering at about Sh3,800 per litre. Ms Benedicto said the growing demand is clearly reflected in station data.

On April 1, the station served 492 vehicles, 1,200 tricycles and 37 buses. By April 23, the numbers had risen to more than 700 vehicles, 1,223 tricycles and over 55 buses daily, including those operating under the Dar Rapid Transit (Dart) system.

She said the figures reflect only one station, meaning national uptake is likely higher as more CNG stations are established and supply reliability improves. The surge in demand is also attracting investor interest in CNG infrastructure and services.

BQ Contractors Limited chief executive officer, Mr John Bura, said his company has recorded a growing number of inquiries from individuals and firms interested in investing in CNG stations. “We are receiving many inquiries from investors who want to understand how to establish CNG stations and the requirements involved.

This clearly indicates strong demand and viable business opportunities,” he said. Mr Bura said uncertainty over future fuel prices is reinforcing the case for long-term investment in gas as a more stable and locally available energy source.

“Even if fuel prices go down, they are unlikely to fall significantly. That makes CNG not just a temporary alternative, but a sustainable long-term solution,” he said.

He added that Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves provide a strong foundation for expansion, although challenges remain, particularly high upfront conversion costs and limited access to financing. He further noted that countries such as Rwanda have already adopted strong policies promoting alternative energy, including a target of ensuring that at least 30 percent of vehicles use electricity.

He said such measures help countries cushion themselves from global fuel price shocks. .

Africa stands at a rare moment in its economic and environmental history, the rise of the Dangote Refinery. Operating at full capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day with its growing exports across the continent, this signals an industrial milestone.

It represents the early foundations of Africa beginning to supply itself. Early shipments, estimated at 456,000 tonnes (about 608 million litres), have already reached countries including Tanzania, Ghana, Ca’te d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Togo.

Additional demand from South Africa and Kenya underscore a rapidly shifting dynamic. For a continent that has long exported crude oil only to re-import expensive refined products, this is a structural break from the past.

But beyond economics and geopolitics, this transformation carries deep environmental implications, and if managed wisely, it could become one of Africa’s most important unifying forces. For decades, Africa has suffered from a paradox: it produces vast amounts of crude oil, yet lacks sufficient refining capacity.

As a result, the continent has depended heavily on imports from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This has meant long supply chains, higher costs, and increased carbon emissions associated with transporting fuel across oceans.

The emergence of a major refining hub within Africa changes this equation. Regional exports (now estimated at roughly 90,000 barrels per day) are beginning to reduce reliance on distant markets.

This is not yet full self-sufficiency, but it is a decisive first step toward energy sovereignty. From an environmental standpoint, shorter supply chains translate into reduced maritime emissions, lower risk of oil spills during long-distance transport and environmental compliance.

Refining fuel closer to where it is consumed reduces the continent’s carbon footprint per litre of fuel delivered. It may seem counter-intuitive for an environmentalist to celebrate fossil fuel infrastructure.

But the reality is nuanced. Africa’s immediate development needs still depend significantly on petroleum products especially for transport, industry, and energy stability.

The key question is not whether fossil fuels are used, but how efficiently and responsibly they are managed. The Dangote Refinery introduces several environmental advantages: 1.

Cleaner fuel standards: Modern refineries are capable of producing low-sulphur fuels, which significantly reduce air pollution. Many imported fuels historically used in Africa have been of lower quality, contributing to urban air crises.

Cleaner fuels mean less respiratory diseases and lower particulate emissions, hence improved urban environmental health. 2.

Reduced waste and inefficiency: Local refining minimises the inefficiencies of exporting crude and re-importing refined products, a process that has historically wasted both energy and resources. 3.

Opportunity for regulatory control: African governments now have greater leverage to enforce environmental compliance, emissions standards oil and petrol-waste management protocols. However, without strong governance, the environmental benefits could be undermined by poor oversight and pollution.

Perhaps the most powerful implication of this development is political and economic rather than industrial. Energy has always been a unifying force in regional blocs.

Europe’s integration, for example, was built in part on shared energy systems. The current model (where many shipments are still sold to international traders rather than directly between African states) limits this potential.

It keeps Africa within a global system where value chains are externally controlled. To transform this into a true continental advantage, Africa should prioritise state-to-state energy agreements, strengthen regional trade under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and develop shared infrastructure corridors for fuel distribution.

Without these steps, Africa risks remaining a supplier within global systems, rather than becoming a fully integrated energy market. A call to the African Union and governments If this moment is to become a true turning point, coordinated action is essential.

1. Build a continental energy strategy: The African Union must lead in developing a unified framework that aligns refining, distribution, and environmental standards.

AU must lead in encouraging intra-African trade in refined products and reduces reliance on external intermediaries. 2.

Invest in green refining and transition technologies: Africa must not repeat the environmental mistakes of industrialised nations. Governments should incentivise cleaner refining technologies and integrate renewable energy into refining operations.

3. Strengthen environmental regulation: Refining expansion must be matched with strict emissions controls, transparent environmental monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent pollution 4.

Develop regional infrastructure: Pipelines, storage facilities, and transport networks must be expanded to reduce inefficiencies, lower costs and minimise environmental risks. The choice, as always, is Africa’s to make.

Toshi Bwana is the Founding Trustee of Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT) .

Being at the pub isn’t just about having a drink and exchanging ideas with others. It’s also about watching things happen, things that can be most interesting.

Real life drama. Isn’t it real-life drama when you see a man in his right senses ordering 15 beers at a go? And that, when no announcement has been made to the effect that stocks will run out in the next five minutes! You aver that it’s all in the name of showing it to all and sundry that yuko na pesa! Whoever told him other people care whether he has lots of dosh or not? Kwani, nani hana zake? However, if that’s something that makes him feel happy, let it be.

It’s entertaining to watch such kind of nonsense! There’s this other occasion when an old pal arrives at an open-air bar where you’ve been having a beer in the company of Uncle Kich, your mum’s kid bro to whom another name for beer is Safari Lager. It’s clear the guy has just dropped off a daladala at a nearby bus stop.

We ask him to take a seat and he says thank you. Even before he’s fully settled down in his plastic chair, he starts to lament how today’s mechanics are unreliable.

“Imagine; it’s three days since I left my car with my fundi, one of the most accomplished vehicle mechanics in Dar, but as we sit here, I can’t be sure I’ll be able to collect my vehicle tomorrowdamn him!” he tells us all that, much as we haven’t asked him anything about his car. We aren’t interested in his broken car, nor are we keen on whether he came by daladala, bajaji or bodaboda, but he tells us of how much he’s spending on taxis.

He tells us he’s seriously considering buying a new car. When he goes to the loo, Uncle Kich whispers to you that actually, the guy doesn’t own a car any longer.

It means, no car of his is in any garage! “He sold his ramshackle of a car, a Toyota Corolla, two months ago for a song, and he has already eaten the money” says Uncle Kich. “So, why’s he telling us stories about his car in the hands of a mechanic?” you ask.

“I don’t knowmaybe the idea is to give us the impression he’s financially okayas if we care!” says Uncle. Then, there’s this incident when Lucia, the assistant akaunta at this pub whose identity will remain secret, faced a big test.

She’s at the counter chatting with Billy, a guy she had always considered hers and hers alone. She actually referred to him as “husband” and her fellow wahudumu called him shemeji.

Then, enter this tallish woman who had arrived in a bajaj, not a bodaboda, the dear-most mode of transport for our city girls. She walks straight to the counter where she’s received with a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

I can read the dismay on Lucia’s face. Billy holds his new “wife’s” hand and walks her to a table of their own away from the counter.

Since Lucia and you are familiar with each other, you ask her what’s happening. “That woman is trashBilly is still my husband no matter whatin any case those big bums she carries behind her are Turkish-made–fakes!” You’ve not sought all that information but there we are.

All this and more is the kind of real-life drama you encounter, making a beer at the pub worthwhile, a far cry from having it at home seated beside mama watoto as she watches Jua Kali. .

Kigoma. Residents of Kigoma Municipality have called on the government to provide clarity and take decisive action on the long-delayed Katosho Dry Port project, a strategic investment intended to strengthen transport and trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.

The project, located in Katosho area in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality, was launched in 2019 following agreements among Great Lakes region countries that rely on Lake Tanganyika for cargo transport. Its primary objective is to ease congestion at the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kigoma while improving the efficiency of cargo movement within and beyond Tanzania.

Once operational, the dry port is expected to streamline cargo handling, storage and distribution services, reducing both transport time and costs for traders. It is also seen as a key driver for enhancing trade flows across East and Central Africa, especially for countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika as a major transport corridor.

In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in Kigoma and surrounding areas by creating employment opportunities and expanding commercial activities. However, nearly five years since its launch, progress has remained slow, raising concerns among residents about its future and overall management.

Residents question fate of project Residents of Kibirizi Ward say they are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, despite being relocated from the area as early as 2015 to pave the way for construction. Instead of development, they claim the site has been turned into a parking area for trucks travelling to Rwanda.

A Soweto resident, Mr Malik Bocho, said the public has not been informed about the reasons behind the delays. “We do not understand what is happening with this project.

If it had been completed, many young people would have secured employment and improved their livelihoods,” he said. He said that unemployment among youth remains high, with many left idle and without direction.

“We urge the government to revisit the original purpose of the project. It should not remain a mere parking yard for vehicles,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Buchumi Ali, said the absence of official communication has fuelled speculation that the project may have been abandoned or relocated. “If the government is unable to continue with the project, it would be better to return the land to residents so they can develop it themselves,” he said, noting that some affected families are still struggling without permanent housing.

One of the compensated residents, Mr Ruegwa Juma said the prolonged delay has deprived locals of potential income opportunities. He warned that the idle land has become unsafe, particularly at night, citing incidents of robbery and sexual violence.

“The area has turned into a bush. There are frequent criminal incidents, including attacks on women and theft of phones and motorcycles,” he said.

Mr Juma, who is involved in community policing, recounted rescuing women who had been surrounded by a group of youths after being robbed. Similarly, Butunga Street chairperson, Mr Hamisi Yasini, said residents were assessed for compensation in 2012 and began receiving payments in 2015 to vacate the area.

He noted that insecurity has persisted around the project site, with between seven and eight reported cases from 2019 to 2025, including rape and child abuse. “We have reported some perpetrators to the police and courts, but incidents continue to occur,” he said.

Mr Yasini urged the government to complete the project, noting that substantial public funds have already been invested. He also highlighted concerns over compensation, saying some residents were fully paid, others received partial payments, while some have yet to be compensated, prompting legal action.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said recently that it disbursed Sh12 billion in 2021 to compensate 1,228 residents of Katosho and Kigoma affected by the project. Of these, 1,196 accepted the payments, while 31 declined, arguing that the compensation did not reflect the actual value of their properties.

The project has been described as one of TPA’s major investments, expected to serve not only Tanzania but also countries in East Africa and the Great Lakes region. Government explanation Kigoma District Commissioner Mr Rashidi Chuachua said the project officially began in 2019, covering 67 hectares in its first phase, including designated areas for Burundi and the DRC.

He said more than Sh2.4 billion was allocated for the initial phase, which involved constructing a perimeter fence–a stage that has been completed. “As part of opening up Kigoma, there are plans to strengthen railway and road infrastructure and bring services closer to Burundi and the DRC, so that cargo can be handled in Kigoma instead of Dar es Salaam,” he said.

Mr Chuachua explained that the second phase involves feasibility studies and the design of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity and paved surfaces. Parliamentary concerns The project has also been raised in Parliament.

In 2022, then Kigoma Urban MP Mr Kilumbe Ng’enda asked the government about its plans to complete the dry port. The delay in implementing the project raises questions about compliance with the Tanzania Investment Act of 2022, which requires authorities to establish effective systems for coordinating, promoting and protecting investments.

The law, which repealed the 1997 Investment Act, aligns with broader reforms, including a 2025 framework integrating investment zones with special economic zones to improve accountability and efficiency in strategic projects such as dry ports and other economic infrastructure. .

Dodoma. Tanzania’s plan to secure fuel supplies and deliver reliable electricity under the 2026/27 budget has received strong backing in Parliament, with Members of Parliament (MPs) urging faster action to cut energy costs, expand rural access, and strengthen sector oversight.

Presenting a Sh2.5 trillion budget on Wednesday, the minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi outlined a strategy to shield the country from global fuel shocks while accelerating investment in power generation, transmission, and alternative energy. The proposals align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s development agenda, which prioritises energy as a pillar of industrial growth and economic resilience.

However, MPs said structural and service delivery challenges remain and must be addressed if the government’s vision is to benefit citizens. Chemba MP Kunti Majala raised concern over high gas costs and limited availability in rural areas, urging pricing and distribution reforms.

She proposed gas metering systems to improve transparency and help consumers manage usage, saying affordability remains a key barrier. She also cited shortages of essential tools, including vehicles for public servants in her constituency, saying this undermines efficiency and raises operational costs.

In the electricity sector, she called for the supply of more than 800 concrete poles to replace termite-damaged wooden infrastructure and expand access to schools and essential services. Geita Rural MP Joseph Kasheku cautioned against overemphasis on lowering fuel prices at the expense of supply stability, stressing availability as a priority amid global uncertainty.

He also called for higher-capacity transformers to strengthen rural distribution and improved coordination between Rea and Tanesco to reduce inefficiencies. Musoma Urban MP Ester Matiko urged greater use of natural resources to drive growth and a shift towards gas and electricity to reduce reliance on petroleum imports.

Biharamulo West MP Ezra Chiwelesa called for long-term fuel transport solutions, recommending investment in pipelines and modern systems to replace road tankers, cut costs, and improve safety. He also commended the ministry’s responsiveness, calling for continued collaboration between government and stakeholders to achieve sector goals.

Special Seats MP Chiku Issa backed government efforts and highlighted the role of women in national development and energy sector reforms. In his budget speech, Minister Ndejembi said the government will expand storage and transport infrastructure, strengthen regulation, and accelerate major hydro, gas, and solar power projects.

Lawmakers across the political divide agreed that the energy sector remains central to Tanzania’s industrialisation and social development agenda. They emphasised that while government investments in electricity generation, fuel security, and alternative energy are commendable, implementation gaps continue to slow down the impact on households and businesses.

MPs urged faster rollout of rural electrification projects, improved fuel logistics, and stronger institutional coordination to ensure value for money. They also called for enhanced transparency in pricing and distribution systems to protect consumers from rising costs.

Mps underscored the need for urgent reforms to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply across the country, in line with national development goals and growing demand, and support long-term economic transformation through sustained investment. .