DODOMA: THE government has launched investigations into all sectors suspected of facilitating corruption, misappropriation of public funds and unethical conduct among public officials.
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said this while wrapping up the debate on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s address to Parliament, delivered on November 14th last year.
The Prime Minister said on Friday evening in the National Assembly in Dodoma that the move follows firm directive from the Head of State aimed at strengthening integrity, accountability and good governance in the public service.
He said the government is reinforcing the implementation of the Public Leadership Ethics Act, including the mandatory declaration of assets by all public servants and Members of Parliament, to enhance transparency and curb illicit enrichment.
Dr Nchemba noted that the strengthened asset declaration system will allow closer monitoring of officials’ wealth and help determine whether increases in assets are legitimate or linked to embezzlement.
“In implementing the President’s directives, I have instructed authorities to re-examine all loopholes so we can seal them. With today’s digital systems, we can expand coverage to everyone working in areas with high corruption risks.
The forms will no longer be a challenge,” he told the House.
He stressed that national development cannot be achieved without respect for the rule of law, ethics and accountability, warning that the government will not tolerate individuals who seek to derail national progress for personal gain.
“We must curb the few individuals who want to undermine development by pursuing selfish interests,” he said.
Dr Nchemba said President Samia’s commitments under the Kazi na Utu – Tunasonga Mbele agenda are being implemented with notable success, particularly in the social services sector.
He cited progress in expanding Universal Health Insurance (UHI) coverage to priority groups, including children, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as covering chronic illnesses for citizens unable to pay.
He also noted that the government has abolished restrictions that previously prevented bereaved families from collecting the bodies of their loved ones due to unpaid hospital bills.” This is the true meaning of Utu (humanity) in our national agenda,” he said.
On the economy, the Prime Minister dismissed claims that the country is facing financial distress, saying the Bank of Tanzania’s planned sale of part of its gold reserves is a routine international practice used to support strategic infrastructure projects.
“The Bank of Tanzania manages the country’s reserves professionally. We should not be misled, the government has not run out of funds,” he said.
Prior to the Prime Minister’s speech, Cabinet ministers outlined measures being taken in their respective sectors to advance the president’s vision for an inclusive and competitive economy.
Finance Minister Ambassador Hamis Mussa Omary said the president’s address aligns with long-term strategies to accelerate private sector-led economic transformation.
He projected strong growth in key sectors, including agriculture, industry, mining and tourism, while stressing the need to boost domestic revenue mobilisation without stifling private sector growth.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Professor Riziki Shemdoe, said service delivery is being strengthened through improvements in health, education and local road infrastructure.
He noted that 12,000 teachers and health workers have been deployed to councils with critical shortages within the first 100 days of President Samia’s second term. “In the next five years, we will ensure quality services are accessible to all Tanzanians,” he said.
He also directed council chairpersons and mayors to convene finance committee meetings on Saturdays to allow Members of Parliament to participate fully, while insisting on transparent documentation of all fund transfers.
Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said major water projects that had previously stalled, including Farkwa Dam, Kidunda Dam and the Lake Victoria water supply scheme are now progressing steadily.
“All are moving forward steadily,” he said.
Public Service Management and Good Governance Minister Ridhiwani Kikwete said the government has upgraded its digital citizen feedback system, e-Mrejesho, warning that leaders who fail to act on complaints appearing on the president’s dashboard will face disciplinary action.
Livestock and Fisheries Minister Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa said the government is fast-tracking modern, commercial and high-productivity fishing in line with the president’s directives.
He said plans are underway to establish a dedicated authority to regulate and manage fisheries resources.
Dr Bashiru added that the near-completion of the Kilwa Fishing Port in March this year will unlock deep-sea fishing opportunities, create jobs and expand Tanzania’s export markets.
He further said ongoing livestock vaccination and traceability programmes will open additional meat export markets, noting that Tanzania is in talks with China and Egypt for meat products.