Tanzania defends her Reform Agenda at UN General Assembly
MANY countries were either represented by Heads of States, Prime Ministers or Foreign Ministers in this years’ just concluded UN General Assembly, but few could miss the absence of Tanzanian President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.
Magufuli’s absence at the Assembly was well covered by Tanzanian Foreign Minister, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi who ably showcased how the President is transforming the East Africa’s fastest growing economy.
In his maiden speech at the Assembly, Minister Palamagamba, unveiled that the main agenda on the cards of Magufuli administration is poverty eradication, anti corruption drive, discipline in public services and enhancing tax collections as part of the country’s overarching strategy to achieve socio-economic growth.
“I am pleased to inform this August Assembly that during the past four years, the government of Tanzania under H.E Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has been able to live up to its promises by delivering to its citizens in many aspects,” he said.
The Professor said the government has taken broad measures in fighting corruption and remove wasteful government expenditure so as to speed up development citing the establishment of the economic and graft special division of the High Court as an example.
In addition, he said that the government has been implementing various reforms including proper management of natural wealth and resources by enacting various laws that comply to international standards; steps that have seen a rise in mineral revenues in the country.
“These reforms are among the things that enhanced government revenue collection from an average of TZS 800 billion to TZS 1.3 trillion per month,” Prof Palamagamba said, adding:
“Thanks to new mining law; revenues from mining sector have exponentially increased from TZS 191 billion in the financial year 2016/17 to TZS 335 billion in 2018/19.”
Summing up the great achievements before the August Assembly, the Tanzanian Representative, added that the Magufuli administration has been able to revamp the national airline, offered free education and is currently implementing huge infrastructure projects, mostly, using own funds.
Energy: Explaining achievements in energy sector, the Minister said, the government has succeeded to electrify new 5,109 villages since December 2015, making the number of villages with electricity in the country to reach 7,127 out of the total 12,259 villages.
He also added that the government is implementing several power generation projects in order guarantee affordable and reliable energy including the locally sourced Grand Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Project (JNHPP) which once completed will produce 2115 megawatts which is more than the currently produced electricity.
Good governance, human right and rule of law: The Minister was also bold on Tanzania’s human rights record saying that Tanzania remains committed to promote democracy, good governance, human right and rule of law as guaranteed by country’s constitution.
“As I speak 21 registered political parties operating freely and some are represented in the parliament.” He said adding that“As in case of Tanzania Zanzibar, three leaders of opposition parties are in government and one of them is here with us today.
“In addition, Tanzania has 34 television stations and only two are state owned, and has also granted 172 newspaper licenses to allow diversity of views and opinions,” he insisted.
