tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59300146605335720882024-03-13T15:05:33.138-07:00NKUPAMAH MEDIA WEBSITEAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-73567278216334847662013-09-01T11:07:00.001-07:002013-09-01T11:07:19.805-07:00Girl students speak out on new Constitution<div class="box_wrapper1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zanaki secondary school</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Girl students in Dar es Salaam region have urged the
constitutional review commission to make sure that the new constitution
defends their rights to education and protects them from unconducive
and vulnerable learning school environments.</span></span>
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Students from Jangwani, Zanaki and Kisutu secondary schools were
contributing their views on the draft constitution during a meeting
organized by Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE-Tanzania
Chapter), in Dar es Salaam this week and attended by reporters and
teachers.</span></span>
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A form four student from Zanaki secondary school, Lilian Baton said that
some school girls have dropped out of school and others raped because
of living far away from school, having no accommodation facilities such
as hostels.</span></span>
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“Some students are poor. They live very far from their schools and wake
up a few hours after midnight to prepare to go to school and while on
the road, they can meet thugs waylaying unprotected girls. Therefore,
this constitution must clearly state girls’ rights to education
regardless of their parents’ economic status,” she said.</span></span>
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Contributing to discussion on Article 41 (a) on the rights to education
without obstacles, Monica Mwaipopo from Jangwani Secondary School said
that the article was silent on types of obstacles being referred.
According to her such obstacles should be clearly named and explained.</span></span>
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“Girls are faced with many obstacles such as early pregnancies,
transport problems, gender violence and sexual corruption among others.
These should be clearly stated so that girls can be effectively
protected from such vulnerability,” she said.</span></span>
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Clara Kabyemera from Kisutu Girls, said that Article 41(b) should
include education for self-reliance to produce competent graduates who
could create jobs and stand on their own feet instead of being job
seekers and wait for government employment.</span></span>
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Apart from commending the students’ fruitful contribution on the draft
constitution, FAWE-Tanzania national coordinator Neema Kitundu urged the
students to work hard in their studies, saying education was the best
weapon to emancipate themselves and others from male domination.</span></span>
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“I urge you students to aim high. It is your education that would
determine your status in the community you live, therefore you should
work very hard and prove that you can do better,” she said.</span></span>
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Commenting on the meeting, FAWE Tanzania Chairperson Winifrida
Rutahindurwa said that the purpose of organizing the meeting was to give
an opportunity for girls in schools to participate fully in giving out
their views on the draft constitution like any other Tanzanian,
considering that most African girls have no access to a wide range of
opportunities like other groups, such as boys.</span></span>
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“We want them to air their views on what is in the draft, what is
missing and what to add to come up with the best constitution that could
develop, defend and enhance their talents and potentialities with a
gender eye in all fronts of life,” she said.</span></span>
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The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a Pan African non
governmental organization founded in 1992 to promote girls’ and women’s
education in sub-Saharan Africa in line with the quest for Education for
All. </span></span>
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Like in other countries where FAWE works, in Tanzania FAWE works
together with its partners to create positive societal attitudes,
policies and practices that promote equity for girls in terms of access,
retention, performance and education quality, through influencing the
transformation of education systems.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-11145577494065435662013-09-01T11:05:00.002-07:002013-09-01T11:05:21.933-07:00Drug authority bans local 'Netragen'<div class="single_no_line" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The food and drugs watchdog (TFDA)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The food and drugs watchdog (TFDA) in the Lake Zone
has banned the manufacturing, distribution and advertisement of a
traditional medicine selling as “Netragen” which is claimed to cure
peptic ulcers.</span></span>
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The move comes as TFDA, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and other
relevant government instruments tighten controls on manufacturing and
distribution of substandard and unauthorized drugs in the domestic
market.</span></span>
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Netragen is manufactured by Herboworkx, a Mwanza based firm, operated by
a herbalist known simply as Mwita Marwa. Production of the drug is
conducted at the company’s workshop located at Ilemela, and then
distributed to various outlets operated by Herboworkx.</span></span>
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Speaking after a surprise inspection at the company’s production sites
and clinics on Friday, TFDA Lake Zone inspector Aggrey Muhabuki told a
handful of reporters that there is gross violation of laws and
regulations governing the drug sector on the part of Herboworkx. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The entire chain of production, distribution and advertisement of
Netragen and other traditional drugs of Herboworkx do not meet
requirements as provided for in the Traditional Medicine Act and TFDA
laws.</span></span>
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TFDA’s scrutiny has revealed that Herboworkx has no licenses and permits
(allowing it to provide services) from authorities governing the drug
sector—either TFDA or the Traditional Medicine Council.</span></span>
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Secondly, the company had been advertizing its products in the media,
something which the zonal inspector said was wrong and contrary to the
law governing traditional medicine, which allow the traditional doctor
to personally administer concoctions to his/her patients, and not open
distribution branches.</span></span>
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Even the production of Herboworx drugs were done in environment which does not meet drug standards and safety.</span></span>
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“The production site is not clean, packaging and labeling of their
products do not meet the set quality and standards requirements,” he
declared. </span></span>
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Earlier, Herboworx owner Mwita Marwa said that Netragen drug was
approved by the Government Chemist and that he had permits from the
Traditional Medicine Unit of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
at Mwanza, claims which TFDA inspectors said were not true and that he
had no permits and licenses for the services.</span></span>
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“Because of these shortfalls, from today (Friday), the authority bans
production, distribution and advertisements of Herboworx products, until
the company complies with laid down procedures, rules, laws and
regulations governing the drugs sector,” the inspector announced. </span></span>
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The authority also issued a stiff warning to traditional doctors to
abide by the laws and regulations, failure of which stringent measures
would be taken against them. <br />
Meanwhile, the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) has begun a
massive operation to curb fake drugs and cosmetics which the authority
believes to be harmful.</span></span>
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The operation, according to TFDA Zonal manager Moses Mbamba, would also
track down local manufacturers of the sub standard and unlicensed drugs
and food products.</span></span>
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“Targeted in this operation include locally-made drugs and food which
have not been certified, while foreign ones include cosmetics, animal
and human medical drugs,” the manager elaborated.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-13957078923845190742013-09-01T04:18:00.002-07:002013-09-01T04:18:53.196-07:00JK to officiate SADC meeting on PACs<div class="box_wrapper1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zitto Kabwe, Chairperson of Tanzania's Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">President Jakaya Kikwete is expected to preside over
the 10th Southern Development Community Organizations of Public
Accounts Committees conference which starts here tomorrow.</span></span>
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Briefing reporters yesterday, Chairperson of Tanzania’s Parliamentary
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Zitto Kabwe, said the meeting will
involve more than 300 participants from across SADC member countries and
the rest of Africa.</span></span>
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Members of Parliament, Speakers, Controller Auditor Generals and
high-ranking government officials from SADC member countries are
expected to attend the meeting.<br />
He said President Kikwete is also expected to launch the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC).</span></span>
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“The meeting would mark the 10th anniversary of SADCOPAC and witness
officials of the launch of the African Organization of Public Accounts
Committees (AFROPAC).” </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The Kigoma North MP added: “The aim of establishing AFROPAC is to
improve cooperation among member countries in relation to parliamentary
oversight, in spite of differing political, economic and social
systems.”</span></span>
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This would create a structure where members could network with the view
to sharing best practices, and where appropriate, harmonising and
standardising the work of PAC in Africa.</span></span>
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The meeting is expected to discuss new ways of empowering the committees
including the offices of Controller Auditor General (CAG), in SADC
region Zitto said.<br />
SADCOPAC Chairperson Sipho Makama said the meeting would play a crucial
role in shaping public accounts committees across the region. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-64284700318798515972013-09-01T04:04:00.004-07:002013-09-01T04:04:53.326-07:00More people want three tier government<div class="box_wrapper1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chadema Secretary General Dr.Wilbrod Slaa shows copies of his party's proposals on improving the new draft constitution.
Photo: Tryphone Mweji</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na
Maendeleo (CHADEMA) yesterday submitted their views to the
Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) for a new constitutional draft in
which they included 66 matters for review, including supporting a three
tier government.</span></span>
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Speaking after submitting their views, Chadema Secretary General Dr
Willbroad Slaa told reporters that his party had submitted two documents
that contain the opinions of more than 3.4 million people.</span></span>
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The views were obtained from the general public through open forums,
council conferences and internal meetings totalling 3, 462, 805 million
people in Tanzania, he said.</span></span>
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Dr Slaa added that the submitted documents cite 66 issues for review,
explaining that there were other issues, namely those currently being
supported by their party. Generally, he said, Chadema supported 80 per
cent of the issues mentioned in the constitution draft.</span></span>
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He expressed concern about CRC’s lack of proper system to receive
submitted opinions, referring to how the commission refused exhibits
showing the way the people expressed their views at public rallies.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Meanwhile, Tanzania International Fellowship Programme Association
(TIFPA) has said there should be a three tier government structure so as
to give equal rights to both countries within the Union.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The NGO’s recommendation was presented in a 13-page report submitted to
CRC on Wednesday this week, suggesting that there should be a Union
President and a prime minister for each partner to head government
activities in the respective parts of the nation.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
TIFPA said a three government structure would consolidate the status of
the union as each member state would have enough time to concentrate on
their own economic matters without external interference.</span></span>
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Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TIFPA Chairperson Charles Mkude,
reminded that Zanzibar has always had its own government since the
union came into being in 1964 but that has not been the case for the
Mainland.</span></span>
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He said the current government structure system discriminates against
people on the Mainland, for instance, in that they are not allowed to
own land in the isles whereas Zanzibaris can easily be given land on the
Mainland. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-78823007072746363172013-09-01T04:03:00.001-07:002013-09-01T04:03:13.925-07:00Why govt withdrew Bills<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mahmoud Mgimwa, Finance and Economic Affairs Standing Committee chairman</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Government today withdrew two of its Bills on
statistics and retirement benefits from Parliament amid speculations
that the duration of the current 12th Parliamentary session could be cut
to two weeks from the original three.</span></span>
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The Guardian on Sunday has established that the Statistics Bill, 2013
that was originally scheduled for tabling and eventual debated last
Friday and the GEPF Retirement Benefits Bill 2013, scheduled for this
Thursday and Friday, had been shelved until the next Parliamentary
session slated for next October. </span></span>
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Both Bills had two-day slots in the Parliamentary business schedule that
was released early this week, but there hasn’t been any official
announcement by either the House Speaker’s Office or the Clerk to the
National Assembly’s Office.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The Guardian on Sunday has learnt from authoritative sources privy to
the Prime Minister’s Office and the Parliamentary Standing Committee for
Finance and Economic Affairs that the Statistics Bill had been
withdrawn due to major amendments, notably on the financial requirement
of a new national statistics body, which under the proposed Bill should
be autonomous from the Ministry of Finance.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
A reliable source close to the Standing Committee for Finance noted that
whereas the Bill, currently known as the National Bureau of Statistics
to be governed by its own board, it lacks provisions for the body’s
financial sustainability, a fact deemed as defeating the entire concept
of autonomy.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Finance and Economic Affairs Standing Committee chairman Mahmoud Mgimwa
confirmed that withdrawal of the Bill was made because his committee
believed the government had run out of options.</span></span>
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Mgimwa also identified financial sustainability as a key area for the autonomy of the statistics body.</span></span>
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“There are good and useful proposals in the Bill but it is clear that
absence of a section stipulating for financial sustainability would have
adverse effects on the body’s operations,” Mgimwa, an MP for Mufindi
North, noted.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He added: “In this modern era … statistics are a sensitive matter and
key for development projects … the institution should be able to trade
on those statistics within its mandate as stipulated in the law.”</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
When reached for comment, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s
Office responsible for Policy, Coordination and National Assembly,
William Lukuvi ,confirmed the withdrawal of the two Bills, saying they
would be tabled during the October meeting.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, Lukuvi declined more comment on the Bill’s withdrawal, arguing it wasn’t necessary.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, the Director of Parliamentary Business, John Joel, said he was
informed verbally about the withdrawal of the Statistics Bill, but
maintained that his office new nothing of the reasons behind such a
decision.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Joel indicated also that the current 12th Parliamentary session could be
cut to two weeks from the originally scheduled three weeks for reasons
yet to be made public.<br />
The official House business schedule released mid this week shows that the meeting could end on Friday, September 13.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, The Guardian on Sunday has been reliably informed that the
National Assembly had provided money for travelling allowances and for
other requirements for just two weeks, an indication of a shortened
meeting.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
After the withdrawal of the two Bills (Statistics and GEPF Retirement
Benefits) there are now just three Bills – the Cooperative Societies
Bill, 2013, The Constitution Review (Amendment), 2013 and The Referendum
Bill, 2013.<br />
Each of the three Bills has been allocated two days for presentation and debate. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-11874355141709804982013-08-31T06:06:00.001-07:002013-08-31T06:09:46.424-07:00Former Commissioner of Minerals defends large scale mining sector<div class="single_no_line" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dr Dallali Peter Kafumu</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Former Commissioner for Minerals Dr Dallali Peter
Kafumu has strongly defended large-scale mining in the country, saying
the sector has contributed a lot in terms of taxes and job creation.</span></span>
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Himself a former director of mines between 2007 and 2011 when he joined
politics, Dr Kafumu filed a written reaction to The Guardian this week
following a story published by this newspaper last Saturday, in which
apart from defending the sector, he also claimed that the Tanzania
Minerals Auditing Agency (TMAA) assumed an activist role in releasing
unverified tax data sets and indicating that the miners evaded taxes. </span></span>
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According to Dr Kafumu, one may also assume that last week’s TMAA press
conference was a campaign to substantiate its tax audits and assessment
work … that it was taking steps in line with mandates of the TRA … the
only legal entity mandated by the 2004 Income Tax Act to manage taxes in
the country.</span></span>
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In his harsh reaction, Dr Kafumu stated that the data released by TMAA
were misleading, adding that in reality, large-scale mining dominated by
foreign investors had contributed more than what is currently being
reported.</span></span>
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But apart from dismissing the TMAA data, Dr Kafumu couldn’t give actual
data on how much was paid in terms of taxes during the period under
review (2009-2012).</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
“It is a fact that large-scale gold mining and businesses worldwide are
not only expensive but also complex in nature. A smart writer would need
to research more before writing such a news report. Rather than rely on
an unverified cluster of datasets from a single source to write a one
sided story, more balancing information was needed,” Dr Kafumu wrote.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Though it isn’t clear whether he reacted as an expert, lawmaker,
consultant or former Commissioner for Minerals, it is a fact that
large-scale gold mining and businesses worldwide are not only expensive
but also complex in nature. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Dr Kafumu added, “It is incomprehensible for the Staff Writers to assume
that the US$7bn gross revenue is all gross profit and that corporate
tax is charged from gross profit.”</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
But, in last week’s article, The Guardian stated clearly that the $7
billion was total exports for years, meaning this wasn’t the gross
profit as claimed by one of the country’s best experts in mining.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The export figures are available from the Central Bank of Tanzania (BOT), which is one of the country’s respected institutions.<br />
According to Dr Kafumu, about 60 percent of gross revenues in large scale mining go to operational cost.<br />
If this is true, then $4.2 billion out of a total export earnings of $7
billion was the operational cost -- or in simple language -- the cost of
production.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
But, according to Dr Kafumu, operational costs in mining do not include taxes.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
“It is also a fact about 20% of the revenue is used to pay for other
imposts like royalties; fees; and loan repayments and other taxes like
withholding, skills development levy, PAYE, service levy etc. Corporate
tax is only calculated from the remaining taxable profits and not from
gross revenue. In other words, after deducting all costs including
operating costs and other charges that are charged from gross revenue,
it is then corporate tax can be charged.”</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Dr Kafumu further added, “The corporate tax may be low or high depending
on the age of the mine and level of profitability of such a mine.”</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
“To understand what a profitable mine over the life of the mine
worldwide would offer, let us assume that the total US$7bn export values
were indeed gross revenues from very profitable mines and 60% of this
revenue, which is US$4.2bn would be spend as operation costs. About 20%
that is US$1.4bn would be spent as other imposts like royalties, other
taxes, fees and loan repayments all charged on gross revenue. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The operating costs and others impost charges will all total into
US$5.8bn and deducting from the total revenue we obtain a profit of
US$1.4bn. Calculating 30% of profit as corporate tax we obtain US$420m.”
Dr Kafumu wrote. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
“Assuming the TMAA datasets was good quality, but still the difference
between US$303m and US$420m is not significant. And this difference may
be due to the fact that Tanzania's mines are at their infancy and profit
is just beginning to trickle…At the height of profitability a US$7bn
revenue may fetch up to close to half a billion; that is US$500m of
corporate taxes. Getting only US$303m as corporate taxes as reported is
not be alarming as portrayed by the news report.”</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
But even if this was reality, to Dr Kafumu, the difference of $197 million is nothing to worry about.<br />
Last Saturday, The Guardian reported that major foreign gold mining
companies earned gross revenues amounting to $6.967bn (Sh11.495
trillion) between 2009 and 2012, according to the current exchange rate
of Sh1,650 against the US dollar, but paid the Tanzanian government
corporate tax amounting to only $280million (Sh473.8billion) over that
period.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Corporation tax is charged on gross profit of any company doing business
in Tanzania under the current law, under which the Tanzania Revenue
Authority (TRA) takes 30 percent of the posted profit.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Corporation Income Tax is levied on corporation taxable profit for all
companies registered or carrying business in Tanzania. The applicable
corporation income tax rate is 30 percent usually paid in two stages.
The provisional tax is paid based on taxpayer’s own estimates at the
beginning of the business year; and final tax is paid after the official
assessment of the total income in the respective year of income.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
According to Income Tax Act in arriving at taxable gains or profits a
deduction is allowed for all expenditure incurred in such year of income
wholly and exclusively for the production of such income.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
According to the Act, annual wear and tear deductions are also allowed
for machinery owned and used for the business. The linear method of
depreciation is used and the following rates are applicable. 37.5
percent for class one machineries, which includes tractors, combine
harvesters, heavy earth moving equipment and such other heavy self
propelling machines of a similar nature. 25 percent for class two
machinery which is other self-propelling vehicles including aircraft.
12.5 percent for all other machinery including ships.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Quoting data released by TMAA, the Guardian reported that Geita Gold
Mine was the leading gold mine, which contributed about Sh299.4bn,
followed by Resolute Tanzania Ltd which paid a handsome Sh97bn/-.
Tulawaka gold mine, owned by African Barrick Gold, came third and paid
Sh77.4bn/- during the same period.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Although African Barrick Gold is the largest gold producer in the
country, its contribution in corporation tax remains abysmal because the
company continues to declare losses at its North Mara, Bulyanhulu and
Buzwagi mines. Using data from TMAA and BOT, the Guardian reported that
the total taxes paid (corporate tax, royalties, withholding tax, fuel
levy and local government levy) were $477 million, in which corporate
tax was $280 million between 2009 and 2012.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
This amount didn’t include Pay-As-You-Earn and skills development levies.<br />
At the previous rate of 3 per cent in royalties, it means the government
has earned a total of $174.17 million over the past four years in
royalties from gold earnings of $6.967 billion.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Royalties are calculated on gross earnings regardless whether the mine has posted profit or not.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
BOT data – reliably obtained by the Guardian -- show that in 2009
Tanzania’s gold exports rose to $1.076 billion in 2009, up from $932.4
million in 2008 when gold prices per troy ounce reached $972million.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
In 2010, the value of gold exports rose by 31 percent, reaching $1.365
billion, thanks to world’s gold prices that reached $1,112 per troy
ounce.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Data from the Tanzania Central Bank further shows that in 2011 gold
exports rose by 47 percent, reaching $2.226bn/-, when the price per troy
ounce also rose to a record $1,568.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
In 2012, gold exports rose to $2.300bn as the price per troy ounce surged to $1,700.<br />
Over the same period, production cost per ounce ranged between $650 and
$890 per ounce -- depending on the type of the mine as well as the ore
grade available.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
But the gold prices ironically surged, raising the value of Tanzania’s
export earnings, but the country’s corporate tax remained unconvincing
as some of the largest gold mines continued to post losses. </span></span></div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-7687683116831149282013-08-31T06:03:00.003-07:002013-08-31T06:10:03.605-07:00Three governments idea driven by self interest, says Ngombale-Mwiru<div class="box_wrapper1">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Veteran politician Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru speaks
with journalists (not in picture) on the draft constitution at his
home in Dar es Salaam yesterday. (Photo: Correspondent Atuza Nkurlu)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A long serving CCM cadre yesterday came out to
register his objection against the proposed three-tier government
structure in the first Constitution Draft, saying the proposal was
geared to kill the Union.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru called a press conference yesterday at his home
in which he raised serious concern on the proposal in the draft, saying
the propagators of the idea were more driven by self interest.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
According to Kingunge, the propagators of the three government system
ought to understand that such an arrangement would also bring about
operational complaints as it is the case with problems facing the
current union today. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
“It’s strange to say without three governments the existing union will
die. We managed to survive with the union under the two governments for
the past 50 years and the union is still strong,” he argued.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He warned a few people who take the issue of union grievances as the
main cause for demanding three tier governments by breaking the long
existing system of two governments, arguing that the proposal is caused
by lack of seriousness.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Kingunge explained that every country in this world has its
constitutional nuisances and there is no system which will completely
remove governmental and other inconveniences since the country is ruled
by popular mandate. “Therefore three is no way you can stay away from
those grievances,” he asserted.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Kingunge noted that some existing union nuisances are caused by failure
of some public officials who have been weak in performing their duties.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
“We leaders have the weakness of not liking to speak openly and
transparently the problems that face the community, until crises happen,
and that is when we start dealing with it and not early on.”</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, Kingunge has rejected adoption of dual nationality arguing that
it will cause conflict of interest because the nationality issue goes
together with patriotism.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
“The matter of dual citizenship is really disappointing me considering
that we were fighting to get nationality from the British and we were
not freely given,” he said, expressing surprise at the ruling party’s
decision of supporting dual citizenship in the constitution. “I strongly
reject this proposal,” he declared.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Kingunge commented that those who propose dual citizenship have their
interest because they want that nationality for financial interest.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He rejected the point that having dual citizenship will help local
people living outside to support the country’s economy by investments,
saying there are countries with single citizenship and they still
support their countries.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The issue of dual citizenship will completely take out the patriotism as
each country has its own policies toward patriotism, the veteran cadre
maintained, espousing the values of stalwarts of the Arusha Declaration
staunchly opposed to the proposal.<br />
He similarly expressed his disappointment over the increasing gap
between rich and poor, which makes the country begin to experience
divisions.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He said he is surprised with the constitutional draft failing to address
the situation, whereby the disadvantage group in the country was being
left out, noting that the number of poor people in the country is
increasing, as data show that more than 15 million people live below one
dollar a day.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Senior people in Parliament had started campaigning for the presidency,
he said, intimating that what happened in Parliament this week is to
mislead the society, especially the youth.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
In another development, the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions
Students Organization (TAHLISO) has proposed more time to discuss the
terms of the union in detail rather than to rush to propose the
structure of the union as people have not yet had the opportunity to
discuss the union in detail.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
TAHLISO chairman Amon Chakushemeire told a press conference yesterday
that the union issue is still conflicting and is directly linked with
the sense of national identity among Tanzanians.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He said that it is not a government or political parties’ issue but
something that all Tanzanians should discuss especially on the
importance of the existence of the union.<br />
TAHLISO had suggested that the constitutional review commission (CRC)
should advise the president to allow the constitution draft to proceed
on other aspects except the element of union.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He however said that the rights of mentally retarded people should be
included in the new constitution because they have basic rights like
other citizens.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
TAHLISO was also suggesting that in the new constitution the rights of
men should be identified because men are slightly fewer in the country
compared to women.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
NCCR-Mageuzi Acting Secretary General Mosena Nyambabe suggested that the
terms land and human resources are not explained well in the draft of
the constitution, urging the commission to address the issue more
directly.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He also thanked the commission for taking many of their recommendations
included in the constitution draft, including the issue of having a
three tier government system.<br />
“On 7th January 2012 NCCR-Mageuzi recommended 31 issues which had to be
included in the new constitution and we are pleased to see many of our
recommendations are in the constitution draft,” he declared. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-7903574423969197112013-08-31T06:02:00.000-07:002013-08-31T06:10:17.988-07:00Locals to take shares in irrigation schemes<div class="single_line" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kisesa MP, Luhaga Mpina</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Locals whose lands are taken up for large-scale irrigation schemes can now have sharing agreements with potential investors.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
This is contained in the National Irrigation Bill 2013 whose debate was
concluded in Dodoma yesterday after several MPs threatened to shoot down
the Bill tabled in the House on Thursday by the Minister for
Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Christopher Chiza.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Strong arguments from a section of MPs argued against a number of
sections in the proposed Bill, forcing the government to make several
amendments, notably on indigenous villagers holding shares in irrigation
lands.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
It wasn’t easy as Chiza, his deputy Adam Malima, Attorney General Judge
Frederick Werema and at one time Minister of State responsible for Good
Governance, George Mkuchika, took turns to give clarifications following
threats from MPs to reject the Bill.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
And in a situation rare in the House, most of the opposing legislators
were from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Even the three out of
four amendments moved by the MPs came from CCM lawmakers -- Luhaga Mpina
(Kisesa constituency), Selemani Jafo (Kisarawe), Murtaza Mangungu
(Kilwa North) – while the fourth was moved by Habib Juma Mnyaa
(Mkanyageni- CUF).</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Although Werema and Chiza looked set to down play the amendments moved
by the four legislators, a section of MPs clearly expressed displeasure
at the way the AG wanted the Bill to read, and was finally forced to bow
down as the legislators looked ready to shoot it down. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The most contentious were sections 4(1), 17(1 and 5), and 18.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Originally, Section 4(1) stipulates that “subject to the provisions of
this Act, the Commission may be itself or in collaboration with the
private sector, invest in the irrigation ¬development as the Commission
may from time to time vary, withdrawal or realize any such
investments”.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Section 17(5) stipulates: “Where any declaration referred in sub-section
(1), affecting the existing land rights, the holder of such land shall
be entitled to compensation in accordance with the relevant land law or
as my be agreed upon.”</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The section 18 says “ where it is necessary for better achievement of
the objectives of this Act, the Minister may, upon consultation with
the Minister responsible for Land and Minister responsible for Local
Government , advise the President to acquire , subject to the
provisions of the Land Acquisition Act any land or any estate for the
purpose of irrigation development.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Section 18 was amended after the AG agreed that advice to the President
should incorporate consultations with the villagers through their
village general assemblies. <br />
Debating on Section 17(5) Jenister Mhagama suggested that the section
should reflect that the land holders should be allowed to be
shareholders in the investment with an option to of compensation or both
as it was suggested later by Hamad Rashid Mohamed, MP for Wawi (CUF).</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
On his part, Ole Sendeka said if the major three contentious section
were to be passed, the Bill would defeat the whole purpose of Irrigation
Act: “As it stands this Bill would result to Tanzanians becoming slaves
in their own country, this House is not ready to become a place to
approve matters containing ill-will intention, we are ready to shoot it
down so as it be re-drafted” <br />
Esther Bulaya argued that the purpose of enacting the Irrigation law was
to ensure that Tanzanians benefit from irrigation schemes.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, Halima Mdee queried: “How can we have a law that enslaves
Tanzanians to investors … especially foreigners … in an ideal scenario
priority should be given to Tanzanians, and let the Bill read in
accordance to the level of understanding of our people if we really want
this Law to serve them”<br />
She claimed that the proposed Bill was a result of the SAGGOT (Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania) programme.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However, that claim was refuted by Chiza, who said the Irrigation Bill
was in the pipeline even before the formulation of the SAGGOT programme.<br />
And in an unprecedented scenario, AG Werema told the House that he was
happy to see that the Parliament was a real debating chamber because the
legislators were indeed using their thinking ability in presenting
their argument on key matters.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
“The voices have been heard … I concur with those who moved for amendments.”<br />
The Bill was finally passed accommodating all moved amendments. <br />
</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-62832826021458191202013-08-31T06:00:00.004-07:002013-08-31T06:10:33.112-07:00Sh 80 billion for two new Dar bus terminals<div class="single_line">
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Gaston Makwembe, Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC) Spokesman</div>
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More than sh80 billion is to be spent to construct
two bus terminals at Mbezi Luis and Boko Basihaya in Dar es Salaam that
will handle upcountry passengers hitherto served by the Ubungo Bus
Terminal (UBT).<br />
<br />
After the completion of the terminals the present UBT will serve as one
of major stops under the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transport (DART) project,
government sources said.<br />
<br />
Last December more than 100 traders were removed from the UBT premises
after receiving compensations amounting to sh 2.7 billion to pave the
way for the DART project.<br />
<br />
They were to leave the area by January 15 to pave the way for the DART.
Interim temporary kiosks were to be built at Mbezi Louis and at Boko.
However, to date none has been set up for lack of funds.<br />
<br />
According to feasibility study, each of the new bus terminals, at Mbezi
Luis and Boko Basihaya, is expected to cost sh40 billion, Dar es Salaam
City Council (DCC) Spokesman Gaston Makwembe, said in an exclusive
interview on Tuesday. <br />
According to him the city planned to build a third terminal at Kongowe in the southern suburb of Dar es Salaam city.<br />
<br />
The Mbezi Luis terminal would serve passengers travelling to the central
zone and the southern highlands while the Boko Basihaya would handle
the northern zone bound passengers. The Kongowe Terminal would be people
travelling to southern regions, he said.<br />
<br />
The project would start with the Mbezi Luis Terminal construction, to be
followed by the Bashaya Terminal and then the Kongowe Terminal.<br />
However, construction work for the projects would start after finding
financial partners. Makwembe said some partners have been identified,
without mentioning them by name.<br />
<br />
The city spokesman added that the accomplishment of the bus terminals would help reduce traffic congestion Dar es Salaam city .<br />
<br />
Early this year several kiosk and buildings within UBT were demolished
to prepare for the new project, creating inconvenience for passengers as
social service once found in the premises were not available,<br />
DCC had to open temporary kiosks to provide the passengers with food, drinks, and sanitation and health services.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-79041868769673222052013-08-31T05:59:00.003-07:002013-08-31T06:10:45.895-07:00Participate effectively in Constitutional councils<div class="box_wrapper1">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angela Kairuki, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Deputy Minister</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite poverty and other challenges women and
underprivileged groups faced, they have generally participated
adequately in the ongoing exercise to give views for the new
constitution, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Deputy Minister Angela
Kairuki said in Dodoma yesterday.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Addressing a constitutional council organised by the Tanzania Rural
Women and Children Development institute, the minister noted that there
is good chance for the new constitution to contain views of women and
children. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
She said many women and children have been empowered to speak out their
views though the special councils. “We shall have a constitution that
contains rights of disadvantaged groups of people such as widows, women
in general and street children.”</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Tanzania Rural Women and Children Development is an NGO that helps the
disadvantaged groups by educating them, providing legal and economic
support to widows, children living in difficult environments and sex
victims.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Kairuki cited the weak income position as the main challenge the groups
faced, but inspite of that, they have taken part to air views in the
various councils held across the country.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
She praised the NGOs that were involved in organizing and supervising
various meetings that enabled the groups to air their views and appealed
to more women to come forward to particulate in the exercise even more.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The Dean of the Tanzania Rural Women and Children Development Lediana
Mng’ong’o, for her part, said women should get well involved in the
process to ensure their rights and interests are included in the
constitution.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
She said it was high time women made changes concerning their rights
because they have long been oppressed; for instance, being denied
inheritance when a husband and leadership positions.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
A youngster Amina Albert (12) said the new constitution should state the
right of every child to further education after completing Standard
Seven as opposed to the present situation. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930014660533572088.post-50169423736811313632013-08-31T05:58:00.000-07:002013-08-31T05:58:00.020-07:00TBS lifts ban on OKI cooking oil<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><div class="box_wrapper1">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has lifted a
ban it imposed on sale, distribution and use of OKI palm cooking oil
after establishing from Zanzibar counterparts that it was safe enough
and that the public can use it.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
However, it was learnt that fraudulent traders had at some stage
counterfeited the product, with many Zanzibar residents getting worried
about oil easily available in the market; which led to the action by TBS
to impose a ban.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
TBS Director General Joseph Masikitiko authorised a detailed analysis
mid this week whose result suggested that OKI Palm Oil was counterfeited
by fraudulent traders<br />
But the Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Board maintained that genuine
OKI was harmless while the Minister for Trade, Industries and Marketing
Nassor Ahmed Marui told the House of Representative that the oil was
safe.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Following the developments, Masikitiko said TBS collaborating with the
Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and a manufacturer in Singapore, would
make certain only the genuine OKI cooking oil enters the local market.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
For instance, package volume would be 10 and 20 litre plastic jerry cans
and oil certified TBS under the “TBS” mark certification scheme to use
the quality mark. Additionally, it would involve selling of OKI brands
through specified distribution channels, using appointed distributors.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
He, however, said this did not cover OKI cooking oil sold in one litre,
two litre, three litre and five litre plastic jerry cans because they
have been proved to be substandard.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The OKI cooking oil ban had also included VIKING and ASMA as TBS had not
guaranteed their quality as the traders in the products were yet to
appear before the hoard of standards, which had also ordered to recall
the brands from market. Measures were under way to get rid of the two
brands of oil from the mark.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Meanwhile interviewed products users expressed doubts about TBS ability
to analyse products before hitting the market and pose a danger to
society.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The three types of oils reportedly failed to meet the 559:2010 TZS
National Standard and were imported from Malaysia through av
unauthorised port at Mbweni in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925208185633861681noreply@blogger.com0