CCM invites opposition to offer useful ideas
IKUNGI: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice-Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Stephen Wasira, has said the ruling party remains strong and united, urging opposition parties to offer constructive ideas instead of opposing government initiatives.
Mr Wasira made the remarks recently during the first day of his three-day working tour aimed at holding internal meetings with CCM members and strengthening the party’s vitality and cohesion.
He described CCM as one of Africa’s largest and longestserving political parties, attributing its strength to its historical formation following the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP).
Mr Wasira said Tanzania had also demonstrated the strength of unity by bringing Tanganyika and Zanzibar together and maintaining the Union for more than six decades.
“We have more than 120 ethnic groups in this country, yet we have no tribalism. The tribes exist, but tribalism does not. We live in peace and harmony regardless of our differences,” he said.
He said such achievements were part of the legacy established by the country’s founding fathers, pledging that CCM would continue safeguarding it for the benefit of all Tanzanians.
Mr Wasira also compared living conditions in the past with the present, saying poverty has declined significantly as the country continues to implement development programmes.
He recalled that some people in the past wished to become disabled so that they could survive through begging, saying the situation has changed considerably.
The CCM leader criticised opposition leaders who claim that little or no development has been achieved in the country, saying such statements ignored the progress made in improving people’s livelihoods.
“Then someone comes along and says nothing has been done in this country? Perhaps nothing has been done for you because you do not know where we have come from,” he said.
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Mr Wasira stressed that CCM has no quarrel with opposition parties, urging them to present constructive ideas that could contribute to national development.
“You cannot build a nation through constant complaints. We urge them to bring forward their ideas so that they can be considered and implemented for the benefit of the people,” he said.
We are Tanzanians, we have to construct our country in responsible manner, I found initiatives with the ministry of land to talk with citizens regarding land disputes currently, that we think it’s right way. But this ministry has to be fore front in development of cities, regions, districts and villages plans, surveys, land offer, with proper documentation including title deeds and the like. The land ministry could collaborate with other ministries, such ministry of finance, energy entities (eg Tanesco), surveyors, planners, architects, mayors, regional commissioners, chairmen of villages, DC etc. This will enhance our plans and reduce land disputes and distribution to citizens quickly and efficiently. Many parts of of cities, regions, districts lack sufficient facilities such libraries, playing grounds, wide enough roads, hospitals, creation & recreation, forests for oxygen, planned streets, stands, industrial areas, etc. So forward planning of an area before the people are settled, will eliminate greatly this problems to our citizens.