Dr Samia cautions new Geita RC not to use his mineral-rich region to enrich himself

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a blunt warning to newly appointed Geita Regional Commissioner Alexander Mnyeti, telling him he has not been sent to the mineral-rich region to enrich himself but to ensure those benefiting from its wealth pay taxes and contribute to development.

Speaking while administering the oath of office to newly appointed Regional Commissioners in Tunguu, Zanzibar, President Samia said Mnyeti’s experience as a former Manyara Regional Commissioner, MP and Deputy Minister placed him in a strong position to manage Geita.

“You have not been taken there to become rich. You have been taken there to supervise those who are becoming rich, ensure they pay our taxes, continue their work and the region develops,” she said.

According to the Head of State, the progress being witnessed in Katoro was a result of a conducive environment created for small-scale miners, enabling them to mine successfully and benefit from the region’s mineral wealth and urged Mnyeti to ensure the gains continue while the government receives its rightful revenue.

The President, however, reminded Mnyeti that although he was familiar with Geita, he must not allow personal relationships to interfere with his official duties.

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“I know you are a local there. Those small groups you had, I want you to break them up. Do not bring friends into your work,” she warned.

Turning to Coast Regional Commissioner Stanslaus Nyongo, President Samia said he was not new to government, having previously served as Deputy Minister for Planning and Investment.

She said the Coast Region is strategically important to Tanzania’s investment drive, particularly in industries and industrial parks, and tasked Nyongo with building on the work of his predecessor, Abubakar Kunenge, who she said had done a good job in promoting investment.

“You have experience in planning and investment. Go and properly continue where your colleague left off. Take up the baton and ensure things move forward,” she said.

However, she cautioned Nyongo against conduct that could bring scandals to the region.

For Mbeya Regional Commissioner Jumanne Sagini, President Samia said his experience in the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Parliament gave him sufficient exposure to manage the economically important region.

She directed him to strengthen Mbeya’s agricultural, mining and commercial activities, placing particular emphasis on increasing production of Mbeya rice, which she said has earned Tanzania international recognition.

“Wherever you go, you are asked about Mbeya rice. Supervise its production so that we have enough Mbeya rice to sell across the world,” she said.

President Samia also noted that Mbeya’s strong economy came with numerous challenges, expressing confidence that Sagini would be able to manage them effectively.