KAGERA: MINISTER for Works, Innocent Bashungwa has commended religious institutions for supporting government efforts through improving social services in various sectors including education, health and water sectors.
Equally, he urged Tanzanians to take advantage of major projects being implemented across the country to hasten their development.
He made the remarks on Friday during the commemoration of 50 years of priesthood and 25 years of Bishop Deziderius Rwoma (rtd) of the Bukoba Catholic Diocese.
“The government commends the Roman Catholic Church and all other religious institutions for improving social services in various sectors including education, health and water sectors. Many Tanzanians especially in rural areas have benefitted through the church contribution,” he said.
Elaborating, Mr Bashungwa said the government has been implementing people-oriented projects including the construction of roads and bridges. “These efforts should be supported,” he said.
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The projects include the rehabilitation of the 92-km Lusahunga-Rusumo road, the construction of the Karagwe-Kyerwa road, which is expected to cost of about 165bn/- upon completion. The construction of the Bugene-Benaco Road had recorded 40 per cent performance.
He listed bridges to be constructed to include Kamishango (Muleba South), Kanoni (Bukoba Municipal) and Kalebe (Bukoba District Council) which will also witness the upgrading to tarmac level of Kanazi-Katoro-Kyaka road.
Mr Bashungwa also appealed to residents in the Lake Zone regions namely Mwanza, Kagera, Mara, Simiyu and Geita to utilize fully the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu steamer by doing business.
“These projects aim to link the Lake Zone regions to neighboring countries. This is a golden opportunity to do business and create more job opportunities,” he said.
Bishop (rtd) Rwoma was ordained priest on August 2, 1974 by the late Bishop Nestorius Timanywa and was elevated Bishop for Singida diocese on July 11,1999. He served Singida Diocese for 16 years until 2017 when he was transferred to Bukoba diocese. He retired last year after attaining the retirement age.
