Bunge hailed for transformative impact
DODOMA: AS the 12th Parliament concluded its five-year term yesterday, political analysts, economists and ordinary citizens hailed its performance as transformative and instrumental in driving significant progress across various sectors.
They credited it with effectively facilitating the implementation of development projects in key sectors such as agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday addressed the 12th Parliament in Dodoma ahead of the October General Election. The Parliament’s conclusion was met with optimism from stakeholders, who expressed hopes for continued improvements in governance and called for the 13th Parliament to feature diverse and strong representation to safeguard the nation’s interests.
Speaking during a live broadcast programme aired by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC1) they highlighted several achievements attained through the Parliament.
Contributing to the discussion, Public Private Partnership Centre (PPP Centre) Executive Director David Kafulila said that under the 12th Parliament, the sixth phase government has successfully implemented strategic projects, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He said that the sector’s growth has risen from 2.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent over four years, with irrigation investments increasing to 900,000 hectares, up from 500,000 in 2020.
“This is a remarkable achievement, as the irrigation area developed over 50 years has expanded this much in just four years,” said Mr Kafulila.
Mr Kafulila also noted that under the 12th Parliament, fertiliser usage increased, boosting productivity for farmers while the agricultural budget rose from 260bn/- to over 1.3tri/- within four years.
Concerning infrastructure, he pointed out that through the 12th Parliament, the budget for rural roads has increased from 250bn/- to over 1.3tri/-, which has spurred rural development and facilitated the transport of goods and people.
On her part, Executive Director for the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), Dr Mwajuma Hamza, expounded that President Samia has made significant strides in infrastructure development, particularly through Tanzania Rural and Urban Road Agency (TARURA).
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She said the move has improved connectivity, communication and transportation, creating a better business environment and opening up investment opportunities.
“This has also encouraged many investors to register with the Tanzania Investment Centre TIC, with over 50 bills passed by the 12th Parliament, many aimed at improving the business environment,” she said.
Economic analyst Brevious Kaihozya noted that the outgoing parliament has significantly contributed to economic growth compared to the previous one.
“Through this law-making body (2020/2025), we have seen an increase in our Gross Domestic Product by an average of 22 billion US dollars, as when this Parliament came into power, our economy was averaging 93 billion US dollars. This is a substantial increase compared to any previous legislature, having added nearly one-third of the ten years of the fourth Parliament,” Kaihozya stated.
He noted that despite facing many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic downturns and international crises, the legislature has managed to thrive and effectively oversee the government.
On his part, the National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Onesmo Olengurumwa, said that the 12th Parliament has brought about changes, as many laws have been enacted and significant improvements made, which he said have greatly assisted the effectiveness of the sixth phase administration.
Mr Olengurumwa noted that despite the success in enacting many laws, the House has shown some weaknesses in its oversight responsibilities.
“Accountability has decreased, perhaps due to the structure of the Parliament itself. It is important that the next legislature is more constitutionally empowered, with a strong opposition and broad representation of various groups,” he said.
Ashrafu Salumu, a student at the Social Work Institute, said that the 12th Parliament has exhibited high discipline and has effectively utilised technology to present issues and reports, making it easier for citizens to follow parliamentary sessions.
