DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has directed recall and replacement of 31,000 defective national IDs as part of efforts to ensure seamless interconnection of government systems.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, highlighted the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery and safeguarding citizens’ access to essential services.
“We identified the issue and acted upon it. I have instructed the National Identification Authority (NIDA) to recall these IDs and replace them free of charge. I urge affected citizens to come forward for replacements,” he said in Dar es Salaam yesterday during a meeting with editors from the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF).
The minister revealed that upon assuming office, he discovered 1.2 million national IDs had yet to reach their rightful owners.
As of this week, 400,000 of these IDs have been distributed, following his directive to expedite the process and ensure all eligible citizens receive their IDs.
He also called for enhanced collaboration between editors, journalists and the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement communication strategies and ten key programmes planned for 2024/2025–2025/2026.
The minister outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and community development, including Firearms Amnesty whereby citizens are encouraged to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms during a presidential amnesty period, in line with the law.
“This initiative aims to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and bolster national security,” Mr Bashungwa said, while mentioning another campaign to promote societal acceptance and support for prisoners released under presidential pardon.
Furthermore, a nationwide campaign aimed at educating citizens on adhering to road safety regulations to reduce accidents and preventable fatalities.
The minister added that the sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness about fire safety measures were implemented to reduce fire risks and protecting lives and property.
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The “Know Your Neighbour” initiative, coupled with voluntary refugee repatriation, aims to address illegal immigration as well as public education campaigns to combat human trafficking and promote the registration of community groups.
The minister emphasised the importance of these initiatives in fostering a safer, more cohesive society. Mr Bashungwa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing timely and accurate information to the public to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.
“It is the right of Tanzanians to receive accurate updates promptly. Our duty is to ensure this and I urge TEF members to work with us to enhance our performance and better serve the nation,” he said.
TEF Chairperson, Mr Deodatus Balile, praised the ministry’s engagement with the media and urged the minister to revive regular interactions between journalists and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
