Major progress recorded in resolving Union challenges

DODOMA: A TOTAL of 15 out of 18 Union matters that had been under discussion between the two sides of the Union have been resolved, Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagilwa, told the House.

Mr Kwagilwa was responding to Suleiman Mohamed Rashid (Mwera, CCM)’s basic question which sought to know a number of Union matters that have been resolved in the first term of the Sixth Phase Government.

In his supplementary questions, the lawmaker sought to know the benefits achieved after resolving 15 of the 18 Union matters and strategies the office has put in place to ensure the remaining three union issues are resolved. Responding, the Deputy Minister commended the MP and all legislators for their contribution in advancing Union affairs.

The Deputy Minister explained that in 2016, former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete directed changes in the way Union matters were discussed, leading to the formation of a Joint Committee that has significantly improved efficiency in addressing Union challenges.

According to him, since 2006 the committee has received 25 Union matters and successfully resolved 23 of them. He noted that the government has continued creating a conducive environment for resolving Union matters through various teams of experts tasked with reviewing laws, agreements and preparing documents to support decision-making by the Joint Committee.

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The committee, he added, is chaired by the VicePresident of the United Republic of Tanzania. Explaining the benefits of resolving the issues, the Deputy Minister said Zanzibar’s participation in international and regional affairs has become more visible, especially in preparing national positions and participating in international meetings and agreements.

He further stated that the government has established a better framework for fishing activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone, helping to reduce unnecessary conflicts. In addition, businesspeople from Zanzibar have been relieved from the burden of double taxation, including income tax and withholding tax.

The Deputy Minister also noted that through the Joint Committee, the government managed to resolve confusion surrounding international loans that require sovereign guarantees and those that do not require guarantees from the United Republic of Tanzania.