VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has called upon Tanzanians to exploit the opportunity of holding political rallies by conducting civilised politics for the objective of preserving the prevailing peace and harmony in the country.
The VP made the call on Thursday when addressing Lilondo Villagers in Madaba District, Ruvuma Region upon his arrival in the region to commence a working tour of Ruvuma Region.
Dr Mpango said it was not right to use abusive language in politics because it may result into breach of peace and harmony.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expanded the scope of free politics so that Tanzanians (politicians) can have a chance to express their alternative policies… We have opened the scope for free politics with good intentions, I ask you to practice civilised politics, offending languages are not good for the prosperity of our country, we don’t want them,” Dr Mpango emphasised.
Early January this year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan lifted a ban on political rallies which were suspended indefinitely in 2016.
Dr Samia told a meeting with representatives of political parties at the State House in Dar es Salaam: “the ban has now been officially lifted…but it is not the ticket of creating havoc and political chaos in the country.”
President Samia said political rallies were constitutional rights. She warned however that the government would not fold arms if the laws were infringed, calling all political parties to abide by the rule of law.
“We want positive criticism. Criticism that will build the nation not personal attack,” she was quoted as saying, detailing that opposition parties should show the challenges for the government to act on. “If we are able to address those challenges then people will rally behind us.”
Regarding the region’s infrastructures, Dr Mpango said that in this financial year 2023/2024 the government will construct a 98- km Litukila – Songea road to address the challenge of infrastructure in the region.
In addition to that, the Vice-President directed the Ministry of Water to allocate 150m/- to facilitate the distribution of water infrastructure and ensure accessibility of water services to the citizens of Lilondo Village.
Meanwhile, visiting Mlilayoyo Village located in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region Dr Mpango criticised the practice of keeping of huge herds of livestock, a situation that contributes to environmental degradation.
He directed the regional leadership to make assessment of the livestock available and the capacity of the region to accommodate them, especially cattle.
“Large herds of cattle have entered this region, the Regional Commissioner (RC) must manage this situation …there must be limitations …I want complete information on the actual number of livestock in this region and the capacity of this region to accommodate them,” VP said.
In a related development, the VP called on Ruvuma residents to be careful while selling their crops, especially food crops to ensure they have enough reserve in stocks for food.
