MPs hail progress in social services

DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament have expressed satisfaction with the implementation of social service projects over the past four years, urging the government to priori tise completion of ongoing projects across the country.

Debating the recently tabled Prime Minister’s Office 595.3bn/- spending plan for 2025/26 in Dodoma yesterday, lawmakers praised the government for improvements in the learning and teaching environment, as well as in the provision of water, health, electricity and road infrastructure Segerea MP, Bonnah Kamoli (CCM), noted that the number of classrooms in her constituency has in creased, with the government making efficient use of limited space in second ary schools by construct ing storey buildings.

However, she urged the government to fast-track the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP), which aims to improve the Msimbazi Basin, a crucial area that cuts across the country’s commercial capital.

“The contract has already been signed and is ready for implementation. I urge the government to ensure this important project begins soon to address the challenges facing residents during the rainy season,” Ms Kamoli said.

She also commended the government for reinstating the 10 per cent soft loan fund for youth, women, and people with disabilities (PWDs), encouraging the targeted groups to organize themselves to seize the opportunity and help combat poverty. Ukerewe MP, Michael Mkundi (CCM), said the government has successfully fulfilled the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto in his constituency, particularly in implementing water projects. He joined his fellow MPs in urging timely completion of ongoing projects to ensure that people have easy access to social services.

Mkundi further said that CCM’s goal of creating 8 million jobs has been achieved, crediting the private sector for playing a pivotal role in job creation through the establishment of various projects.

“Out of the more than 8 million job opportunities created, the private and informal sectors have contributed over 7 million,” he said.

However, the Ukerewe legislator called on public institutions to reduce bureaucracy, particularly for investors, urging the government to train public servants on economic diplomacy.

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“We must establish an agency that coordinates economic diplomacy, as increased investment results in more job creation,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Kibamba MP Issa Mtemvu (CCM) and Christine Ishengoma (Special Seats, CCM) said the completion of the Kidunda Dam will help address water challenges in parts of Dar es Salaam, Coast and Morogoro regions.

Nominated MP Shamsi Vuai Nahodha also contributed to the debate, focusing on the need to build the competence of graduates to help the country tackle challenges across various sectors, including agriculture and education.

To realise the objectives of the newly introduced education policy and curriculum, he said the government must invest significantly in equipment and the training of more educators.

He proposed that the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) be used to train instructors, and encouraged current teachers to utilize school soundings for practical sessions that would help students gain real-world skills.

“The foundation of our education should be built on science and technology, leadership, innovation, and self-reliance.

We are currently importing most products, yet we have many engineers in the country. We must revisit the foundation of our universities and restructure them into three categories,” he said.

He suggested that universities be classified into categories depending on focus such as research, professional studies, and science and technology.

On her part, Nkasi MP Aida Kenani thanked Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa for his visit to her constituency, noting that it had yielded positive outcomes. However, she urged the government to address transportation challenges along Lake Tanganyika.

She said while efforts to improve ports along the Africa’s deepest lake are ongoing, such initiatives should be matched with the construction of ships to ensure reliable and safe transport for residents of Katavi, Rukwa and Kigoma regions