MPs: Optimise natural gas, investment in productive sectors

LAWMAKERS on Wednesday aired different opinions as they debated 2023/24 development plan, with issues of optimising the country’s natural gas, with investment in productive sectors taking a centre stage.

The next development plan was tabled in the National Assembly on Monday by Finance and Planning Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and the House embarked on debate until tomorrow.

Muleba North MP Charles Mwijage (CCM), mentioned the Russia-Ukraine war as one of the risks that could affect the successful implementation of the next budget, hence he suggested that the country should emphasise on turning to use its natural gas for government vehicles.

He argued that the move would help the government reduce spending and save money to invest in other key areas such as industries to up revenues.

Special-Seats MP Hawa Chakoma (CCM) echoed a suggestion of optimising natural gas, citing it as the solution to control high inflation brought about by increased fuel prices.

“Inflation has been growing in food products such maize and rice, so it’s better that we keep a close eye on this. The minister should consider the advice of using natural gas,” Ms Chakoma stated.

She further wondered why food prices remained high while the government was issuing monthly 100bn/- subsidy to fuel which could help to reduce transportation of food products, and hence prices.

Ms Chakoma went on to mention the national debt, saying to avoid an increase of the debt; the government has to avoid delays in implementation of strategic projects.

“We have to complete strategic projects in time so that they bring returns, this will make our economy grow,” she pointed out.

She was of the view that Bagamoyo Port project was crucial since it will be an alternative to Dar es Salaam Port.

“The coal to be mined at Liganga and Mchuchuma needs the Bagamoyo Port, what does the development plan say about investing in the Bagamoyo Port, because this project already had a team for negotiation, this project will boost the country’s economy,” she stressed.

Makete legislator Festo Sanga (CCM) commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her decision to buy five new planes for the state airline (ATCL), saying the move would boost the economy as currently the company has 11 planes.

Contributing to the debate, Mr Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural-CCM), supported the development plan but advised the government to capitalise on the increased growth of the country’s population as human capital.

“We must use this increased human resource by empowering them to participate in economic activities, because so many people are still jobless, we must discuss what makes them jobless. For this country to develop people must work,” he said.

However, his concern pushed the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Services Management and Good Governance), Ms Jenista Mhagama, to stand and clarify.

Ms Mhagama explained that through the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf) programme, Tanzanians in abject poverty are empowered to start income-generating activities.

“Over 1000 households are going to graduate from extreme poverty level and let others enroll into the programme,” she said.

Namtumbo legislator, Vita Kawawa (CCM) argued that the next development plan has to focus on looking at measures for making Tanzania reduce the effects of the global economic slump.

“So, we should ensure that productive sectors become vibrant, and the ongoing key projects should be completed and we should heavily invest in agriculture,” Mr Kawawa said.