ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has challenged the Mainland and Zanzibar anti-corruption bureaus to enhance their cooperation for increased efficiency in their work.
Dr Mwinyi told the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA) to strengthen their cooperation, especially in strategic development projects for the national interest.
He issued the directive at the State House on Tuesday when he hosted the newly appointed PCCB Director General Crispin Chalamila, who had paid him a courtesy call following his recent appointment to the post by Union President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
President Mwinyi commended the PCCB boss for the new appointment and wished him all the best in his new assignment. Dr Mwinyi further commended ZAECA’s efforts, highlighting efficiency in the execution of their duties, especially on government-executed projects.
He said the anti-corruption agency is performing well in holding corrupt government officers accountable. Mr Chalamila promised to sustain the cooperation between PCCB and ZAECA for success in the execution of their duties.
He said PCCB and ZAECA have been cooperating on many issues since they signed their cooperation agreement in 2012, with capacity building, cooperation in investigations and joint national and zonal meetings as some of the cooperative areas.
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The PCCB boss commended the government’s impressive development initiatives under President Mwinyi, saying PCCB and ZAECA’s work to fight corruption in Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland has become easier.
Mr Chalamila promised Presidents Mwinyi and the Union’s Dr Samia to sustain their visions and work on their proposals for the anti-corruption fight in the country.
President Samia appointed Mr Chalamila to the post on August 14, 2024, and swore him in the next day, August 15. Meanwhile, President Mwinyi has commended the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) for its efforts in combating poverty in the country.
Dr Mwinyi made these remarks at State House, Zanzibar, during a meeting with TASAF’s Executive Director, Shedrack Mziray, who was introducing himself following his recent appointment.
Dr Mwinyi emphasised his expectation that TASAF’s projects targeting poor households will continue to provide critical assistance to those in the most challenging conditions, with the aim of lifting them out of extreme poverty He also highlighted the need to explore alternative methods for households that remain in severe poverty despite their involvement in TASAF projects.
The president praised TASAF’s leadership for their contributions to community welfare, noting their success in improving the lives of 22,000 families in Zanzibar through the continuation of 15 projects valued at 3.1 billion shillings. These projects include health centres, classrooms, clean and safe water and rural roads.
He stated that this infrastructure has significantly contributed to the economic growth of citizens, increased their income and helped poor households expand their business capital and create small employment opportunities.
Executive Director Mziray informed Dr Mwinyi that TASAF is currently implementing the second phase of the Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN II) Project, which was launched in February 2020 following the closure of PSSN I in December 2019. The project will continue until September 2025.
