Nchemba vows diligence

DODOMA: THE newly appointed Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday pledged to work diligently to ensure that the sixth-phase government launches the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050 on a strong and effective footing.

He expressed optimism that, if executed properly, the Vision will successfully tackle the pressing challenges facing Tanzanians.

Speaking shortly after his endorsement in the House, Dr Nchemba cautioned public servants against corruption and negligence, urging them to serve citizens diligently and address their challenges. The new appointed Premier was unanimously endorsed by 369 out of 371 Members of Parliament (MPs).

He said his focus will be on the implementation of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) 2025-2030 election manifesto and the National Development Vision 2050.

According to Dr Nchemba, for the government to meet citizens’ expectations, it must ensure peace is safeguarded and trust in God is maintained. “Recently, the government under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the National Development Vision 2050. Our focus will be on the effective execution of the Vision,” said Dr Nchemba in his 19-minute speech.

He added: “In a relay marathon, if the beginners fail to cover a long distance in a short period, those waiting for the baton handover will also be late. We have a lot of work to do to ensure we start well in implementing the Development Vision while filling the gaps left by Vision 2025,” he insisted.

Dr Nchemba said the new vision reflects the expectations of Tanzanians, especially the youth. He pledged that his office would coordinate the government’s strategic plans and strengthen engagement with the private sector to ensure the creation of 8 million jobs.

“We must move with mountain-climbing gear. We must engage a gear that will enable us to pass through turbulent ocean winds and clouds. The vessel must arrive safely and so must the people,” he explained metaphorically.

Dr Nchemba, who also serves as Iramba West MP, commended the sixth-phase government for tremendous progress in the education, health and energy sectors.

He assured Tanzanians that the remaining 28,000 off-grid hamlets would be connected to electricity, citing President Samia as a result-oriented leader.

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The new appointed Prime Minister further acknowledged that about 8 percent of Tanzanians live in abject poverty, while 26 percent are low-income earners, pledging an accountable government committed to reversing the situation.

“I have not studied poverty in books…I have lived it for not less than 32 years. I understand the pain of studying in hardship and struggling to find employment,” he said.

He added: “I want to assure all Tanzanians, especially those living in difficult conditions that they will be listened to in all public offices.”

He called upon public servants to be available to citizens and to respond to their concerns.

Dr Nchemba expressed gratitude to President Samia and fellow MPs for entrusting him with the crucial leadership position, promising that his office will remain open to all lawmakers without discrimination.

Before his endorsement, Attorney General Hamza Johari briefed MPs on Article 51(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977), outlining the process of appointing and confirming a Prime Minister.

Quoting the Article, he said: “As soon as possible, and in any case within fourteen days after assuming office, the President shall appoint a Member of Parliament elected from a constituency from a political party having a majority of members in the National Assembly or, if no political party has a majority, who appears to have the support of the majority of Members of Parliament, to be Prime Minister of the United Republic, and he shall not assume office until his appointment is first confirmed by a resolution of the National Assembly supported by a majority vote.”

Under Article 52(1–3) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister is accountable to the President and is responsible for controlling, supervising and executing the day-to-day affairs of the government, leading government business in Parliament and performing duties as directed by the President.

Born in January 7, 1975, Dr Nchemba will be sworn in today as the 12th Prime Minister by President Samia Suluhu Hassan at Chamwino State House.