NEW CABINET: Samia demands results

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged the newly sworn-in Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers to take full responsibility for delivering on the government’s 100-day commitments to Tanzanians.

The Head of State issued the directives yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of the Ministers and their deputies at Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

“From today, our job is to be accountable to the people, to our nation, and to our country, Tanzania,” President Samia said.

On the commitment to implement key duties within the first 100 days, President Samia noted that the pledges directly concern several ministries, urging the leaders to work closely with their Permanent Secretaries to ensure swift implementation.

“The promises the government has made to the people are many, yet the time to fulfill them is limited. The work must be done with great speed. Let us begin now to implement what we promised,” she added.

The President reminded the ministers and their deputies that by taking the oath, they accepted the responsibility of leading their ministries with dedication, stepping forward to serve citizens under the theme, “Kazi na Utu Tunasonga Mbele.”

President Samia also stressed that dignity starts with leaders and through their conduct, citizens will be inspired to build and uphold their own dignity.

“Dignity must begin with us. We have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of our people, so they can build and honour their own sense of Tanzanian pride. This is our duty.” she said.

The President also cautioned that she will not hesitate to remove any minister who fails to perform.

“Five years is neither a short period nor too long. I have no issue with making changes, as you know. There was a time when you said I was reshuffling too frequently and I agreed. I will continue reshuffling until I find the right person, someone who is fully committed and united in our efforts,” she added.

Dr Samia noted that recent events in the country may affect the government’s reputation when seeking international loans and support from global institutions, compared to the strong standing the administration had in its first term.

She further explained that, for now, the government will have to rely more on domestic resources to finance development projects by starting projects with internal funds before international partners step in later.

“We will start with our own funds, and once they finish addressing their objections, they will find us already in progress. That is the path we will follow,” she said.

The President announced that starting today she will hold a working session with ministers and deputy ministers to thoroughly review all the commitments scheduled for implementation.

She also directed Chief Secretary Ambassador Moses Kusiluka to ensure that ministers and their deputies do not proceed to a ceremonial retreat before first being briefed on their duties, the country’s resource situation and the broader economic landscape.

“I want impact and results for citizens, not results that sit in your office. Results for the people within the timeframe we agreed on,” she emphasised.

She reminded the leaders that they were not appointed because they are better than other Members of Parliament, but because they emerged as the best fit according to the criteria used, urging them to prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

Late August this year, President Samia launched her party’s campaign for the 2025 General Election, outlining priorities for her next term, President Samia said the first 100-day period will focus on health, education, jobs and accountability.

She pledged that the Universal Health Insurance Law will be piloted, covering elderly people, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

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“The government will fully fund specialised tests and treatments for low-income citizens suffering from cancer, kidney disease, heart conditions, diabetes, orthopaedic issues and neurological disorders. Additionally, we will recruit 5,000 health workers, including nurses and midwives, to enhance maternal and child health services,” she said.

On education, she said, “We will ensure every child is capable to write and count by the end of Standard Three. To achieve this, we will recruit 7,000 new Mathematics and Science teachers and align VETA and university training with labour market demands.”