PM urges unity, protection of peace

MAKAMBAKO: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has warned against attempts to incite unrest, urging citizens to safeguard peace while taking decisive steps to address citizens’ grievances during his visit to Iringa and Njombe regions.

Speaking at Idofi, Makambako District in Njombe Region and later in Mufindi District, Iringa Region yesterday, Dr Nchemba said citizens must remain vigilant and reject external influence spread through social media platforms aimed at destabilising the country.

“Some individuals outside the country, who are not even citizens and have no intention of returning here, use social media platforms such as WhatsApp to incite unrest while they remain safe. Tanzanians must reject such influence,” he said.

He stressed that citizens are both the primary beneficiaries of peace and the first to suffer when it is disrupted, urging communities to take responsibility in protecting stability in their areas.

“The first beneficiary and the greatest beneficiary of peace is you. If peace is disrupted, the first victims are yourselves. Do not accept that,” he said.

Drawing from religious teachings, Dr Nchemba referenced the biblical Book of Jeremiah, noting that people are encouraged to pray for the peace of the cities where they live, as their own well-being is closely tied to it.

He said both religious teachings and national values emphasise love for one’s country, adding that peace creates an environment where citizens can worship freely, conduct economic activities and live without fear.

The Prime Minister cautioned that external actors often exploit digital platforms to spread misinformation and provoke instability while avoiding the consequences of their actions.

“These are people who sit elsewhere comfortably while encouraging others to cause unrest. These are enemy plots aimed at destroying our country,” he said.

He emphasised that even when challenges arise, they should be addressed through lawful and peaceful means, in line with the country’s traditions and longstanding values of unity.

Reminding citizens of Tanzania’s role in Africa’s liberation struggles, Dr Nchemba said the country has historically demonstrated its ability to resolve internal matters without resorting to violence.

“In our traditions, if a bed had bedbugs, we did not burn the whole house. We solved the problem and continued living. We must not destroy our country because of challenges,” he said.

During a public meeting in Igowole, Mufindi District, Dr Nchemba also listened to citizens’ complaints and directed immediate action to resolve long-standing grievances.

A youth group, Ibantu, was paid 3.9m/- for producing 15,600 bricks under a contract completed in 2022, after raising concerns that they had not been paid despite fulfilling their obligations.

Similarly, a contractor who had been engaged by the council to construct 10 toilet units and a waste disposal facility was paid the remaining 1.5m/- owed since 2022, bringing the total amount settled on the spot to 5.6m/-.

The Prime Minister ordered district officials to resolve the matter before the conclusion of the public meeting and confirmed that the payments had been affected.

He said delays in settling legitimate claims undermine trust in public institutions and should not be tolerated, directing local authorities to ensure accountability and fairness in handling public resources.

Dr Nchemba also issued directives to fast-track key road infrastructure projects in the area, including the Nyololo–Igowole–Mtwango road and the Mafinga–Mgololo road, which are considered vital for economic activities in Mufindi District.

He instructed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) regional management to ensure that contractors are secured within two weeks and that implementation begins immediately.

He further directed the Iringa Regional Administrative Secretary to submit a request to the Ministry of Finance for advance funding to kick-start the projects without delay, emphasising that directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan must be implemented promptly.

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Dr Nchemba said the roads are critical for supporting local industries, including tea production and manufacturing, by improving transport of goods and access to markets.

He called on citizens to remain united, safeguard peace and support government efforts aimed at strengthening development, infrastructure and service delivery across the country.