YESTERDAY there was reported several encouraging news, one of the big ones notably being the World Bank committing nearly 300 million US dollars, equivalent to 783.373bn/- to fund the third phase of Tanzania’s poverty alleviation initiative.
The initiative, under the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) that was announced on Thursday by the World Bank’s Country Representative, Mr Nathan Belete, during a high-level discussion in Dar es Salaam on the future of the programme.
Poverty alleviation refers to the efforts, strategies and policies aimed at reducing or eliminating poverty. It is an internationally recognised goal for development and has been prioritised by organisations such as the World Bank. Mr Belete, rightly commended the initiative, citing it as a global benchmark for tackling poverty and achieving positive outcomes.
He lauded the Tanzanian government for the successes achieved in the programme’s first two phases, saying the Bank’s commitment to collaborate with development partners in supporting the country’s goals of poverty reduction and economic empowerment.
The programme will adopt an inclusive approach to ensure no one is left behind, integrating low-income communities into national development through participation in ongoing projects.
The third phase will encompass productive activities that involve all societal groups, and guarantee impartial budget allocation for developmental projects.
While we thank the development partners for support they offer, we commend the government for commitment, promises and walking the talk in realising alleviating poverty.
Poverty alleviation programmes, such as cash transfers and monetary grants, may not only lift people out of poverty but also improve mental health as well.
ALSO READ: Tanzania secures 783bn/- for poverty reduction
There are a lot of testimonials from beneficiaries of earlier phases, who reported increased income and economic progression due to TASAF’s interventions.
This fact is not only by word of mouth, but it is evident in several areas of the country where the programmes are being carried, where lives could be seen vividly changing to better from day to day.
As the second phase of the TASAF initiative is expected to end next year, it was crucial for the government and stakeholders to meet and explore the best way to execute the next phase of the programme and so they did.
We commend both parties for what they have done so far and wish them all the best in future, for the main reason to alleviate and consequently end poverty.
