Religious institutions assured of government support

GEITA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has assured religious institutions of the government’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with them to promote development and improve the well-being of Tanzanians.

Dr Biteko made the remarks yesterday while representing Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango as the special guest at the 125th anniversary celebrations of Christianity and Evangelism at Kome Parish in the Geita Catholic Diocese.

“The government will continue to work hand in hand with religious institutions in implementing development projects to ensure citizens achieve progress. We appreciate the significant contributions religious institutions have made in bringing development to their communities,” Dr Biteko said.

During the event, Dr Biteko also led a fundraising campaign to support a water project aimed at serving residents of Masisita, Kome Parish.

He urged the local community to strengthen cooperation, protect the environment and participate in tree-planting initiatives to restore natural forests.

Dr Biteko personally contributed 10m/- and delivered a donation of 50m/- from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, part of ongoing efforts to provide reliable water services to the religious sisters residing in Kome.

He assured that the government would follow up to ensure the water project reaches its intended beneficiaries.

Bishop Flavian Kassala of the Geita Catholic Diocese prayed for blessings in the upcoming General Election and called for the emergence of capable and honest leaders.

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He thanked President Samia and the sixth-phase government for their continued partnership with religious institutions, which have played a vital role in development across the country.

Bishop Kassala said that access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge on Kome Island.

“Although we are surrounded by water, clean water access is limited and only a few people can afford it,” he said, urging the government to expedite plans to improve water supply for the island’s residents.

He added that the Church is expanding its social services by increasing the number of religious sisters providing community support, underscoring the need for urgent assistance to sustain these efforts.

Earlier, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Mbeya Archdiocese called on believers to unite, exercise patience and foster harmony within their communities.

“As we celebrate 125 years of mission, let us commit ourselves to promoting peace and unity. We are all flawed and in need of God’s strength,” Archbishop Nyaisonga said.

Regarding the upcoming General Election, the Archbishop urged Catholics to engage in continuous prayer for 24 hours from August 23-24, seeking a peaceful election and the election of good leaders.