ROAD TO UNION@60: TPDF hailed for role in building economy

DODOMA: THE Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax has hailed Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) for promoting peace and security that have helped to build a strong economy.

“The TPDF has contributed to put up a strong economy because people are free to participate in various economic and production activities without fear,” she said at a meeting on Wednesday to outline achievements her ministry has so far recorded as the country celebrates 60 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

Dr Tax further noted that another achievement was TPDF’s contribution to the country in maintaining security at borders as well as protecting freedom and defending the constitution, which have made the country to remain strong and peaceful at all times since the Union of two countries in April 26th, 1964.

Another achievement, the minister noted, was the fact that the ministry through its institutions, especially the army, was helping the country in dealing with disasters whenever they occurred.

“In averting and combating disasters, TPDF has continuously been participating fully in offering support and rescue including humanitarian support as per the laid procedures,’’ she said.

Above all, Dr Tax added, TPDF was also collaborating with civilian institutions in the implementation of various flagship projects, insisting that some of the areas where the army had offered support include improving services at various Public Entities (PEs), as well as bolstering security on various development projects including at mining sites, protecting several infrastructures like railway including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project and the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).

“The army has equally been offering security at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) and at different airports,” noted the minister.