TEMESA top brass axed

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered the immediate dismissal of the entire management team of the Technical and Electrical Services Agency (TEMESA) following allegations of embezzling 2.59bn/-, some of which was drawn from ferry fare collections.

The directive includes the Chief Executive Officer and the entire management of TEMESA, who are accused of collaborating in the misappropriation of public funds.

He said the practice has contributed to the deterioration of the agency’s operations, including ferry services between Magogoni and Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam.

The move follows a probe report by a taskforce set up by the Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, which confirmed the involvement of TEMESA management in the embezzlement.

During his visit to Magogoni and Kigamboni to inspect ferry operations, the Premier was informed by Minister Ulega that TEMESA and its management team had already been suspended, while other public service procedures are underway to ensure that legal action is taken against all those found culpable.

During his visit to inspect the struggling state-owned ferry services, Dr Nchemba called for the officials’ immediate dismissal.

“Instruct the Permanent Secretary to dismiss them immediately. Moreover, the responsible authorities should hold them accountable by taking them to court,” Dr Nchemba directed while addressing Dar es Salaam residents.

He stressed that there was no need for another investigation, noting that the taskforce comprised distinguished experts from top government offices, including the President’s Office, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works, the Controller and Auditor General’s Office and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).

Dr Nchemba further observed that the embezzled 2.59bn/- could have been used to fund public development priorities, including the renovation of the MV Magogoni and MV Kigamboni ferries.

“There has been abuse of power and misuse of public funds. This also explains why the ferries have repeatedly malfunctioned. Today, we have failed to complete the renovation of the vessels, which are owed 800m/- ,” Dr Nchemba said.

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He further urged Minister Ulega to conduct a more thorough investigation into the renovation of TEMESA’s vessels, expressing concern over the frequent ferry malfunctions.

“There is information indicating that some officials have been plotting to damage the ferries to raise funds for renovations. They have been creating deals to steal,” he said, insisting: “The question is, who has been ensuring the vessels are repaired properly?”

Dr Nchemba warned that without proper vigilance, the government will incur renovation costs higher than the price of procuring brand-new ferries. “This mismanagement is unacceptable,” he said.

He also commended Mr Ulega, who shortly after taking office, visited the ferries and set up a task force that uncovered the embezzlement, saving Tanzanians billions of shillings.

Looking ahead, Dr Nchemba directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately allocate 3 million US dollars (over 7bn/-) for renovations of the ferries so that they can resume service to address the transport challenge to Dar es Salaam’s residents crossing through the Indian Ocean to Kigamboni or Magogoni.

He noted that the renovation has reached 81 per cent, saying with allocation of the aforementioned funds, it can be completed within a month.

Dr Nchemba urged all public servants to respect public funds, insisting that there is zero tolerance for swindlers.

In a related development, he commended Azam Marine for investing in ferries which significantly supported the government efforts to address the transport challenges to the Dar es Salaam residents.

In that regard, he directed the responsible authorities to fast-track issuance of permit for addition of other vessels by the local investing firm, which for a long time has expressed interest to add freight and passenger vessels.

Earlier, Mr Ulega said President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the ministry to embrace partnerships with the private sector including Azam Marine in efforts of enhancing quality service delivery to the citizens.

He said the presence of stable transport is key to save time for citizens while going for their daily activities.