Star News, New York.
MANY countries were either
represented by Heads of States, Prime Ministers or Foreign Ministers in this
years’ just concluded UN General Assembly, but few could miss the absence of
Tanzanian President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.
Magufuli’s absence at the
Assembly was well covered by Tanzanian Foreign Minister, Prof. Palamagamba
Kabudi who ably showcased how the President is transforming the East Africa’s
fastest growing economy.
In his maiden speech at the Assembly,
Minister Palamagamba, unveiled that the main agenda on the cards of Magufuli
administration is poverty eradication, anti corruption drive, discipline in
public services and enhancing tax collections as part of the country’s
overarching strategy to achieve socio-economic growth.
“I am pleased to inform this August
Assembly that during the past four years, the government of Tanzania under H.E
Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has been able to live up to its promises by delivering
to its citizens in many aspects,” he said.
The Professor said the government
has taken broad measures in fighting corruption and remove wasteful government
expenditure so as to speed up development citing the establishment of the
economic and graft special division of the High Court as an example.
In addition, he said that the
government has been implementing various reforms including proper management of
natural wealth and resources by enacting various laws that comply to international
standards; steps that have seen a rise in mineral revenues in the country.
“These reforms are among the
things that enhanced government revenue collection from an average of TZS 800
billion to TZS 1.3 trillion per month,” Prof Palamagamba said, adding:
“Thanks to new mining law; revenues
from mining sector have exponentially increased from TZS 191 billion in the
financial year 2016/17 to TZS 335 billion in 2018/19.”
Summing up the great achievements
before the August Assembly, the Tanzanian Representative, added that the Magufuli
administration has been able to revamp the national airline, offered free
education and is currently implementing huge infrastructure projects, mostly, using
own funds.
Energy:
Explaining achievements in energy sector, the Minister said, the government
has succeeded to electrify new 5,109 villages since December 2015, making the
number of villages with electricity in the country to reach 7,127 out of the
total 12,259 villages.
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| Minister Palamagamba from Tanzania at UN |
He also added that the government
is implementing several power generation projects in order guarantee affordable
and reliable energy including the locally sourced Grand Julius Nyerere Hydro
Power Project (JNHPP) which once completed will produce 2115 megawatts which is
more than the currently produced electricity.
Good governance, human right and
rule of law: The Minister was also bold on Tanzania’s human rights record
saying that Tanzania remains committed to promote democracy, good governance,
human right and rule of law as guaranteed by country’s constitution.
“As I speak 21 registered
political parties operating freely and some are represented in the parliament.”
He said adding that“As in case of Tanzania Zanzibar, three leaders of
opposition parties are in government and one of them is here with us today.
“In addition, Tanzania has 34
television stations and only two are state owned, and has also granted 172
newspaper licenses to allow diversity of views and opinions,” he insisted.
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