President Samia demands reforms
PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday demanded reforms and productivity in the government, denouncing some public leaders who elevate themselves into semi-gods.
“We are the people’s servants; we are not semi-gods, let us not boast. Politeness in not stupidity, its rather valuable knowledge,” Dr Samia said at the swearing-in of her new appointees at Tunguu sub–State House here.
She directed all government leaders to work hard and diligently to meet the public expectations on the government, defending the changes as improvement strategy, “These changes are not punishment, they aim at enhancing performance in service delivery to the people.”
She warned the newly sworn-in ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and ambassadors against boasting, directing them to calm down and serve wananchi.
The president told the new faces in the cabinet–Land and Human Settlements Development Minister Jerry Slaa, “…and your colleagues” to go and implement what they had been advocating in the house.
Other new faces in the cabinet are Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Alexander Mnyeti; Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dunstan Kitandula and Deputy Minister for Energy Judith Kapinga.
“Go and implement what you have been making noise on in parliament,” President Samia told the new faces, making reference to a Swahili proverb that advises to entrust the sorcerer with child care.
Immediately after the oath taking event, President Samia convened what she described as a “work meeting” with ministers and deputy ministers to strategise on the way forward.
Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango reminded the new appointees to work hard and collaboratively to boost productivity at their offices. “All that is needed is high productivity…collaborate for increased efficiency and productivity in your works,” he said.
He challenged all government leaders to keep their ears open to the challenges and complaints of wananchi, citing land and natural resources sectors as areas with loud noises. “…and, always align your performance with the president’s philosophy of 4Rs,” he said.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi assured the new appointees of his office’s cooperation to cement the union between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
“Some of you are in the union offices but some handle non-union matters, be assured of my support irrespective of your office,” he said, appreciating the flourishing cooperation between the two sides of the union.
Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko opened the oath taking, pledging allegiance to the president and Union Constitution in his new capacity as the deputy PM. He was immediately recalled to the podium to pledge allegiance as energy minister.
Makame Mbarawa, January Makamba, Angela Kairuki and Innocent Bashungwa were sworn-in as Ministers for Transport; Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation; Natural Resources and Tourism; and Works, respectively.
Former Constitution and Legal Affairs Minister, Damas Ndumbaro pledged allegiance under Culture, Arts and Sports portfolio while Mohamed Mchengerwa, Stergomena Tax, Pindi Chana and Anthony Mavunde assumed responsibilities in Regional Administration, Local Governments; Defence and National Services; Constitution; and Minerals portfolios, respectively.
Seven deputy ministers were as well sworn-in with their portfolios in brackets: Steven Byabato (Foreign Affairs); David Silinde (Agriculture); Godfrey Kasekenya (Works); Alexander Mnyeti (Livestock); David Kihenzile (Transport); Judith Kapinga (Energy); and Dunstan Kitandula (Natural Reosurces).
