Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania over the weekend.
Government intensify Hanang recovery effort as death toll reaches 87
President Samia Suluhu has hinted at the government’s plans to build new houses for the victims of the Hanang mudslides.
“With the contributions received, nothing is stopping us from constructing new houses for the victims,” said President Samia.
She made these remarks during a function at the state house, where various stakeholders presented their contributions. Treasury registrar Nehemia Mchechu presented a cheque worth Sh. 2 billion from 270 parastatals for the victims of the Hanang catastrophe.
In explaining how the government will go about building new homes for the victims, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that 2022 Census data will be used.
While the death toll has reached 87 people so far, stakeholders have continued to show their support. This includes COP 28 stakeholders who contributed USD 1 million and USAID with USD 100,000 donation. Others include The Tanzania Mobile Network Operators Association (TAMNOA) who donated Tsh. 240 million
The government estimates that more than 5,600 people were affected by the mudslides and debris flow incident that occurred on December 3, 2023.
Vice President Mpango surfaces after a month-long absence, dispelled rumors of a health scare
The Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, has appeared publicly yesterday, December 10, 2023, dispelling rumors circulating in the country regarding his health.
“Madam President, I know a lot has been said, but the most important thing is that I am safe, and my health is good, as you can see,” said Mpango in a state house function.
Mpango who was first seen attending a mass at the Blessed Maria Theresa Ledochowska Catholic told church members that he had been out of the country for about a month on a special assignment.
Responding to speculation about Mpango health, President Samia stated that it is a habit of people who like to create tension in the country.
“Welcome home, and let me tell you, as a leader, you are a public figure. So, there are those who will wonder where you are, why we don’t see you, but there are also rumor-mongers who will just decide to spread rumors and create tension in the country,” President Samia explained.
The Minister. Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye has ordered government agencies to take action to those responsible in spreading the rumors about the Vice President. The rumours started and were sustained by several anonymous Twitter (X) accounts
Committee for drafting Tanzania vision 2050 revealed
Government through the Minister of State, President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo has revealed the names of 22 member of the committee designated for coordinating the drafting of the Tanzania vision 2050.
Speaking about the expectation toward the process, Professor Kitila Mkumbo said that government expectation is to build a national concession on the direction of the country through a participatory vision drafting process.
Members of the committee include 8 women and 14 men, 40 percent of them are academicians serving various universities in the country. Other sector covered include civil society, private sector and government. The main role of the committee is to coordinate, collect and analyze public views on vision 2050.
Full story here
How do we face natural disasters?
The fearful mudslide in Katesh is not the first natural disaster we have faced in our country. The number of dead is appalling but so is a similar number of dead from a deadly bus or train accident. We have faced floods (annually), earthquakes and other disasters.
Even in the current el nino (for which we don’t seem to have prepared despite plenty of early warnings) already more than ten people have died. Even since the appalling mudslide we have had floods in Kilosa and the burning down of market stalls in Mwenge. We are beset by disasters to which we have to respond in one way or another.
However, I would argue that the tragedy of Katesh is on another level altogether. as shown by the painfully wonderful video interviews conducted by The Chanzo. Whole communities have been decimated. People have lost, not just a family member but the whole of their extended families, together with their farms, their houses and homes and everything within them, their livelihoods and any means of restoring those livelihoods are buried beneath the mud that shattered their lives.
Read the full analysis here
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