We’ll work together for efficiency, new ministers pledge

President Jakaya Kikwete, Vice President Mohammed Gharib Bilal (fifth left), Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda (fourth right) and Chief Secretary Ombeni Sefue (fourth left) pose with ministers and deputy ministers after they were sworn in at State House yesterday.  photoS | EMMANUEL HERMAN

By Bernard Lugongo, The Citizen Reporter


IN SUMMARY

In his appointment, President Jakaya Kikwete picked nine new deputy ministers and one new cabinet minister. They were sworn in yesterday at the State House in Dar es Salaam.


Dar es Salaam. Newly appointed deputy ministers -- who have never served in the positions before -- have cited cooperation and proper management of resources as some of the key means in addressing challenges facing their dockets.

In his appointment, President Jakaya Kikwete picked nine new deputy ministers and one new cabinet minister. They were sworn in yesterday at the State House in Dar es Salaam.

These include Dr Titus Kamani (Minister for Livestock), Dr Kebwe Steven (Deputy Minister for Health), Mr Godfrey Zambi (Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives), Ms Jenista Mhagama (Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training) and Mr Juma Nkamia (Deputy Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports). Others are Mr Kaika Saningo Telele (Deputy Minister for Livestock), Mr Mohmoud Mgimwa (Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism), Mr Mwigulu Nchemba (Deputy Minister for Finance) and Pindi Chana (Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children).

Some of those who spoke to The Citizen over the phone yesterday said cooperation with staff in the ministries they would serve in and citizens was important for them to achieve their ministries’ goals.

Mr Mgimwa, who was chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Finance and Economic Affairs, said he would work with integrity and patience while emphasising cooperation with staff, wananchi and media so as to deliver according to expectations.

“Emphasis is on cooperation with colleagues and adherence to established regulations and laws,” he said adding he was thankful to President Kikwete for trusting him with the position.

Regarding the main challenges facing the ministry, especially poaching, he said, citizens lacked awareness about conserving wildlife and forests.

“We need to educate our people more about these matters,” Mr Mgimwa said.

Newly appointed Dr Kebwe Steven said his priority would be giving sound advice to the minister over proper management of available resources.

Dr Kebwe said he was aware that the sector was facing serious challenges including shortage of medicine and medical practitioners, and that he would advise the minister on how to deliver the best services using limited resources.

“The sector has been facing shortage of resources, but the problem becomes more serious when such few resources are mismanaged,” said Dr Kebwe, who served in the ministry for 25 years before becoming an MP.

For his part, Mr Nkamia, was quoted by Mwananchi newspaper, the Mwananchi Communications Limited flagship, urging for cooperation from the citizens and journalists in ensuring that the ministry attains its goals.