PM lauds churches on social services

DEUS NGOWI in Moshi

THE Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, has commended religious institutions for their role in provision of social services.

Speaking after installation of leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Fredrick Shoo, the premier said that due to such importance, the government would improve relations with religious institutions. Mr Majaliwa said the government’s doors were open for all leaders of different denominations and would listen to their advice.

The Premier noted that religious schools were recognised for producing students with good pass marks, hence contribute to good life of the citizens and that the government was still learning on how such schools performed well.

He said that quality education was still a huge challenge to government and religious institutions. He said the government would discuss with education stakeholders, including religious institutions, on how to set school fees guidelines.

Mr Majaliwa stated that the government appreciated the way ELCT has been working on social services, especially in health, education, caring for the disabled, orphans and those with HIV/ AIDS.

On health issues, Mr Majaliwa said there were people in some parts of the country who find it difficult to get health services due to distance from their residential areas.

He said, the government was, however, striving to see more clinics and health centres were built and quality services are offered. Responding to Bishop Shoo’s pleas, Mr Majaliwa said the government was keen to revive railway transport, including the Northern Line, from Dar es Salaam - Tanga - Kilimanjaro - Arusha - Mara.

He said he would speak with fellow MPs so that what they do in parliament reflect what people expect of them, because they are mirrors of the society and should guide the future generation.

Earlier, Dr Shoo said he was saddened by what was transpiring in Parliament, where people expected fruitful discussions to take place for betterment of the electorate.

The bishop wanted democracy to prevail in the august House and asked the government to carry on and improve the Public Private Partnership (PPP) that he said is very important for development of the country and its people.

He also asked the government to take trouble to revive and put in place many industries so that people could get employment and get out of poverty.

The premier congratulated Dr Shoo for his election in August 2015 to be the new leader of the Church, adding that ELECT under (outgoing) Dr Alex Malasusa made a lot of success and he led the faithful well.

Speaking shortly after his installation, Dr Shoo commended President John Magufuli and Mr Majaliwa for the dedicated service to the nation against corruption and urged them to keep on the courage.

He expressed his happiness with austerity measures taken by the government and the way the government was working hard to spearhead development, urging the top leaders not to be bothered by some who are prepared to frustrate them.

The new ELCT Leader however, said it needs special courage for one to deal with such matters, but the Church will keep praying for the president and the premier.

“We ask God to help you keep the courage and do the proper cleansing by getting out the boils (majipu), and maintain cleanliness so that the boils do not recur.

However, this must be done with good judgment and on principles of transparency, truth and justice,” said Bishop Shoo at ELCT Moshi Diocese. He warned that the opportunity could be used feebly by some people without goodwill who are meant to hurt the innocent ones.

Dr Shoo who is also the ELCT Northern Diocese Bishop asked the two leaders to have courage and wisdom to deal with Zanzibar issue so as to arrive at reconciliation and justice be served so that the country goes on peacefully and in stability.

“Unless what is going on in Zanzibar is correctly controlled, could tarnish the good image that has already been visible nationally and internationally in the fifth phase government.

“We pray for the president in that, I would like to say from the bottom of my heart that I am ready at any time to offer my advice,” said the bishop.

He told the multitudes of people who attended the swearing-in service at ELCT Moshi Parish that leadership is for service and not to be served, calling on African leaders, both political and religious, to ask God to enable them serve the people.

Dr Shoo was installed by the outgoing ELCT Head, Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa, after being introduced by ELCT Secretary General, Brighton Kelewa.

Dr Malasusa said he was happy to hand over the Church leadership after serving for eight years, so that he could go back to serve closely in his ELCT East and Coast Diocese.

Moshi Catholic Diocese Bishop Isaac Amani commended Bishop Malasusa for his service and Bishop Shoo for his election to the post. He mentioned two problems facing the country as lack of patriotism and tax evasion.