Increase infrastructure budget for better rural, urban life

SUNDAY NEWS Reporter, Dodoma

LEGISLATORS have called on the government to improve infrastructure in the rural areas and flood prone urban centres.

Debating budget estimates for the President’s Office before the National Assembly here, some Members of Parliament (MPs) suggested that the government should increase the infrastructure budget to meet the required demands.

Mr Joseph Haule (Mikumi-Chadema), alias Prof J illustrated the problem with Kilosa District, in Morogoro Region which suffered horrific floods every rainy season, leaving many people homeless and many crops destroyed.

He claimed that the district recently suffered floods which affected 4,765 people and destroyed 144 houses, washed away 3707 farms and 18 water wells destroyed. The MP cited poor infrastructure in particular roads, bridges and river banks as the major reason behind such disaster.

“We have already forwarded the matter to the Prime Minister’s Office for assistance. We thank them for their positive response,” he said.

He, therefore, appealed to the government to draw a plan for permanent solution of the matter, including the Kideta Dam, which has caused adversities including destruction of the railways at Godegode area.

The lawmaker suggested that Environment Fund should to be adequately funded. Meanwhile, officials in Manyara Region, including the Regional Commissioner (RC) and other government agencies are a source of land conflicts in the region, the National Assembly was told here.

Ms Anna Gideria (Special Seat -Chadema) claimed that the RC, who is the chairperson of peace and security in the region, has acquired 400 hectares within a short period since he began work in the region.

The MP claimed that the Regional Police Commander (RPC) was holding 300 hectares, while the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) was possessing 500 hectares. “I request the minister responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government to have a close look on these regional commissioners.

How could he acquire so much land in the short time he has been in the region; how can he solve the problem when he is also part of the problem?” she asked.