KAGERA tremor damaged infrastructure and social service facilities will soon be restored, the government has promised, as the Catholic Church pleads for more efforts to help the victims.
President John Magufuli said here over
the weekend that his government will work hard to mobilise more
resources to restore infrastructure and social services, calling for the
church to pray for realisation of the commitment.
The earthquake, which hit the region last month, left 17 people dead, over 250 injured and 900 houses destroyed.
In a message delivered on his behalf by
Minister of Trade, Marketing and Investments Charles Mwijage, Dr
Magufuli asked the bishops, priests and all people in the church
leadership to communicate clear messages to the people on the quake
calamity.
“It is time for more faith, prayers and
work as we ask our spiritual leaders to lead our people to the proper
direction, especially now when some people might lose hope and despair,”
said the President.
The Catholic Church on Saturday launched
the commemorations of the 100th Anniversary of Priesthood services in
the country through which the first indigenous priests will be
remembered and honoured.
Another commemoration is the 150th
Anniversary since the introduction of the evangelisation services in
Tanzania Mainland. Both events were inaugurated at Rubya Seminary where
the first priests were ordained in 1917.
Kagera Regional Commissioner Salum Kijuu
and other senior government officials were present at the events
attended by members of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), hundreds
of Priests, Nuns and thousands of worshipers.Delivering his own
message, Mr Mwijage commended the RC’s move to convene special meetings
every Friday to evaluate services offered to the quake victims,
directing the District Commissioners emulate the RC.
The minister challenged all the
Tanzanians, regardless of their religious, wealth and political
differences to offer kind donations for the victims through the special
bank account and mobile money transfers, using Mpesa, Tigopesa and
Airtel Money lines that have already been communicated to them.
He congratulated the church for
supporting the government in a number of areas, citing seven hospitals
successfully run by the church out of total 14 hospitals operating in
Kagera region.
He also applauded the Rubya Seminary which not only had produced Priests but other national leaders and renowned academicians.
And, in a similar occasion, Mr Mwijage
reassured Muleba residents on the construction of Muleba –Kanyambogo
road to the tarmac level as well as maintained medical supplies at Rubya
Hospital.
The Archbishop of Mwanza Archdiocese
Jude Thadeus Ruwaichi and Bukoba Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini
presented condolences to the quake victims and survivors.
“We all pray hard for you to get out of
this trying moments you are in and keep fingers closed for the
restoration of calmness and hope for new brighter future,” said the
Archbishop.
On his side, Bishop Kilaini asked for
the government to support the church as it struggles to rehabilitate the
damaged facilities, including the oldest church in the Diocese, Kashozi
Parish church building.
The faithful yesterday gathered for
special pilgrimage at the Nyakijoga shrine in Mugana Parish where
according to Bishop Kilaini, special prayers were held for the nation
before the Lady of Lourdes.
Nyakijoga is world famous for the
miraculous powers of the healing waters blessed in the name of the
Virgin Mary. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world
convene at the Lourdes of Africa for prayers.
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