Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has insisted that the Uhuru Torch race is a vital government tool to educate people on various issues with the intention of enhancing national unity and peace.
Premier Pinda noted that the torch race is important in fostering development among the people because different development projects are inaugurated.
Pinda made the remarks when responding to a question by Lucy Owenya, Special Seats (Chadema) who wanted the government to tell the public the benefits of the race in the country.
In a supplementary question, Ubungo MP John Mnyika (Chadema) claimed that CCM has been using the Uhuru Torch race to propagate for its political agendas.
Mnyika said currently the party is using the ongoing race to propagate its stand of the two-government structure.
Joseph Mbilinyi, legislator for Mbeya Urban constituency (Chadema) also demanded to know when the government will stop some local government leaders from forcing people, particularly teachers to contribute to the expenses to run the race.
Premier Pinda noted that no one is forced to contribute to the torch race, but that Tanzanians who love their country normally contribute voluntarily because they know that it brings development to their specific areas.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Parliament and Coordination) William Lukuvi said the contributions by the people were for development activities and not the race.
“If people are willing to contribute for development in their specific areas, why should the government stop them?” asked the minister, calling on ‘wananchi’ to continue engaging in development activities.”
Earlier the Deputy Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Juma Nkamia said that over 158.83bn/- was contributed to make the Uhuru torch race successful in 2012.
Nkamia said of the total amount ‘wananchi’ contributed over 11.5bn/- while 45.84bn/- was sourced from district councils and municipals. A total of 52.34bn/- was contributed by individuals and remaining 49.15bn/- was from the central government.
The Uhuru Torch was first lit on top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1961 to symbolically shine on the country and the continent to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is enmity and harmony where there is hatred.
Premier Pinda noted that the torch race is important in fostering development among the people because different development projects are inaugurated.
Pinda made the remarks when responding to a question by Lucy Owenya, Special Seats (Chadema) who wanted the government to tell the public the benefits of the race in the country.
In a supplementary question, Ubungo MP John Mnyika (Chadema) claimed that CCM has been using the Uhuru Torch race to propagate for its political agendas.
Mnyika said currently the party is using the ongoing race to propagate its stand of the two-government structure.
Joseph Mbilinyi, legislator for Mbeya Urban constituency (Chadema) also demanded to know when the government will stop some local government leaders from forcing people, particularly teachers to contribute to the expenses to run the race.
Premier Pinda noted that no one is forced to contribute to the torch race, but that Tanzanians who love their country normally contribute voluntarily because they know that it brings development to their specific areas.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Parliament and Coordination) William Lukuvi said the contributions by the people were for development activities and not the race.
“If people are willing to contribute for development in their specific areas, why should the government stop them?” asked the minister, calling on ‘wananchi’ to continue engaging in development activities.”
Earlier the Deputy Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Juma Nkamia said that over 158.83bn/- was contributed to make the Uhuru torch race successful in 2012.
Nkamia said of the total amount ‘wananchi’ contributed over 11.5bn/- while 45.84bn/- was sourced from district councils and municipals. A total of 52.34bn/- was contributed by individuals and remaining 49.15bn/- was from the central government.
The Uhuru Torch was first lit on top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1961 to symbolically shine on the country and the continent to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is enmity and harmony where there is hatred.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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