|
100 days on, JK star still shines brightly
2006-03-30 07:53:33
By Guardian Reporters
The fourth phase government marks 100 days in office today since President Jakaya Kikwete took the reins of power following last year’s general election.
Even before he was sworn in, President Kikwete had shown a high degree of administrative and leadership skills, raising hopes among Tanzanians that better days lay ahead.
Although Tanzanians’ were to some degree related to the past performance of CCM, the confidence soared a notch higher because of Kikwete himself rather than the party or system.
The first major step he took since he came to power was the creation of a cabinet that comprises many new faces.
Although there were mixed reactions, the majority of Tanzanians gave him the thumbs up and believed that the new blood would live up to the ’’new vigour, new zeal and new strength’’ motto.
One can safely say President Kikwete came to power at an unfortunate time, but has managed to defy the odds and turned the situation in his favour.
’’There was an acute food shortage in the country. Power crisis arose following severe drought, a situation that bred an energy crisis.
This is, to say the least, besides spiralling crime that seemed to be intended to discredit the President and kill the confidence of Tanzanians in the president,’’ noted Abdullah Mamuya, a second-hand clothes seller at Ilala.
But he said that President Kikwete remained focused in the face of the problems and handled them deftly.
’’First, he visited Dar es Salaam food markets and stores to determine the actual food situation.
He then waived tax on grain imports and cereals and invited businessmen to import as much food. He went on to ask for assistance from local business people as well as foreign governments.
He then directed government officials to ensure efficient distribution of food to the needy.
As a result, no one is worried about the food situation in the country as Tanzanians are assured that all is under control,’’ Mamuya noted.
He added that the wave of crime that hit the country has gone down and restored security in major towns in the country.
Commenting on the president’s performance in his first 100 days in power, the executive director of Legal and Human Rights Centre, Hellen Bisimba, said that her organisation was impressed by how Kikwete handled the issue of civilians that were killed by police in Dar es Salaam.
The four had been suspected of taking part in armed theft at a jewellery shop.
’’As human rights activists, we were very pleased with the steps the president took to form a commission to probe the killings.
He also made a decision immediately after getting the report, which has earned him the confidence of Tanzanians,’’ she said.
Former Prime Minister and CCM stalwart, Mzee Rashid Kawawa recently showered the president with praise saying he is a leader who has people’s problems at heart.
’’He is the kind of leader we haven’t had in this country before. He has exceptional skills in the way he deals with the problems Tanzanians face and he usually acts swiftly whenever there is a problem.
This is the kind of leadership Tanzanians have wanted for a long time,’’ said Mzee Kawawa at a recent press conference.
Advocate Moses Maira hailed the fourth phase government, but cautioned the President against government officials who cannot keep pace with the way he does things.
A professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, Samuel Mushi, told The Guardian that, in the 100 days that he has been in power, Kikwete has managed to shift the mindset of the country in as far as the economy is concerned.
’’But I’m afraid not all his executives will accord him with the co-operation he needs or act promptly on people’s demands,’’ Prof Mushi, a lecturer in political science and public administration cautioned.
|
