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Kikwete for smaller but powerful army
2006-09-06 09:26:26
By Guardian Reporter
President Jakaya Kikwete has reaffirmed his commitment to improve the performance of the Tanzania Peoples Defense Forces (TPDF) as long-term strategy to have a small but modernised army.
The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, made the remarks during his visit to TPDF officers at Lugalo camp in Dar es Salaam on Monday, according to a statement issued by the TPDF information office.
The government would employ all possible means to build a small but competent, professional and powerful army, Kikwete said.
The government,pledged to double its budgetary allocations to the army and partner with friendly countries for professional training, to enhance realisation of the desired results.
The President, who was on a three-day tour of various TPDF bases in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Coast regions wanted to have first-hand information about the working and living conditions of army officers.
He wanted to see how prepared the army was, the quality of equipment used in the army camps and the problems facing the armed forces.
’The government will continue to improve the welfare of TPDF soldiers and increase the defence ministry budget on annual basis,’ he said.
Purchasing of vehicles and construction of soldiers’ quarters, would go on, to get rid of transport and housing problems.
’I am glad that I have seen for myself the state of the army. I will work on the problems the army is facing to enable it work with greater efficiency,’ said Kikwete.
He commended the crucial role of soldiers in the protection of people and their properties.
Welcoming the President, Defence and National Service Minister, Prof Juma Kapuya, thanked Kikwete for the visit to get first-hand information on the overall performance of the army.
On his part, Chief of Defence and Security, General George Waitara, promised the army would proceed with its core duty of protecting security of the people and their properties and enhance the country’s peace and security.
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