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Isles cleric likens corruption to cancer eating into society
2007-12-27 09:52:09
By Guardian Correspondent
Zanzibar Roman Catholic Bishop Augustine Shao has expressed concern over allegations that workers in the investment sector were being denied their rights owing to widespread corruption which he likened to deadly cancer eating into society.
He said it would be very disturbing if reports that some government officers in Zanzibar were involved in currupt practices when approving employment chances for local and foregin investors proved to be true.
The bishop expressed the concern in his Christmas Eve message at a mass conducted at the Minara Miwili Mkunazini in Zanzibar town church, that was attended by church goers from different parts of Zanzibar.
He said officials in the investment sector continue to be paid very low salaries irrespective of the fact that 90 percent of services to foreigners, especially in hotels, are offered by citizens.
``Who provides the said 90 per cent service to the satisfaction of the customers? Is it not the same poor Tanzanian worker whose monthly salary is just 50,000 to 80,000 per month?``, queried Bishop Shao.
He told his church congregation that there was no person who can liberate a Tanzanian except a Tanzanian himself.
The bishop said the investor was a businessman and that every business person`s main aim was to maximize profit.
Bishop Shayo challenged the government to exercise extreme care in its privatization policies especially in economically vital and strategic areas to defend employment of its citizens.
``There is nothing that disturbs my peace as foreigners grabing the country`s richness and employment under the umbrella of investment,``said Bishop Shao.
He said the issue of globalization is in escapable because of the socio-economic changes that have taken place, but said it was necessary to have in place better supervision of the changes taking palce by the government in power.
The cleric said there were businesses by foreigners which could be done by citizens. citing examples of retail selling goods in shops, bedding in hotels and the like.
Bishop Shao said it was true a country cannot escape forces of globalization, but if such decision is undertaken without concern for citizens` welfare, it may result into serious consequences in the lives of citizens.
He pointed out that many problems facing the nation emanated from some people being power hungry without minding to be accountable for what happended.
In his view, the nation could not be facing problems if all the people prioritized national interests resulting in elimination of some economic problems faced at present.
Bishop Shao said there were those who once entrusted with the responsibility to oversee major economic institutions, ended up being selfish to a point of landing the nation in indebtedness.
He said plunging the country into dubious deals by selling its resources was a sin and torture to present and coming generations, that may end in breach of peace.
Bishop Shao observed that it was saddening to see Tanzania becoming a dumping place of sub-standard goods imported from overseas.
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