EAC told to tackle chronic problems in the region

PRESIDENT John Magufuli said yesterday that the East African Community (EAC) should focus on enabling member states to tackle their chronic problems.

Dr Magufuli, who doubles as the chairman of the regional economic grouping, mentioned some of the most persistent challenges as access to clean and safe water, improving transport infrastructures, strengthening health services and build industries that would lead to increase of employment and revenues.

He noted this in a conversation with the EAC Secretary General, Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko, at the State House in Dar es Salaam.

“It would be more beneficial if you executives of the EAC make big efforts to ensure that member countries focus on addressing problems facing the people,” he said, adding: “if you manage to do this and work on reducing unnecessary expenditure, we will achieve more.”

He commended Ambassador Mfumukeko, who took over the position last April, for coming up with good plans and strategies towards implementing the community’s objectives, including reducing expenditures, attract investors and closely supervise projects and programmes under the bloc.

Mr Mfumukeko expressed satisfaction on the cooperation he receives from Dr Magufuli as EAC chairman and promised to perform his duties accordingly for the benefit of East Africans.

Meanwhile, President Magufuli said goodbye to former Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), Dr Natalia Kanem, who has recently been appointed to the post of Deputy Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director of the organisation.

Dr Magufuli commended Dr Kanem for being appointed to the new position, saying he was optimistic that she is going to be a good ambassador for Tanzania, particularly on influencing the United Nations to help the country address several challenges, including influx of refugees, poverty and maternal services.

Dr Kanem praised Tanzania for maintaining peace and supporting refugees from war-torn neighbouring countries.

SRC:DailyNews