PM turns down sub-standard desks

PRIME Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, has refused to receive substandard desks from Tanzania Forests Services (TFS).

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday noted that Mr Majaliwa rejected the bad desks at Mabau in Mtibwa yesterday when the TFS manager attempted to hand them over to the premier. Mr Majaliwa was addressing a public rally.

“The education officer should inspect these desks. I will receive only those which meet the required quality. The rest should be taken back. I cannot receive poorly made desks,” Mr Majaiwa said.

Premier Majaliwa said TFS had a good intention in supporting the government in the school desk campaign, but stressed that he would not receive any sub-standard furniture. Mvomero District Education Officer, Michael Ligola, inspected the 102 school desks at Mabau and only 14 were of the required quality.

The remaining 84 were poorly made. Premier Majaliwa refused to receive the desks which were being handed over by Mtibwa TSF Manager Hamza Kateti. He directed the district leadership to make a follow up of the desks and ensure they are of the required standard.

Meanwhile, Mr Majaliwa called on parents and guardians in the district to ensure children are registered in schools.

He stressed that those who will fail to do so, will face the wrath of the law. “The government has reduced the load of paying fees and other school contributions. You must seize that opportunity and ensure your children are registered in schools and attend lessons,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Mvomero Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Saddiq Murad, said one of the major challenges facing the district involved pastoralists who graze their livestock in farms. He called on the premier to intervene and help address the problem.

Mr Majaliwa said the government is keen on addressing land conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

He noted that those with large herds of livestock will be relocated to national ranches, while those with few head of cattle will be sent to special land in villages