All News (Page 43)

Mwanza — TANZANIA’S readiness to collaborate with other nations on environmental protection signals hope for global efforts to combat climate change and its social and economic impacts.

Recently, Tanzania participated in an international conference in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on environmental justice, which gathered judges and magistrates from the Commonwealth. This underscores Tanzania’s dedication to addressing global environmental challenges.

The conference, themed “Environmental Rights,” was organised by the Commonwealth in partnership with the Rwandan judiciary.

Participants discussed legal frameworks and institutional approaches to enhance environmental justice and the role of courts in safeguarding these rights.

The event fostered the exchange of experiences and the establishment of lasting professional relationships.

Dr Philip Mpango, Vice President of Tanzania, opened the 24th forum and the 35th meeting of the Permanent Financial Committee of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

He emphasised the importance of equity in climate change discussions and highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to integrate gender considerations into climate policies.

The conference, attended by over 200 delegates from 80 countries, focused on “Accelerating Climate Action through Gender-Based Financing.” It examined how gender-sensitive funds can be utilised to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing loss and damage caused by climate change.

Tanzania has actively encouraged the inclusion of gender issues in its policies, ensuring equal access to economic opportunities for both women and men. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, along with Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), participated in discussions about regional collaboration to combat climate change effects, particularly in the Congo Basin.

The Congo Basin Climate Commission (CBCC), which includes several member countries, aims to strengthen cooperative strategies for environmental protection. Dr Pindi Chana, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, stated that this collaboration is vital for conserving biodiversity and natural resources.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the Congo Basin Blue Fund and the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC) in implementing international environmental agreements. Member countries are encouraged to submit projects to ensure effective environmental protection.

Dr Chana noted that as the global population grows, it’s increasingly important for countries to unite and share experiences in international climate discussions. The commission plans to enhance tourism and climate action through various partnerships, including collaborations with NGOs.

Prof Dos Santos Silayo, TFS Conservation Commissioner, emphasised Tanzania’s strategic role in the commission, advocating for cooperation to strengthen forest and wildlife resource sustainability.

Tanzania has also taken significant measures to address ozone layer depletion, preventing 216 tons of harmful chemicals from causing further damage, in line with the Montreal Protocol. Dr Ashatu Kijaji, Minister of State for the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), highlighted ongoing efforts to eliminate these chemicals by 2030.

The impacts of climate change in Tanzania include ozone layer deterioration, which leads to health issues like skin cancer and cataracts, as well as agricultural challenges. Recent El Niño rains have caused severe infrastructure damage, prompting government investment of over 830 billion shillings for repairs.

Tanzania faces challenges such as fatalities from heavy rains and drought-induced famine, underscoring the need for collective action. The national slogan, “Unity is Power,” calls on all Tanzanians and global citizens to engage in efforts to protect our planet from ongoing environmental damage.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

THE construction and expansion of rural and urban road networks are emerging as crucial elements in Tanzania’s journey toward sustainable development.

These road works serve as vital arteries of progress, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for millions.

For decades, rural communities in Tanzania have struggled with isolation due to inadequate road infrastructure.

Many areas were accessible only on foot or through rudimentary means of transport, which limited economic opportunities and access to essential services.

However, recent developments are changing this narrative. In collaboration with various stakeholders, the government has launched ambitious road construction projects aimed at linking remote villages to major towns and cities.

According to recent statistics from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), the district road network has grown from 108,946 kilometres to 144,429 kilometres over the past three years–a 32.6 per cent increase.

This expansion surpasses the CCM Election Manifesto (2020-2025) target of 143,881 kilometres by 2025, as reported by TARURA to the media.

During a meeting organised by the Office of Treasury Registrar (OTR) in Dar es Salaam, TARURA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Victor Seff, credited these achievements to increased government funding for road construction and maintenance.

The government has tripled TARURA’s budget from an average of 275bn/-over the past four years to 850 bn/-.

Engineer Seff also highlighted that, as of June 2023, weather-resistant road networks in the districts had reached 42,059 kilometres, exceeding the manifesto’s target of 35,000 kilometres.

“As of June, this year, the tarmac road network in the districts had reached 3,337 kilometres, surpassing the manifesto’s goal of expanding tarmac roads from 2,025 to 3,100 kilometres by 2025,” he noted.

Significant infrastructure projects have already been completed, including the construction of 58.5 kilometres of tarmac roads in Mtumba, the 140-metre Berega Bridge in Kilosa District, a 12.5-kilometre tarmac road in Kibaha, and a 5.1-kilometre tarmac road in Dodoma’s industrial area.

Several ongoing projects are being implemented through donor programmes, such as the Agriconnect project under the European Union and the Roads to Inclusion and Socio-Economic Opportunities (RISE) project funded by the World Bank.

The Agriconnect project, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to improve infrastructure in regions focused on tea, coffee, vegetables and fruit production.

In Phase I, the project cost 39.8bn/- and resulted in the construction of 87.6 kilometres across various districts, including Kilolo (18.3 km), Mufindi (30.3 km), Mbeya DC (26.8 km) and Rungwe DC (12.2 km).

Phase II, costing 37.2 billion TZS, added another 49.12 kilometres in Kilolo DC (1.1 km), Wangingombe (19.25 km), Mbozi DC (11.01 km), Busokelo DC (6.41 km) and Rungwe DC (11.35 km).

Increased road connectivity has empowered communities by providing essential infrastructure for local business development and improved living standards. District roads have spurred economic growth by enhancing market access, allowing farmers and local businesses to transport goods more efficiently, thereby reducing costs and expanding their market reach.

Additionally, road construction projects have generated numerous jobs, contributing to local economies and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.

Regarding the RISE project under the World Bank, Engineer Seff reported an estimated cost of 822bn/-, with 705bn/- funded as a soft loan from the World Bank and 117.5 billion TZS from the government.

“The project will construct 535 kilometres of tarmac road, with 400 kilometres to be built by TARURA and 175 kilometres by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS),” he explained.

Concerning the construction of the bridge and the development of the River Msimbazi basin project, Engineer Seff noted that the initiative aims to address flooding issues.

He stated that 98 per cent of those affected by the flooding have been compensated and relocated, and the procurement of a contractor for the bridge and supervising engineer is expected to be completed by November this year.

Another significant initiative, the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (Tactic) project, has been launched in 12 cities across the country.

The first phase involves road and drainage construction, with contracts signed in September 2023 and work commencing in November 2023. The project is expected to take 15 months to complete.

TARURA is also implementing the manifesto’s directive to explore appropriate technologies for the construction of urban and rural roads, aiming to use locally available materials to reduce costs.

According to Engineer Seff, utilising locally sourced construction materials, such as stones, can lower costs by over 50 per cent. “We are also testing various technologies to use local soil instead of transporting materials from far away, thus conserving the environment,” he added.

So far, using ECOROADS technology, one kilometre has been constructed in Dodoma City and 6.9 kilometres in Chamwino District, both completed. In Mufindi District, 10 kilometres have been built and 32 kilometres have been constructed in Rufiji District.

The manifesto also calls for the involvement of community groups in the maintenance of roads and bridges to create local employment, increase project ownership and reduce costs.

Engineer Seff reported that TARURA began engaging community groups as early as 2018 and as of June this year, had signed contracts with 217 groups, including 187 women, 24 youths and 6 elders.

The transformation of the rural and urban road network is redefining Tanzania’s sustainable development trajectory.

This ambitious initiative, led by the government and supported by various stakeholders, is not just about building roads; it is about igniting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) is taking proactive steps to develop standards aimed at addressing safety and security concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), even though a tech expert warns that it is beyond control.

Despite these efforts, a tech expert has cautioned that the challenges associated with AI may be beyond full control and emphasised the need for awareness on responsible usage.

TBS Engineer Mohamed Kaila, speaking on behalf of his engineering colleagues after the Engineers’ Day, recently, said that AI represents the future of global technological advancement.

“This year’s celebration is unique as we are highlighting our preparations to ensure the quality of all items used in engineering projects, including those not traditionally associated with engineering,” said Eng Kaila.

This year’s Engineers’ Day theme was centred around AI and TBS engineers have proactively begun developing standards to manage the associated safety and security concerns.

He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to ensuring consumer safety by developing robust standards.

ALSO READ: TBS: Elevating standards for global competitiveness

Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology’s (DIT), Department of Computer Studies Lecturer, Dr Joseph Nyansiro told Daily News yesterday that around the world, governments and standards organisations are recognising the need to establish regulatory frameworks for the ethical use and safety of AI.

“Currently,” Dr Nyansiro said, “Tanzania faces certain limitations in the AI space.

“[Since] AI systems are built on complex mathematical models and algorithms, and it is inherently challenging to create a one-size-fits-all standard that can address the wide range of industries and applications where AI is used”.

Additionally, Dr Nyansiro, and IT expert said, the country lacks the specialised laboratories and technical expertise needed to develop these complex AI technologies.

“At present, we are primarily consumers of AI solutions, most of which originate from other countries,” the IT expert said.

However, he said, TBS is trying to take a significant step that aligns with a growing global trend.

Though the development of the country’s comprehensive standards and regulations specific to AI creation and deployment may not be feasible in the near term.

He suggested twofold most practical approach for TBS and Tanzania as a whole as first, the country should focus on drafting guidelines that promote the ethical use of AI technologies within its borders.

And, second, the country could collaborate with global AI regulatory bodies, such as the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) or the European Union, to ensure that international standards account for the country’s unique social and economic context.

“By adopting and customising these global frameworks, Tanzania can better safeguard its interests while remaining aligned with international best practices,” Dr Nyansiro advised.

Dr Nyansiro called up innovation regulatory bodies including TBS and others tech stakeholders to focus on the consumers’ side by ensuring that people use the AI ethically without damaging human dignity.

In this context, he advocated for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the responsible use of AI, rather than solely focusing on regulating innovations that are entirely foreign-based.

The ongoing development of AI standards is part of TBS’s broader commitment to advancing technology while safeguarding public interests.

By addressing emerging challenges and fostering collaboration, TBS aims to support the safe and effective integration of AI technologies into various sectors.

Overall, AI safety and security standards are essential for balancing innovation with ethical considerations and risk management, ensuring that AI technologies benefit society while minimising potential harms.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

DAR ES SALAAM — The United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Michael Battle, has praised the country for capitalising on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote social and economic development.

Speaking at a gala organised in Dar es Salaam to announce the top three winners of the US-Tanzania Tech Challenge on Thursday night, the diplomat emphasised the importance of ICT, stating that “everything is online.”

The envoy encouraged the winners to leverage their ICT skills and use digital platforms to inform the public about available online resources for the betterment of the country.

“This is the possibility in front of you, a dream I challenge you to pursue. Don’t settle for small dreams. If you have small dreams, find someone with big dreams to motivate you, and together you can change the world. Aim to transform the world; you have the power to make that change,” he said.

On his part, Innovation and Technology Manager Dr. Gerald Kafuku noted that the government is increasingly investing in this sector to support ICT innovators and unlock economic opportunities.

He highlighted that the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is collaborating with development partners to support young innovators, with the goal of driving positive changes across various sectors.

Over 100 participants showcased their innovative ICT projects in the Tech Challenge, with eight advancing to the finals.

Jamii Forums emerged as the winner, receiving $100,000, while Smart Foundry came in second with $80,000, and LaunchPad Tanzania took third place, walking away with $70,000.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading