Tanzania: Devastating Floods, Landslides

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

THE persistent heavy rain in the country has led to widespread havocs, with more than 30 houses and a school demolished, cornfields destroyed, and livestock missing in Mbeya.

According to eyewitnesses the incidents in Itezi Ward, Uyole valley unfolded yesterday morning amidst the continuous downpour, where a massive landslide from Kawetele mountain resulted in extensive damage, including completely destroying Generation Primary School building, except for one classroom and an office being spared.

“Thanks to the swift intervention of local residents, and the prompt response of regional and district committees following the disaster, I have also reached out to Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, who is our Member of Parliament, who was on her way here to assess the situation firsthand,” Councillor of Itezi Ward on Gombe Kaskazini Sambwee Shitambala said on Sunday.

“The aftermath of the landslide has left many individuals displaced, losing their homes and livelihoods, while the fate of those affected remains uncertain, we pray to God that it doesn’t reoccur,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the government has emphasised that the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) was not responsible for the recent floods in Rufiji and Kibiti, while highlighting that without the dam’s intervention, the floods could have been more severe.

The Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Mobhare Matinyi, shared these insights during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, addressing journalists from various media outlets to provide updates on the rain and flood situation in the country, which has tragically resulted in 58 reported deaths nationwide due to ongoing heavy rainfall.

“The JNHPP was constructed not only to generate electricity but also to manage flooding risks. So, without the dam’s intervention possibly the flood could have occurred as early as October last year,” Mr Matinyi, who is also the Director of Information Services, MAELEZO, said.

He added that, “The dam’s current water capacity stands at 32.782 billion cubic metres, allowing for better control and management of water levels, thereby aiding in flood prevention and protection of lives and property. Furthermore, Matinyi highlighted the technical stability of the JNHPP, noting that the recent water intake from the Rufiji River had decreased to 6,100 cubic metres per second; significantly lower than the peak recorded in February this year, which stood at 8,445 cubic metres per second. “The condition of the JNHPP is technically good because, until Saturday, the amount of water that was entering the dam from the Rufiji River had decreased and reached 6,100 cubic meters per second, compared to the highest amount of 8,445 cubic metres per second,” he expressed.

The dam’s dimensions, spanning 100 kilometres in length and 25 kilometres at its widest point, underscore its significance in water storage and flood management.

According to him, the Rufiji River basin area has a long history of flooding; in May 1974, the record for the amount of water that flowed through the river to the ocean was 13,212 cubic metres per second.

According to Mr Matinyi, in order to fight the flood in the area, the government intends to construct two more dams.

“Let me inform you that the government will construct the Ngorongo dam, which will cater for the villages of Ngorongo, Mkongo, Ruwe, Nyamwage, and Ikwiriri South. It will have the capacity to take 164 million cubic metres, and the expectation is to help with irrigation,” he said.

“The other one is the Mbakia Mtuli dam, which will involve the villages of Umwe, Chumbi A, B, and C, Mbakia Mtuli, and Muhoro and will have the capacity to take 1.1 million cubic metres,” he added.

Regarding the floodaffected regions, Mr Matinyi detailed the extensive impact on various areas, particularly in the Coast and Morogoro regions, with a total of 58 reported fatalities national wide.

He said that it was reported that the updates showed that ten people died in Arusha, two in Dar es Salaam, four in Geita, five in Iringa, one in Kilimanjaro, four in Lindi, six in Mbeya, five in Morogoro, ten in Rukwa and 11 in Coast Region.

“The biggest effects of the floods are in the Coast Region (Rufiji and Kibiti districts), involving a total of 17 wards, where 12 are from Rufiji and five are from Kibiti and in Morogoro Region, the affected areas are Malinyi District Council with a total of 50 wards: Ulanga eight wards; Mlimba three wards; Ifakara nine wards; and Morogoro Municipality 22 wards,” he said.

Explaining the immediate government responses include search-and-rescue operations, with over 2,278 individuals rescued thus far.

Temporary camps have been set up to accommodate disaster victims, totalling 1,529 individuals across eight locations. He said, humanitarian aid efforts are also underway, with provisions such as 40 tonnes of corn, 500 mosquito nets, 400 blankets, and 5 tents allocated to support affected communities.

Additionally, deliveries of essential supplies including 43 tonnes of flour and 25 tonnes of beans are on route to Rufiji to further assist those impacted by the floods.

The government remains committed to addressing the aftermath of the floods, extending assistance and support to affected citizens while prioritising their safety and wellbeing during this challenging period.

Source: allafrica.com

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Investors hurt by massive drop in T-bill rates

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

The interest rate on the 91-day Treasury bill fell by the largest weekly margin in nine and a half years in the latest auction, giving the clearest signal yet that interest rates on government debt are set to come down.

Weekly auction results posted by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on Thursday showed that the average rate on the shortest of the three T-bills (91 days) fell to 15.73 percent from 16.72 percent the previous week.

The week-on-week decline of nearly one percentage point is the biggest seen since the auction of November 16, 2015, when the rate fell from 13.76 percent to 9.65 percent.

The rate on the one-year T-bill also fell during last week’s auction, retreating to 16.53 percent from 16.98 percent —where it had been over the previous five weeks. On the 182-day paper, the rate represented a negligible decline to stand at 16.86 percent.

The fall in short-term rates has been driven by the improvement of the government’s fiscal outlook following the partial refinancing of the $2 billion 2014 Eurobond in February—the bond matures in June— and anticipated external loan inflows from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank before the end of June.

Recent bond sales have also been oversubscribed, helping the Treasury stay ahead of target on its domestic borrowing programme for the current fiscal year.

Before the Eurobond refinancing, there were concerns about the government’s ability to repay the debt, which when combined with the heavy borrowing needed to finance the current budget, had made investors place a high-risk premium on the government’s securities.

Speaking after the April 3 monetary policy committee meeting, CBK governor Kamau Thugge said that the regulator expects that domestic rates have now peaked while attributing the rise over the previous months to the government’s overreliance on domestic financing.

In the auction last week, investors signalled the falling risk concerns by spreading their bids more evenly across all three tenors, a departure from recent auctions where they have tended to heavily concentrate on the 91-day paper to minimise duration exposure to debt.

They also sought short exposure to have flexibility to take advantage of rising interest rates.

The 364-day paper attracted the highest value of bids last week at Sh19.3 billion, out of which the CBK took up Sh18.8 billion.

The 182-day recorded bids worth Sh10.56 billion, with Sh10.51 billion being taken up by CBK, while the 91-day raised offers of Sh16.41 billion and acceptances of Sh16.38 billion.

The weekly auction usually targets Sh24 billion.

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Tanzania: Mabinti Centre – Place of Hope Offers Dignity After Fistula

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Anastasia Majasho’s journey with obstetric fistula began during her second pregnancy. Prolonged labor led to complications, and despite a previous cesarean scar, a vaginal delivery was attempted. This resulted in a ruptured scar and the tragic loss of her baby.

Following surgery, Anastasia began leaking urine uncontrollably.

Initially confused and discouraged, Majasho received little explanation or support from her local healthcare providers. But a lifeline was thrown when another woman who had overcome a similar ordeal shared her own story of successful fistula repair at Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania (CCBRT), a renowned hospital specializing in fistula repair surgery in Dar es Salaam. Majasho’s local doctor finally confirmed the fistula diagnosis and, to her immense relief, explained that the treatment would be free.

At 29 years old, with newfound hope, she traveled to Dar es Salaam. She walked into CCBRT hospital for the first time with great anticipation.

She was initially overwhelmed by the vast number of women, all facing the same struggle. But this feeling quickly transformed into a sense of belonging. Majasho’s spirit was revived as she listened to the success stories of other patients and received unwavering support from the staff.

Majasho’s surgery was successful, and her story now serves as a beacon of hope for countless women suffering from fistula in silent shame. Her story is a powerful testament to the life-changing work of CCBRT, shattering the silence around fistula.

A hidden agony

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of young women, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This condition, which leaves women unable to control their bladder and bowels, is caused by prolonged, obstructed labor where the baby’s head gets stuck in the birth canal, cutting off blood flow to the mother’s soft tissues and creating a hole      – fistula – between the bladder or rectum and the vagina. Surgery is the only cure.

Untreated fistula can lead to constant incontinence, kidney damage, ulcers, frequent infections, and the inability to have children. The successful surgery offered Majasho a path to healing, but the dream of having another child remained just out of reach.

The consequences of obstetric fistula extend beyond the physical, with many women facing shame, isolation, social rejection, and even accusations of witchcraft or promiscuity. The tragedy deepens as many grieve the loss of their babies while dealing with constant leakage, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into their communities.

Hope restored after Fistula

Founded in 1994, CCBRT is a Tanzanian NGO dedicated to improving healthcare, particularly for people with disabilities and those needing rehabilitation services. Under the leadership of CEO Brenda Msangi, the organization has grown from a community-based focus to become the country’s leading provider of disability and rehabilitation services.

“At CCBRT, safe childbirth is a right, not a privilege,” Msangi said. “Sadly, many facilities lack the infrastructure to accommodate women with disabilities, making childbirth an ordeal. We’ve heard stories of women denied care or shamed for wanting to deliver. CCBRT ensures our facilities are accessible and our staff trained to provide compassionate care to all mothers-to-be, regardless of ability.”

Msangi revealed a heartbreaking statistic: “85% of the babies die” during childbirth with obstructed labor.” However, CCBRT offers hope,” she said.

“We understand some women who have undergone fistula repair surgery may still be concerned about future pregnancies,” Msangi acknowledges. “We want to alleviate these concerns by offering free childbirth services to these women as well.”

She emphasizes, “It’s a medical condition, not a curse.” Due to a lack of awareness, some women may attribute it to witchcraft, leading to further isolation.

In addition, Msangi said the healthcare facility also takes a comprehensive approach, offering life-changing services like eye surgery, prosthetic limbs, and physical therapy. “Imagine a child with cerebral palsy regaining some functionality or a woman with a disability receiving a custom-made wheelchair for better mobility. This is the impact CCBRT makes every day,” she said.

“Our mission is clear – to serve the most vulnerable people in Tanzania,” said Msangi.

Challenges – beyond incontinence

Several factors prevent women from seeking help for fistula. As Msangi points out, prevalent “myths and misconceptions” surround the condition, along with cultural stigma leading to shame. Financial limitations are another hurdle. The cost of traveling to a medical center and lengthy recovery stays pose significant barriers. Furthermore, Msangi acknowledges  the lack of decision-making power for some women, saying that “cultural norms often require a male family member’s approval for healthcare decisions.”

She further highlights the ongoing battle against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice outlawed yet persisting as a factor in fistula prevalence.

Msangi said that the organization tackles these challenges head-on.

Through their network of over 500 “community ambassadors,” they go directly into villages, dispelling myths and raising awareness about fistula. Financial limitations are eliminated by providing free surgery and transportation assistance, ensuring women can access treatment regardless of their means.

But the fight doesn’t stop there. Cultural barriers are also addressed.

“Imagine a 65-year-old woman needing her son’s permission for treatment. This exemplifies the deep-rooted challenges,” she said.

The ambassadors break down stigma with a simple, reassuring message: “Listen, this condition is treatable. It’s a medical problem, not something to be ashamed of.” Their dedication extends beyond education. They go the extra mile, arranging bus tickets or rides on boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) to ensure no woman is left behind because of transportation difficulties.

Msangi recounts heartbreaking stories of women ostracized from their communities, denied basic rights, and even experiencing depression or anxiety after seeking help. Despite the immense challenges, she highlights the remarkable success of her organization, having helped countless women across vast regions, including neighboring countries like Mozambique and remote regions.

For Msangi, the solution lies in prevention through “improved maternal healthcare services” with skilled professionals and well-equipped facilities.

She outlined a two-pronged attack to conquer these healthcare challenges.

First, education is crucial. Many women suffer silently, unaware that the healthcare system has failed them. Msangi passionately argues, “They shouldn’t blame themselves! We need to break the silence and educate communities.” Second, resource mobilization is essential. Msangi stressed the need for stakeholders to support facilities like CCBRT. “Together, we can equip these facilities and reach more women,” she declares, “transforming their lives and proving that recovery is possible.”

Msangi applauds Tanzania’s strides in maternal healthcare. She points to President Samia Suluhu Hassan ‘s leadership, highlighting, “When she took office, prioritizing maternal health was her first message to parliament. Her commitment is clear, and we’ve seen real progress.”

Beyond hospital walls

While CCBRT provides excellent hospital care, its dedication extends to comprehensive community outreach programs.

The Mabinti Centre, established in 2009, offers fistula survivors in Tanzania more than just physical healing. It’s a pathway to reclaiming their lives.  They train women in valuable skills like screen-printing, sewing, and business management, equipping them to “start their businesses and achieve financial independence and a sense of empowerment “.

The centre itself hires some graduates.

Over three months, the Centre offers a comprehensive program that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Participants gain practical skills like “screen-printing, sewing, batik, beading and crochet,” allowing them to create beautiful and marketable products. They boast a well-respected brand for their “quality handmade bags, accessories, and toys,” all created by program participants. The Centre doesn’t stop there. They also provide “critical entrepreneurial skills, such as budgeting and communications,” to equip the women for success as business owners. They foster a safe and supportive environment where women can heal emotionally, rebuild their self-esteem, and learn essential life skills like decision-making, HIV/AIDS prevention, and nutrition. Here, they rebuild not just their businesses, but their lives.

Income generated from these sales not only supports the centre’s operations but also allows CCBRT to identify and treat more women suffering from fistula, creating a powerful ripple effect.

After graduating, each woman receives a business starter kit, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to return home and rebuild their lives. The Mabinti Centre’s goal is for graduates to earn a minimum income that can support themselves and their families.

Msangi believes that with ongoing support and teamwork, this program can significantly improve the lives of countless women in Tanzania.

Campaign to end fistula

For two decades, a worldwide effort spearheaded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been working to end fistula. UNFPA launched the Global Campaign to End Fistula, a campaign that fights to prevent, provide comprehensive treatment (including surgery), and help survivors reintegrate into society. This global initiative operates in 55 countries, employing a four-pronged approach: preventing fistula, ensuring treatment access, reintegrating survivors into society, and advocating for change. Their work is grounded in core human rights principles, promoting equality, participation, and accountability.

Since 2013, the United Nations has observed International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23, aiming to raise awareness and garner global support.

While progress has been made, reaching the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030 requires increased efforts.

Source: allafrica.com

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