Unguja. Zanzibar’s national debt from loan acquired through the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (SMT) or directly from foreign banks and development partners within the country has hit Sh1.105 trillion, the House of Representatives was told.
This was in response to inquiries raised by Dr. Mohammed Ali Suleiman from the Mtambwe Constituency, regarding the country’s foreign debts.
According to the deputy minister of State, Office of the President, Finance, and Planning Juma Makungu Juma , the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has acquired a total of six loans amounting to Sh813.63 billion.
Additionally, the government has provided guarantees for 14 institutions totaling Sh185.73 billion. This borrowing has significantly contributed to the nation’s development efforts, including the implementation of major projects.
However, the accumulation of these loans has led to a substantial increase in the national debt. As of March 2024, the total national debt guaranteed by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar stood at Sh1,105.09 billion.
This represents a significant surge from the recorded debt of Sh155.8 billion in 2020, marking a 609.3 percent increase.
“Despite the mounting debt, the government assures that repayment is being managed effectively. Strategies have been devised to ensure timely repayment, including borrowing for development projects aimed at boosting national income,” he said
He added: Efforts to enhance revenue collection are underway, with a portion allocated to servicing these loans. Additionally, a special debt payment plan, along with a dedicated account called the “debt service a/c,” has been established to manage repayments as debts mature.
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MGAO WA MAJI WAWATESA WAZANZIBARI
Wananchi wengi hasa katika maeneo ya Mjini Unguja, wanalalamikia ukosefu wa maji safi na salama huku Mamlaka ya Maji Zanzibar ikikabiliwa na changamoto ya ukosefu wa ujuzi na wataalam katika masuala ya uandisi wa Maji na fani nyengine.Continue Reading
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
Muslims in Pemba conduct special prayer against ZAA decision
ZANZIBAR: More than 200 Muslims in Vitongoji Village, South Pemba Region over the weekend conducted a special prayer to condemn the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) move to appoint DNATA as the sole ground handler in Terminal III of the International Airport of Zanzibar. Abeid Amani Karume.Continue Reading
