ZSSF money not for projects, says Ali Karume

ZSSF money not for projects, says Ali Karume

Unguja. Veteran politician and diplomat Ali Karume has called on authorities of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government (SMZ) to refrain from using the Zanzibar Social Security Fund money for establishing commercial projects.
He said, in the event that the projects become unprofitable, it would in the long run lead to failure to pay the retirees their benefits, something that contravenes the very cause why the fund was established.
This comes at a time when last year’s CAG reports revealed that some of the projects that were invested in using ZSSF funds may not yield profits in the long run.
The diplomat was speaking to journalists at his residence in Maisara Unguja where he touched on several issues including why the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was inevitable.
According to Mr Karume the law demands that authorities should refrain from taking members’ contributions by any means, calling of government to resume oil and gas exploration.
The Zanzibar government signed a production sharing agreement with a United Arab Emirates company RAK Gas LLC.
He said oil and gas exploration is critical in the island nation’s economy which largely depends on services and tourism.
As tax exemptions reached more than Sh46 billion, almost five time from the previous year, the former diplomat said it was important to carefully examine the benefits obtained through such exemptions.
Regarding the spiraling inflation in Zanzibar which has hit 5.1 percent, Mr Karume said it was mainly because of government spending.
“There are people who are being paid huge salaries yet they do not produce,” he said.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades

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

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