Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Angel of death has robbed Tanzania and Africa one of the most dynamic leaders in the continent, Dr John Magufuli fondly addressed as JPM and bulldozer for taking bold steps to fight corruption and bring economic reforms.
His efforts to bring development and transform the lives of ordinary Tanzanian will always be remembered and cherished by millions in and outside the country.
The late Dr Magufuli identified himself as a no-nonsense leader, who demonstrated transparency in his daily activities, his zero tolerance on corruption and all forms of embezzlement of public funds- enabled the nation to make big steps within a short period of time.
In his regime, he will be remembered for always being busy with nation building programmes, laying foundation stones and inaugurating various development projects in the communities so that Tanzanians get clean and safe water, classrooms for children and passable roads right into the remote parts of the country.
For instance, few weeks before he was promoted to glory, the Dr Magufuli was on record laying foundation stones and inaugurating various projects worth billions of shillings in Dar es Salaam.
In his most last public event, the late President inaugurated the state-of-the-art Kijazi Interchange aimed at easing heavy traffic jams at the busy Ubungo junction make it history.
The interchange was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), where he said it would end nightmares experienced by motorists, who spent hours in traffic jams in the area.
The first interchange in the country was named Kijazi in appreciation of the former Chief Secretary John Kijazi, who died on February 17th, this year.
During the launch, the late Dr Magufuli dissolved the Dar es Salam City Council and promoted Ilala Municipal to a City Council status-a moveaimed at bringing multiple benefits to the country, including improving efficiency in service delivery.
Again, restructuring Dar es Salaam City Council was another major work the late President Magufuli concentrated on in his last days, before succumbing to heart complications in Dar es Salaam, last year.
He said that one of the advantages of dissolving the Dar es Salaam City was high running costs, adding that the funds should, instead be directed in providing services in the new City Council.
“Dar City Council was causing unnecessary expenditure … members of the Full Council were from all municipalities, and each municipality was being represented by three Ward Councillors. Imagine a City Council Mayor being a Ward Councillor from any of the municipalities and at the same time being paid allowance if he attends a meeting at the municipal and City Council …this is double payment,” he had pointed out.
Dr Magufuli, as usual had repeatedly enhanced hope to Tanzanians especially the poor, who he always expressed commitment to change their lives. For example, at the inauguration of the 51bn/- Mbezi Bus Terminal, the fallen hero said his mission was to see poor Tanzanians enjoying the country’s resources without any hinderance.
In the remark, he warned authorities against overlooking and mistreating petty traders at the newly launched ultra-modern bus terminal.
With the terminal christened Magufuli Bus Terminal, the late Head of State, said government investments should benefit all members of the society, and hence, directed relevant authorities to ensure petty traders and ordinary citizens are allowed to have access to various economic opportunities in the country.
President Magufuli affirmed his government’s commitment to implement more development projects for the benefits of the citizens and the country at large.
He said a total of 18 bus stands were so far constructed across the country to facilitate service delivery within a short period of time, further elaborating that the 2020/25 ruling CCM election manifesto had earmarked a number of other projects to be implemented for the benefit of the citizens.
During the event, the late Dr Magufuli also ordered the immediate transfer of ownership of the 52 acres of land from the Ministry of Agriculture to Ubungo District Council, for development projects in Kibamba constituency.
As he continued with his weeklong tour in Dar es Salaam region, a day after launching Mbezi Bus terminal,the lateDr Magufuli inaugurated the Jitegemee House that hosts studios for Africa Media Group (AMG) that airs Channel Ten, Channel Ten Plus, Magic FM and Classic FMprogrammes.
Equally, he assured the public that the government will continue cherishing press freedom by working hard in strengthening rights and responsibilities of the media in the country.
He said there has been an increase in the number of media outlets that have been registered in the country-a move that cements the government’s commitment in working closely with members of the press. So far, the number of radio stations also increased from 106 in 2015 to 193 in February 2021 and Televisions Stations to 25.
On the same breath, the government also registered 23 online radio and 400 Online TVs, where in 2015 there were none of them. Moreover, government also issued licenses to 247 daily, weekly and monthly newspapers and other publications.
During the inauguration ceremony, the late Dr Magufuli said the government valued the contribution of the media sector in the country’s development and ordered for smooth flow of information from the government to the public through media.
In his last days, he also took threedays touring Dar es Salaam to lay a foundation stone for the construction of Kisutu Market at over 13bn/-.
The fallen Head of State said shortly after laying the foundation stone that the completion of the modern building should give a relief to petty traders and bring changes to their economy.
As Tanzanians and Africans witnessed the burial of the great leader at his ancestral Chato home, it will remain in record that the nation has really lost a committed Statesman, and a true son of Africa.
And from what other leaders have been saying, it is obvious, Tanzanians will continue with the race, but should see into it that they follow his footsteps and live his dreams in building the nation.
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