From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
From DAVID AZARIA in Geita
POLICE in Mwanza Region has announced a special operation that would lead to the arrest of gold miners suspected of carrying out artisanal mining illegally in Geita district.
The Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Simon Siro, made the revelation on Monday when addressing journalists at his office following reports that gold miners were buried alive at the mines in Geita.
The announcement comes few days after some media outlets alleged that more than 70 gold miners were feared buried at Nyakagwe Gold mine and four others in Backreef Gold mine in Geita District, Mwanza Region.
Read full story.
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Protecting Lake Victoria's Top Predator
From IPS-Inter Press Service International Association, Rome, Italy
By Arnaud Bébien
Coordinated conservation measures to arrest the steep decline of stocks of Nile perch in Lake Victoria are showing encouraging results - for fish, if not for fishing communities around the lake.
At the end of each day, the boats return to Mwanza, a city on the edge of Lake Victoria, in the northeast of Tanzania. The catch is not what it once was: each boat's crew quickly sells the 50 or so fish they have landed.
Paul Johaiven is one of the fishermen. Like many of the others, the 25-year-old got no further than primary school. For want of alternatives, he turned to the lake to earn a living.
Read full story.
By Arnaud Bébien
Coordinated conservation measures to arrest the steep decline of stocks of Nile perch in Lake Victoria are showing encouraging results - for fish, if not for fishing communities around the lake.
At the end of each day, the boats return to Mwanza, a city on the edge of Lake Victoria, in the northeast of Tanzania. The catch is not what it once was: each boat's crew quickly sells the 50 or so fish they have landed.
Paul Johaiven is one of the fishermen. Like many of the others, the 25-year-old got no further than primary school. For want of alternatives, he turned to the lake to earn a living.
Read full story.
Monday 30 August 2010
Police kill gang of four after tip-off
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Zulfa Mfinanga, Shinyanga
Police in Kahama have killed four people suspected to be armed robbers who waylay vehicles in highways.
Reports released by the Police Force here yesterday said the suspects were killed during fire exchange with police after their plans to hijack vehicles were intercepted in Kahama district.
The Shinyanga regional police commander, Mr Daud Siasi, confirmed the reports noting that police managed to intercept the gang after being tipped by Good Samaritans.
“They were arranging their ambush without knowing that we were following them. They were planning to block the road at kakola village along the road heading to Bulyanhulu Gold Mine to force the vehicles to stop and rob its occupants,” he said.
Read full story.
By Zulfa Mfinanga, Shinyanga
Police in Kahama have killed four people suspected to be armed robbers who waylay vehicles in highways.
Reports released by the Police Force here yesterday said the suspects were killed during fire exchange with police after their plans to hijack vehicles were intercepted in Kahama district.
The Shinyanga regional police commander, Mr Daud Siasi, confirmed the reports noting that police managed to intercept the gang after being tipped by Good Samaritans.
“They were arranging their ambush without knowing that we were following them. They were planning to block the road at kakola village along the road heading to Bulyanhulu Gold Mine to force the vehicles to stop and rob its occupants,” he said.
Read full story.
Friday 27 August 2010
Rock City Marathon returns
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Majuto Omary
Capital Plus International (CPI) has organised the second edition of the Rock City Marathon slated for September 26 in Mwanza.
Raymond Kanyambo, the tournament coordinator, said they have already invited top athletes from the East African region and a few from other parts of the world.
Kanyambo pointed out that they were expecting to see the foreign marathoners add some flair to the competition.
He named Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda as the countries that will have representatives in the event.
The tournament will be sponsored jointly by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Air Tanzania Limited (ATCL), Isamilo Lodge, Clouds FM, NSSF, PPF and New Africa Hotel.
Read full story.
By Majuto Omary
Capital Plus International (CPI) has organised the second edition of the Rock City Marathon slated for September 26 in Mwanza.
Raymond Kanyambo, the tournament coordinator, said they have already invited top athletes from the East African region and a few from other parts of the world.
Kanyambo pointed out that they were expecting to see the foreign marathoners add some flair to the competition.
He named Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda as the countries that will have representatives in the event.
The tournament will be sponsored jointly by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Air Tanzania Limited (ATCL), Isamilo Lodge, Clouds FM, NSSF, PPF and New Africa Hotel.
Read full story.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Drivers to hold Smart Card licences
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO
TANZANIA Revenue Authority (TRA), in collaboration with traffic police will launch a new technology of Smart Card Driving Licence in October in five regions to replace the existing ones.
The move, aims at making easy tracking of forged licences and identifying habitual offenders among drivers. The project will be launched in Arusha, Mbeya, Moshi, Mwanza and Dar es Salaam regions.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Said Mwema, said in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday that a computerized drivers' licence system will overcome problems currently faced and will enhance drivers discipline and ensure proper use of roads.
Read full story.
By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO
TANZANIA Revenue Authority (TRA), in collaboration with traffic police will launch a new technology of Smart Card Driving Licence in October in five regions to replace the existing ones.
The move, aims at making easy tracking of forged licences and identifying habitual offenders among drivers. The project will be launched in Arusha, Mbeya, Moshi, Mwanza and Dar es Salaam regions.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Said Mwema, said in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday that a computerized drivers' licence system will overcome problems currently faced and will enhance drivers discipline and ensure proper use of roads.
Read full story.
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Kikwete pledges to replace MV Bukoba
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Ray Naluyaga, Bukoba
President Jakaya Kikwete has promised residents of Kagera region that his government will buy a new ship to replace MV Bukoba which capsized more than ten years ago.
He made the promise yesterday, shortly after arriving in the region to continue with his election campaigns. President Kikwete has been nominated by his party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to defend his post after expiry of his first term.
Speaking at Bukoba Airport, President Kikwete said the new ship will be bigger and of high quality compared to MV Bukoba which killed about 800 people when it capsized in 1996 near Mwanza port.
He said after the accident, Kagera region has been facing problematic marine transport as there was no reliable mode of transport in Lake Victoria.
Currently, the Bukoba - Mwanza route in the lake is services by MV Victoria, which is also aging.
Read full story.
By Ray Naluyaga, BukobaHe made the promise yesterday, shortly after arriving in the region to continue with his election campaigns. President Kikwete has been nominated by his party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to defend his post after expiry of his first term.
Speaking at Bukoba Airport, President Kikwete said the new ship will be bigger and of high quality compared to MV Bukoba which killed about 800 people when it capsized in 1996 near Mwanza port.
He said after the accident, Kagera region has been facing problematic marine transport as there was no reliable mode of transport in Lake Victoria.
Currently, the Bukoba - Mwanza route in the lake is services by MV Victoria, which is also aging.
Read full story.
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Cotton growers miss out of rising prices
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By business standard reporter
THOUSDANDS of cotton growers in the Western Cotton Growing Area - Shinyanga, Mwanza and Mara regions - are haplessly watching as the cash crop price escalates, reaching to levels that had never been thought of in the history of marketing the crop in Tanzania.
The increase of price from last year’s 360/- to 600/- per kilogramme that cotton growers and Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) settled for as initial price when the crop buying season started in early June seems to have overwhelmed majority cotton growers who, as a result, rushed to sell their produce at the price they probably perceived too high to be true. Experts’ calls to wait a bit, for there were evident prospects of price rise, fell on deaf ears.
Read full story.
By business standard reporter
THOUSDANDS of cotton growers in the Western Cotton Growing Area - Shinyanga, Mwanza and Mara regions - are haplessly watching as the cash crop price escalates, reaching to levels that had never been thought of in the history of marketing the crop in Tanzania.
The increase of price from last year’s 360/- to 600/- per kilogramme that cotton growers and Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) settled for as initial price when the crop buying season started in early June seems to have overwhelmed majority cotton growers who, as a result, rushed to sell their produce at the price they probably perceived too high to be true. Experts’ calls to wait a bit, for there were evident prospects of price rise, fell on deaf ears.
Read full story.
Pipe leakages cause for loss of clean water
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
The director of Mwanza Urban Water Supply Authority (Mwauwasa) Mr Justus Rwetabula said more than 50 per cent of clean water produced is lost due to pipe leakages.
Speaking during a seminar with the Nyamagana district administration on ways to control water theft last week, Mr Rwetabula said the loss was a result of illegal water connection by unfaithful city residents.
The seminar included the district residents with the intention to integrate the society in the fight against illegal connections and enable more people to benefit from water services offered.
“If people will be guarding themselves against water theft, I believe that the percentage will drop over a short period of time,” he said.
Read full story.
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
The director of Mwanza Urban Water Supply Authority (Mwauwasa) Mr Justus Rwetabula said more than 50 per cent of clean water produced is lost due to pipe leakages.
Speaking during a seminar with the Nyamagana district administration on ways to control water theft last week, Mr Rwetabula said the loss was a result of illegal water connection by unfaithful city residents.
The seminar included the district residents with the intention to integrate the society in the fight against illegal connections and enable more people to benefit from water services offered.
“If people will be guarding themselves against water theft, I believe that the percentage will drop over a short period of time,” he said.
Read full story.
Kikwete’s pledge to fishing communities
By Mkinga Mkinga
The security of fishermen in Lake Victoria will be improved in order to ensure that residents living around it conduct their activities peacefully. The promise was made in Mwanza yesterday by President Jakaya Kikwete when addressing a campaign rally at CCM Kirumba stadium.
Speaking in his second day of election campaigns, Mr Kikwete said security within and around the lake was of paramount importance as many people in the zone depended on lake Victoria for their survival.
He said the government would deploy a contingent of well trained police officers, who would be well equipped to deal with any criminals.He said a batch of marine police has been selected for training and the government had purchased a speedboat that would be used in the lake.
Read full story.
Monday 23 August 2010
Customers kill taxi driver in Mwanza
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By Daily News Reporters
A taxi driver identified only by one name as Kalou (35) was on Friday killed by his customers after they hired him from Villar Park Street in Mwanza city to Furahisha area where police found him dead in his car.
The Acting Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mugeta Njau, said in Mwanza city that the driver was found with a knife on his neck and on the head. The acting RPC said that the incident occured at around 11:00pm, where an identified people hired the driver to where he was found dead later.
Read full story.
By Daily News Reporters
A taxi driver identified only by one name as Kalou (35) was on Friday killed by his customers after they hired him from Villar Park Street in Mwanza city to Furahisha area where police found him dead in his car.
The Acting Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mugeta Njau, said in Mwanza city that the driver was found with a knife on his neck and on the head. The acting RPC said that the incident occured at around 11:00pm, where an identified people hired the driver to where he was found dead later.
Read full story.
Sunday 22 August 2010
My newest friend had me on sale
From The Nation, Nairobi, KENYABy DANIEL WESANGULA
Robinson Mukhwana met Nathan Mutei three weeks ago, with no idea that his newest friend was a man with a fishy past and on the run from Tanzanian authorities.
The thought of what he could do with all the money he would earn as a truck turn boy in Tanzania almost seemed obscene, for Mr Mukhwana, who until his sojourn in Tanzania was a watchman, is not used to the comforts that money brings.
“I thought he was a friend concerned about my future,” he said on Sunday.
Indeed, Mutei was concerned, but not about the well-being of his newly acquired friend.
If all went according to plan, he would be a millionaire in less than a week. All he needed to do was establish contact with a Tanzanian juju man.
He had held several informal jobs in various Tanzanian towns and this was not hard to do.
Interviews by Sunday Nation detail his journey to hell and back.
While still in Kitale, Mr Mutei managed to activate a contact in Mwanza. The initial deal was for Mr Mutei to supply this juju man with bones from an albino’s grave.
Read full story.
Saturday 21 August 2010
Kenyan albino back home from TZ
From Capital News, Nairobi, Kenya
BY SARAH WAMBUI
Robinson Mkwama, the Kenyan living with albinism, who was rescued by police in Tanzania after his friend’s failed attempt to sell him to witchdoctors has arrived back in the country.
The traumatised man was tricked by a long-time friend, Nathan Mutei, to accompany him to Mwanza with the promise of a job as a lorry loader.
The 20 year old was given heavy security escort from Tanzania where he left Mutei serving 17 year jail term.
“I used to be a street boy, until I was rescued and taken to school. After high school, I got a job at a hotel in Kitale, where I met Mutei - who told me that there was someone in Tanzania looking for a truck conductor and I believed him,” he narrated on Saturday.
Read full story.
BY SARAH WAMBUI
Robinson Mkwama, the Kenyan living with albinism, who was rescued by police in Tanzania after his friend’s failed attempt to sell him to witchdoctors has arrived back in the country.
The traumatised man was tricked by a long-time friend, Nathan Mutei, to accompany him to Mwanza with the promise of a job as a lorry loader.
The 20 year old was given heavy security escort from Tanzania where he left Mutei serving 17 year jail term.
“I used to be a street boy, until I was rescued and taken to school. After high school, I got a job at a hotel in Kitale, where I met Mutei - who told me that there was someone in Tanzania looking for a truck conductor and I believed him,” he narrated on Saturday.
Read full story.
Thursday 19 August 2010
BSS to show past contestants
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
With the preliminary auditions over and the required 40 finalists of reality TV talent show BSS found, the date for the first viewing of the auditions has been set for August 29.
According to organizers all has been put in place to take viewers through the different stations where the search took place. This year’s finalists come from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza and Arusha.
Read full story.
With the preliminary auditions over and the required 40 finalists of reality TV talent show BSS found, the date for the first viewing of the auditions has been set for August 29.
According to organizers all has been put in place to take viewers through the different stations where the search took place. This year’s finalists come from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza and Arusha.
Read full story.
Seven arrested over Sh150m bank theft
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Police in Mwanza are holding seven people in connection with the theft of Sh150 million from Azania Bank in January.
Mwanza Regional Police Commander Simon Siro said yesterday that the suspects included a teller, who was on duty at the bank’s Mwaloni branch when the theft took place on January 22.
He said five people approached the teller, and convinced him to steal the money, promising him that he would not be discovered because they would provide him with “protective charms”.
Read full story.
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Police in Mwanza are holding seven people in connection with the theft of Sh150 million from Azania Bank in January.
Mwanza Regional Police Commander Simon Siro said yesterday that the suspects included a teller, who was on duty at the bank’s Mwaloni branch when the theft took place on January 22.
He said five people approached the teller, and convinced him to steal the money, promising him that he would not be discovered because they would provide him with “protective charms”.
Read full story.
Man in plot to sell albino imprisoned
From Daily Nation, Nairobi, KenyaBy GERALD LUMANYIKA
Kenyan man who tried to sell an albino to witchdoctors has been jailed for 16 years by a Tanzanian court.
In proceedings lasting less than an hour, Mwanza Resident Magistrate Angelus Rumisha convicted Nathan Mutei of one count of trafficking in a human being and a second one of abduction with intention to murder.
Mutei, 28, tricked Mr Robinson Mkwama to accompany him to Mwanza, telling him that he was going to get him a job.
All the while, he intended to sell him to Tanzanian witchdoctors who were to cut him up and use his body parts for juju.
Read full story.
Read UPDATE from Reuters, London, UK
Wednesday 18 August 2010
Kenyan jailed for trying to sell albino
By Eric Nampesya
A court in Tanzania has sentenced a Kenyan accused of trying to sell an albino to 17 years in jail and a fine of more than $50,000 (£41,200)
The court sentenced Nathan Mutei after he pleaded guilty to human trafficking.
Police said they arrested Mutei in a sting operation as he tried to sell an albino fellow Kenyan for the equivalent of more than $250,000.
Albino body parts are prized in parts of Africa, with witch-doctors claiming they have special powers.
The albino, Robinson Mkwama, is being escorted home to Kenya with a police guard, the BBC's Eric Nampesya reports from Tanzania
Read full story.
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Police arrest Kenyan attempting to sell an albino
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Gerald Lumanyika, Mwanza
Police in Mwanza yesterday arrested a Kenyan in a guest house attempting to sell an albino, also a Kenyan national.
Addressing a press conference in his office, the Mwanza regional police commander, Mr Simon Siro, said Mr Nathan Mutei, 28, was selling Mr Robinson Mkwama, 20, for Sh400 million.
RPC Siro said the two had arrived in Mwanza through illegal routes on August 12 from Kitale in the Rift Valley where Mr Mkwama was working as a hawker. They had no travel documents when they were arrested, he said.
According to RPC Siro, both Kenyans are long time friends and belong to the Luhya tribe. He said Mr Mkwama had finished Form IV in Kenya.
RPC Siro said Mr Mutei managed to lure Mr Mkwama that he would find him a bus conductor’s job in Mwanza through his contacts, assuring him that the job pays well.
Read full story.
By Gerald Lumanyika, Mwanza
Police in Mwanza yesterday arrested a Kenyan in a guest house attempting to sell an albino, also a Kenyan national.
Addressing a press conference in his office, the Mwanza regional police commander, Mr Simon Siro, said Mr Nathan Mutei, 28, was selling Mr Robinson Mkwama, 20, for Sh400 million.
RPC Siro said the two had arrived in Mwanza through illegal routes on August 12 from Kitale in the Rift Valley where Mr Mkwama was working as a hawker. They had no travel documents when they were arrested, he said.
According to RPC Siro, both Kenyans are long time friends and belong to the Luhya tribe. He said Mr Mkwama had finished Form IV in Kenya.
RPC Siro said Mr Mutei managed to lure Mr Mkwama that he would find him a bus conductor’s job in Mwanza through his contacts, assuring him that the job pays well.
Read full story.
Kenyan arrested by Tanzania police over 'albino sale'
From BBC World News, London, UK
By Will Ross
Police in Tanzania say they have arrested a Kenyan national who was attempting to sell an albino man.
The arrest was made in a sting operation as police pretended to be businessmen buying albino body parts.
Police say they struck a deal equivalent to more than $250,000 (£159,000) for the 20-year-old man.
Albino body parts are prized in parts of Africa, with witchdoctors claiming they have special powers. The Tanzanian government has promised to take action.
According to the Tanzanian police a 28-year-old Kenyan man, Nathan Mutei, was arrested just outside the town of Mwanza as he attempted to sell an albino man.
Read full story.
By Will Ross
Police in Tanzania say they have arrested a Kenyan national who was attempting to sell an albino man.
The arrest was made in a sting operation as police pretended to be businessmen buying albino body parts.
Police say they struck a deal equivalent to more than $250,000 (£159,000) for the 20-year-old man.
Albino body parts are prized in parts of Africa, with witchdoctors claiming they have special powers. The Tanzanian government has promised to take action.
According to the Tanzanian police a 28-year-old Kenyan man, Nathan Mutei, was arrested just outside the town of Mwanza as he attempted to sell an albino man.
Read full story.
Monday 16 August 2010
Mwanza uses force to evict petty traders
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Gerald Lumanyika, Mwanza
The Mwanza City Council has resorted to using the police force including FFU to clear petty traders from the streets.
According to the city director, Mr Wilson Kabwe, the council had resorted to use extra force because its auxiliary police (city askaris) have failed to remove petty traders from the city centre.
“For many years the city had been using its auxiliary police to chase out petty traders from doing business at unauthorised areas, but they kept on coming back,” he said.
He told the Citizen in his office on Friday that the traders are responsible for more than 70 per cent of garbage that litter the city and his council can no longer tolerate them.
The Citizen reporter saw Land Rovers carrying armed FFU personnel, ordinary police officers and city askaris, rounding up petty traders, including women selling fish on the streets near the main market at the weekend.
Read full story.
By Gerald Lumanyika, Mwanza
The Mwanza City Council has resorted to using the police force including FFU to clear petty traders from the streets.
According to the city director, Mr Wilson Kabwe, the council had resorted to use extra force because its auxiliary police (city askaris) have failed to remove petty traders from the city centre.
“For many years the city had been using its auxiliary police to chase out petty traders from doing business at unauthorised areas, but they kept on coming back,” he said.
He told the Citizen in his office on Friday that the traders are responsible for more than 70 per cent of garbage that litter the city and his council can no longer tolerate them.
The Citizen reporter saw Land Rovers carrying armed FFU personnel, ordinary police officers and city askaris, rounding up petty traders, including women selling fish on the streets near the main market at the weekend.
Read full story.
Mwanza residents criticize Tanesco for high charges
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Offering their views during a meeting organised by the Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (Ewura) on Friday on Tanesco’s request to raise electricity tariffs by 34.6 per cent, Mr Amon Magembe said while only 14 per cent of Tanzanians are currently connected to the national electricity grid, the majority are left out because they cannot afford the costs.
“If Tanesco raises power tariffs by that percentage, it will discourage the many Tanzanians who are poor, to connect electricity to their houses,” he said.
Read full story.
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Mwanza City residents have criticised the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) behavior of raising electricity tariffs annually, but without improving its services.
Offering their views during a meeting organised by the Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (Ewura) on Friday on Tanesco’s request to raise electricity tariffs by 34.6 per cent, Mr Amon Magembe said while only 14 per cent of Tanzanians are currently connected to the national electricity grid, the majority are left out because they cannot afford the costs.
“If Tanesco raises power tariffs by that percentage, it will discourage the many Tanzanians who are poor, to connect electricity to their houses,” he said.
Read full story.
Sunday 15 August 2010
Search for education ends in death in lake
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Frederick Katulanda
It was another day for 37 nursery and primary school pupils from Chitandele island in Lake Victoria when they boarded a boat to go to school on the morning of August 4.
For it happens that Chitandele has no school, and children from the island have to foot slog for a distance of about half a kilometre daily to the school situated at Lukumba village on the mainland in Sengerema District, for studies.
But that morning, at about 7am, their boat which was also dubbed “school boat” capsized, killing 18 of them.The boat belonged to Mr Rwakanadi Mtahoya, 51, who used it to ferry his children and others to the school.
“After registering my children, I was faced with the challenge of getting them across the lake to school. I therefore decided to construct the boat,” he narrates.
He says adults who travelled to the mainland from the island paid Sh200 each. And since students travelled free of charge the boat came to be known as the school boat.
Read full story.
By Frederick Katulanda
It was another day for 37 nursery and primary school pupils from Chitandele island in Lake Victoria when they boarded a boat to go to school on the morning of August 4.
For it happens that Chitandele has no school, and children from the island have to foot slog for a distance of about half a kilometre daily to the school situated at Lukumba village on the mainland in Sengerema District, for studies.
But that morning, at about 7am, their boat which was also dubbed “school boat” capsized, killing 18 of them.The boat belonged to Mr Rwakanadi Mtahoya, 51, who used it to ferry his children and others to the school.
“After registering my children, I was faced with the challenge of getting them across the lake to school. I therefore decided to construct the boat,” he narrates.
He says adults who travelled to the mainland from the island paid Sh200 each. And since students travelled free of charge the boat came to be known as the school boat.
Read full story.
Saturday 14 August 2010
Motorcycles cause more accidents
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By Anne Robi
AS the country marks the Road Safety Week (starting today), the national statistics show that 1,492 people died in more than 11,000 road accidents that occurred between January and June, this year.
The Traffic Police Chief, Mr Mohammed Mpinga, told the 'Daily News' over the phone on Sunday that 286 deaths among the 1,492, were caused by motorcycles that caused a total of 2,085 accidents.
According to the statistics, Arusha Region leads with 258 road accidents caused by motorcycles, followed by Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam that had 223 accidents and Shinyanga Region with 178.
He, however, said that many deaths occurred in Coat Region whereby 29 people perished; 26 in Morogoro and 19 in Mwanza. Ilala accounts for 206 injured people followed by Kinondoni with 205 and Arusha with 196.
Read full story.
By Anne Robi
AS the country marks the Road Safety Week (starting today), the national statistics show that 1,492 people died in more than 11,000 road accidents that occurred between January and June, this year.
The Traffic Police Chief, Mr Mohammed Mpinga, told the 'Daily News' over the phone on Sunday that 286 deaths among the 1,492, were caused by motorcycles that caused a total of 2,085 accidents.
According to the statistics, Arusha Region leads with 258 road accidents caused by motorcycles, followed by Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam that had 223 accidents and Shinyanga Region with 178.
He, however, said that many deaths occurred in Coat Region whereby 29 people perished; 26 in Morogoro and 19 in Mwanza. Ilala accounts for 206 injured people followed by Kinondoni with 205 and Arusha with 196.
Read full story.
How I lost my 10 children in boat tragedy
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Fredirick Katulanda
As a tiny village on Chitandele Island in Lake Victoria comes to terms with the tragic loss of the 18 schoolchildren, who perished in a boat tragedy over a week ago, life will never be the same again for the locals, but especially for one family, which has borne the brunt of it. For 51-year-old fisherman and boat owner Rwakanandi Mtahayo and his family, everything literally came to a standstill on the morning of August 4, when death came knocking at his doorstep.
In one fell swoop, the rough waters of Lake Victoria snuffed out the lives of his 10 perfectly healthy children, who were on their way to school on that fateful day, in a way he would never have imagined. The other eight were the children of his close relatives.
A week after the burials of the 18 children, who drowned when their boat capsized in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region, Mr Mtahayo, who had initially been viewed as a villain when the news broke, has emerged as the worst hit by the tragedy.
Read full story.
By Fredirick Katulanda
As a tiny village on Chitandele Island in Lake Victoria comes to terms with the tragic loss of the 18 schoolchildren, who perished in a boat tragedy over a week ago, life will never be the same again for the locals, but especially for one family, which has borne the brunt of it. For 51-year-old fisherman and boat owner Rwakanandi Mtahayo and his family, everything literally came to a standstill on the morning of August 4, when death came knocking at his doorstep.
In one fell swoop, the rough waters of Lake Victoria snuffed out the lives of his 10 perfectly healthy children, who were on their way to school on that fateful day, in a way he would never have imagined. The other eight were the children of his close relatives.
A week after the burials of the 18 children, who drowned when their boat capsized in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region, Mr Mtahayo, who had initially been viewed as a villain when the news broke, has emerged as the worst hit by the tragedy.
Read full story.
Tanesco seeks tariffs hike to cover losses
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es SalaamBy Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) forecasts a loss of Sh34.1 billion this year, mainly due to the depreciation of the shilling and increased operational costs.
Speaking during a meeting between the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (Ewura), Tanesco and Mwanza residents on Thursday, Mr Mramba said because of the projected losses, the power utility firm needs to raise power tariffs by 34.6 per cent this year.
Read full story.
Thursday 12 August 2010
Large turnout puzzle BSS judges
Bongo Star Search judges on Tuesday had to endure long hours of auditions after an over whelming crowd turned up for trials at Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam.
According to the chief judge, Rita Paulsen, the crowd was overwhelming and they had to increase the number of days from the original two.
“We hardly expected this, today alone we attended to 500 contestants and thousands more were still waiting outside the hall,” she said.
“After seeing the large turnout and because we want to give everyone a chance to show case their talent we decided to increase the number of days to four,” added Rita.
BSS now in its fourth has already conducted auditions in three other regions, Dodoma, Arusha and Mwanza, with 10 contestants being selected from the three auditions.
The broadcast of the auditions are slated to start later on in the month with the date of the finals to be named later.
End of story.
Wednesday 11 August 2010
Local authorities to construct Lake Zone Nane Nane grounds
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Twenty nine local authorities from across the four Lake Zone regions have jointly acquired 142 hectors of land on the outskirts of Mwanza City for the construction of grounds for agricultural exhibitions dubbed Nane Nane.
The Kagera, Mara, Mwanza and Shinyanga regions local authorities bought the land at Igoma Ward in Nyamagana District.
All residents of the bought land have been compensated and are now vacating the area to pave way for the construction of the zonal Nane Nane grounds.
The Mwanza regional commissioner, Mr Abbas Kandoro, said the new grounds would provide farmers and livestock keepers with an opportunity to showcase their products and to borrow a leaf from each other's book. Mr Kandoro was speaking during the climax of the Nane Nane shows observed at regional level in the city.
Read full story.
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
Twenty nine local authorities from across the four Lake Zone regions have jointly acquired 142 hectors of land on the outskirts of Mwanza City for the construction of grounds for agricultural exhibitions dubbed Nane Nane.
The Kagera, Mara, Mwanza and Shinyanga regions local authorities bought the land at Igoma Ward in Nyamagana District.
All residents of the bought land have been compensated and are now vacating the area to pave way for the construction of the zonal Nane Nane grounds.
The Mwanza regional commissioner, Mr Abbas Kandoro, said the new grounds would provide farmers and livestock keepers with an opportunity to showcase their products and to borrow a leaf from each other's book. Mr Kandoro was speaking during the climax of the Nane Nane shows observed at regional level in the city.
Read full story.
Saturday 7 August 2010
Michelle on mission to save street kids
From The STAR, Doncaster, Sheffield, UK
By Ross Newton
Michelle Leonard was inspired to carry out unpaid charity work for homeless children after she travelled to Tanzania in east Africa to teach in a primary school.
Now she is calling on Doncaster folk to lend her some support by attending an event next Friday to raise vital cash for the charity she has set up with a group of friends.
Picture: Motivated: Michelle Leonard of Kirk Sandall wants to help street children in Tanzania. Photo by: Steve Taylor.
Read full story.
By Ross NewtonA YOUNG teacher from Doncaster is on a mission to change the lives of African street kids.
Michelle Leonard was inspired to carry out unpaid charity work for homeless children after she travelled to Tanzania in east Africa to teach in a primary school.
Now she is calling on Doncaster folk to lend her some support by attending an event next Friday to raise vital cash for the charity she has set up with a group of friends.
Picture: Motivated: Michelle Leonard of Kirk Sandall wants to help street children in Tanzania. Photo by: Steve Taylor.
Read full story.
Mwanza to burn 4,000 illegal weapons
From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
The Police Force is finalising plans to destroy 4,000 illegal firearms confiscated throughout the country.
The Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Simon Sirro, said the illegal weapons were confiscated in Mara, Shinyanga, Tabora, Rukwa, Mbeya, Ruvuma and Mwanza while other weapons were from the Tabora wildlife department.
He told journalists yesterday that the exercise would be conducted at Nyamagana grounds in Mwanza.
Read full story.
By Sheilla Sezzy, Mwanza
The Police Force is finalising plans to destroy 4,000 illegal firearms confiscated throughout the country.
The Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Simon Sirro, said the illegal weapons were confiscated in Mara, Shinyanga, Tabora, Rukwa, Mbeya, Ruvuma and Mwanza while other weapons were from the Tabora wildlife department.
He told journalists yesterday that the exercise would be conducted at Nyamagana grounds in Mwanza.
Read full story.
20 Tanzania children feared dead in boat capsizing
Update from The Associated Press, London, UK ARUSHA, Tanzania - Police say 20 school children are feared drowned after a boat they were traveling in capsized on the Tanzanian side of Lake Victoria.
Police commander Saymon Siro says the boat capsized Thursday while carrying the children to a school located on an island in the lake. He says the boat was filled with about 40 children between the ages of 6 and 14.
Siro said Friday that six bodies already have been recovered and efforts were underway to search for at least 14 more bodies in the area off the coastal town of Mwanza. Twenty children have been rescued.
Lake Victoria is the world's second-largest body of fresh water. It borders Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Last month more than 10 people died in a boat accident on the Ugandan side of Lake Victoria.
Friday 6 August 2010
18 pupils die, 19 missing in Lake Victoria
From The Guardian/IPPMedia, Dar es Salaam
By Grace Chilongola
Eighteen Alukumbi Nursery and Primary School children drowned and six are missing, presumed dead, after the boat they were travelling in from Chitembele Island to Alukumbi Village capsized in Lake Victoria.
Sengerema district commissioner Allinansi Palangyo confirmed the incident, saying 12 bodies had been recovered out of 18, who were feared dead.
He said the boat, which was carrying 37 schoolchildren capsized yesterday morning.
Palangyo noted that 20 schoolchildren survived death whereby four people among the passengers were able to swim and survive, while the rest were found on top of the boat.
Read full story.
By Grace Chilongola
Eighteen Alukumbi Nursery and Primary School children drowned and six are missing, presumed dead, after the boat they were travelling in from Chitembele Island to Alukumbi Village capsized in Lake Victoria.
Sengerema district commissioner Allinansi Palangyo confirmed the incident, saying 12 bodies had been recovered out of 18, who were feared dead.
He said the boat, which was carrying 37 schoolchildren capsized yesterday morning.
Palangyo noted that 20 schoolchildren survived death whereby four people among the passengers were able to swim and survive, while the rest were found on top of the boat.
Read full story.
18 kids drown in Lake Victoria
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By NASHON KENNEDY in Mwanza
EIGHTEEN primary and pre-school children drowned in Lake Victoria on Thursday, after a boat they were in while going to school at Itendele Island in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region capsized.
The Sengerema District Commissioner, Mr David Palangyo, told 'Daily News' that the accident occurred in the morning, when 37 pupils from Lukungu Village were in a boat crossing to their school at Itendele Island.
Read full story.
By NASHON KENNEDY in Mwanza
EIGHTEEN primary and pre-school children drowned in Lake Victoria on Thursday, after a boat they were in while going to school at Itendele Island in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region capsized.
The Sengerema District Commissioner, Mr David Palangyo, told 'Daily News' that the accident occurred in the morning, when 37 pupils from Lukungu Village were in a boat crossing to their school at Itendele Island.
Read full story.
Thursday 5 August 2010
Police book security guard for stealing 4.3m/-
From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By NASHON KENNEDY in Mwanza
POLICE in Mwanza Region have booked David Stephen (34), a Bwiru resident and Acpros Security Company Ltd worker for allegedly stealing a safe containing 4.3m/- and 7,000 Euro all being the property of J.R company.
The Mwanza Acting Regional Commissioner, Mr Nonosius Komba, told reporters on Wednesday that the event took place at Bwiru Street at 9.30 at night where, police were informed by company director, Victor Kiluma that people who said were company workers stole his safe and the money.
He said the company director said that the safe could not be easily opened, unless they blasted it with heavy explosives.
“We are hunting down the other two guards who were on duty with the suspect,” he said.
Read full story.
By NASHON KENNEDY in Mwanza
POLICE in Mwanza Region have booked David Stephen (34), a Bwiru resident and Acpros Security Company Ltd worker for allegedly stealing a safe containing 4.3m/- and 7,000 Euro all being the property of J.R company.
The Mwanza Acting Regional Commissioner, Mr Nonosius Komba, told reporters on Wednesday that the event took place at Bwiru Street at 9.30 at night where, police were informed by company director, Victor Kiluma that people who said were company workers stole his safe and the money.
He said the company director said that the safe could not be easily opened, unless they blasted it with heavy explosives.
“We are hunting down the other two guards who were on duty with the suspect,” he said.
Read full story.
Monday 2 August 2010
EarthDance Mwanza - coming soon
Heard about the HUGE party that’s coming up on the 18th September 2010? EVERYONE’s invited between 2pm and 2am and it’s going to be wild bigger than anything Mwanza’s ever seen!
What’s it all about?
EarthDance is the world’s largest synchronised music and dance initiative for peace - it celebrates in festival style through music, dance and all forms of creative arts, bringing people of all backgrounds together - and it’s arrived in Mwanza!
Since 1997, EarthDance has been held annually in more and more locations - over 500 across 80 countries. Now Mwanza adds its name to the line up. All the events are held simultaneously joining together in the Prayer for Peace – in what the organisers call ‘a powerful moment of coherent intention’.
The event this year will be hosted by Tunza Lodge and follows the organiser’s theme ‘Embracing All Traditions’
Since 1997, EarthDance has been held annually in more and more locations - over 500 across 80 countries. Now Mwanza adds its name to the line up. All the events are held simultaneously joining together in the Prayer for Peace – in what the organisers call ‘a powerful moment of coherent intention’.
The event this year will be hosted by Tunza Lodge and follows the organiser’s theme ‘Embracing All Traditions’
Read more at Mwanza Guide on FACEBOOK.
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