Nine 'nuisances' on the Union already resolved

BY SYLIVESTER DOMASA

17th April 2013

Samia Suluhu, Minister of State Vice President Office (Union)

At least nine out of 13 ‘nuisances’ that were submitted before the Collective Committee on Union Matters have been resolved.
According to Samia Suluhu, Minister of State Vice President Office (Union), even the remaining four are close to completion too.

“Only four issues are left and even those are at a good stage close to completion …,” the minister said in response to a basic question by Haji Khatib, (Kai Micheweni, CUF) who wanted to know at what stage the government is in addressing union matter nuisances.

The remaining issues are, gas/oil exploration and exploitation, Zanzibar’s cooperation with International Institutions, registration of Motor vehicles and National revenue distribution.

“The two governments have the necessary political will to see the issues resolved …,” she insisted and went on to commend the work done by the collective committee that was put together by the former president Benjamin Mkapa.

The collective committee has, since its establishment, brought about conformity and resolutions on various aspects of the Union, notably the implementation of Human Rights in Zanzibar, the Merchant Shipping Act and the capacity for Zanzibar to join the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Also, it is the committee that asserted Zanzibar‘s position in the East African Community, Zanzibar’s Capacity to borrow within and outside the country, Businessmen disputes on multiple taxation and matters on fishing within the economic zone in the Indian Ocean.

The committee also gets credit for resolving issues on electricity tariffs from Tanesco to Zeco and setting up the Pay as you earn system.

The Minister was also vocal against suggestions by some MPs that the government ought to ‘try’ a new form of union proclaimed to which adamantly made clear that the government will not be administered in a trial and error approach. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN