BY LUSEKELO PHILEMON
18th June 2013
Deputy Minister for Transport Dr Charles Tizeba made the stand yesterday in Dodoma when responding to a supplementary question by Mohamed Mnyaa (Mkanyageni, CUF) who wanted to know why the government had not availed the details of either the agreement or the status of investment.
According to MP Sanya, an Oman investment consortium visited Tanzania and pledged to inject US$100m (160bn/) in ATCL.
“The arrival was soon after President Kikwete visited Oman … but no information was availed on the investment,” Sanya claimed.
In response, the deputy minister admitted a businessman from Oman did visit the country with a group of journalists and that they did visit ATCL offices where they expressed interest to invest in the airline but according to the deputy minister no deal was ever signed.
Earlier this year the intent to invest was in fact circulated in Oman-based media outlets and later picked-up by the local media in Tanzania stating that ATCL will receive 100 million US dollars from the investor.
Chairman of Al Hayat Development and investment company, Sheikh SalimAl Harthy, was quoted saying in his statement that he believes in economic collaboration between Tanzania and Oman.
"As part of this commitment, we (Omani Consortium) intend to sign an agreement with Air Tanzania to invest USD100m and lead a consortium of other investors that we have close relations with," he had said.
Among the articulated plans by the investor included building an airline training centre, refurbishing offices for ATCL, buy new planes and engage in other development activities. All plans were expected to start later this year.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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