New Kilimanjaro RC calls for team work

THE newly appointed Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Amos Makala, has met regional staff and promised prosperity if they work as a team. Mr Makala who was recently appointed by President Jakaya Kikwete to the post, said stakeholders should not expect miracles under his leadership, but stressed that only team work and commitment would enable the region overcome the challenges ahead.

“I have been appointed to come to Kilimanjaro. I have not brought surprises or miracles. We shall work together to implement the law, regulations and guidelines for public service,” said Mr Makala. Before his appointment, Mr Makalla was the deputy minister of water.

He has taken over from Mr Leonidas Gama who is vying for Songea Urban seat. The new RC pledged to work hand in hand with the regional leaders and other stakeholders in the public and private sector, in order to make challenges facing the region to be opportunities for development.

Mr Makala urged leaders of different departments at regional secretariat and down the lane to districts, wards and village levels to perform well their duties and see to it that unnecessary tensions do not ensue.

Mr Makalla was welcomed by Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Severine Kahitwa, who read him a report showing development achieved in the region as well as challenges it faces.

One of challenges he mentioned is food shortage. He said in spite of the fact that the region enjoys relatively good weather conditions, it is in need of about 9,000 tonnes of grains and his office has already sent request to the Prime Minister’s Office (Disaster Department). Commenting on the matter, Mr Makala said he will ensure that nobody dies of hunger and warned his juniors against holding back information related to hunger.

It has been common is some parts of the country in the past, for district commissioners to hide such information or disprove them once are given out by citizens or politicians. RAS Kahitwa said a lot has been done by the government, citing projects such as roads construction that have led to open up the region, enabling farmers and businesspersons transport their goods. He said some 150 kilometres of roads have been completed while some other 405 were in various stages.

He mentioned some of the roads that have been completed at tarmac level as Marangu-Mwika-Mkuu/Kilacha (32 kilometres), Mkuu-Tarakea- Kamwanga (32.27 kilometres), Kibosho Shine- Kwa Rafael – International School (15 kilometres) and Rau-Uru Mawella-Njari that measures 9.5 kilometres.

He told the new RC that another big project in the region that is on its first phase is Same – Mwanga – Korogwe Water Project, the phase he said is expected to be completed July, 2017. Another project is a construction of maternity ward at Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital that is ongoing. Mr Kahitwa asked Mr Makala to make a follow-up so that some pledges that were given by President Kikwete are fulfilled in time.

He also invited him to cooperate with other staff so that the dreams of having a Lokolova International Market and a modern town at the same area and Siha Tourists Town come true.