Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe

Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe has nullified the appointment of the Air Tanzania Corporation Limited (ATCL) Acting Managing Director Paul Chizi and suspended four other officials due to violation of public service regulations and failure to manage the company.

The minister will form a special committee of three people with legal and financial knowledge to investigate ATC expenditure compared to its financial report submitted in May, this year.

A press statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday by the Transport Ministry and signed by Permanent Secretary Omary Chambo said Dr Mwakyembe has appointed Capt. Lusajo Lazaro to take over his position with effect from yesterday.

The other four officers who have been suspended are John Ringo the Acting Director for Engineering, Amin Mziray, the company’s legal officer, Justus Bashara, Acting Director for Finance and Josephat Kagirwa Acting Director for Business Development.

According to the statement the appointment of Chizi on August 6, last year went against public service management regulations as outlined in the public service management Act no.8 of 2002 and public service regulations No. 17 (4) of 2003.

The regulations No. 17 (1) and (3) of 2003 give powers to the minister to immediately nullify appointment of officers whose appointments are against public service regulations.

Reacting through ITV/Radio One Chizi confirmed receipt of the ministry letter nullifying his appointment.

He called on other ATCL staff to continue implementing the good things that have been set out in the company’s development plan.

Chizi said he wasn’t aware that his appointment violated public service regulations because he was asked to manage the company because of his professionalism and knowledge of aviation matters.

“I was asked to take over the position so as to revive the ailing company”, he said.

Last month, the former ATCL boss was quoted by the media saying the company was planning to link Dar es Salaam with Dubai in the next three months. He said the aim was to ensure quality and affordable service to Tanzanians.

ATCL recently launched a website in order to improve customer service delivery as well as boost the national flag carrier’s efficiency.

The website enables customers to make bookings without going through ATCL offices or agents and enables customers to air their views through social networks.