VICE President Dr Philip Mpango has instructed sector ministers to stop using most of their time in office and instead undertake visits to the rural areas to address problems faced by the people.

He made the remarks towards the end of a four-day working tour of the region to inspect various development projects, underlining that development projects must be completed on time and to the required standard.

Delays will result in further action, he said, urging regional and district officials to ensure that they allocate enough time to address challenges impeding implementation of various development projects, to bring relief to the people.

While in Mpwapwa District, he directed ministers for different spheres to set up routines of visiting rural areas to tackle development challenges in those areas.

“I urge all government officials to collaborate in solving the citizens’ problems rather than staying in offices waiting for reports,” he said at a rally, citing example of the need for the Water permanent secretary to address water issues facing residents of the district. 

It is unacceptable for Mpwapwa, a long-established district, to remain without water, he stated, also encouraging voters to choose leaders committed to development rather than those who are self-serving, in the upcoming local government elections.

“Let us avoid mistakes; let us elect leaders who are dedicated to development and give President Samia Suluhu Hassan another five years,” he urged, indirectly focusing the general election late next year.

He similarly instructed the Natural Resources and Tourism minister along with the Lands portfolio holder to visit Mpwapwa in view of developing a land use plan for the Wota Mountain area, suffering significant environmental degradation.

Enhanced environmental conservation in the mountain range is vital as deforestation to expand farms poses a serious threat, he said, urging ministerial collaboration with the regional secretariat to protect the mountain areas from even more severe environmental damage.

He told the rally that children of school age must be enrolled, asking parents to monitor their progress, whereas the Natural Resources and Tourism deputy minister Dustan Kitandula bemoaned extensive environmental damage in forest areas and in villages.

“There is severe environmental damage here in Kibakwe,” he said, highlighting the need for areas to be legally protected to ensure that residents preserve natural vegetation.

Upwards of 200 beehives will be provided to youth groups for honey production, to generate income and support environmental conservation, as the Chinese market has room for 38m tonnes of honey, the VP stated. 

This presents a significant opportunity for youth to engage in beekeeping to increase their incomes, he added.