MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) were on the whole expressing positive views on a just delivered central government budget estimates for fiscal 2024/25. Speaking in separate interviews with this paper soon after Finance minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba tabled the 49.35trn/- estimates on Thursday, the MPs commended the government for bringing a budget that touches the lives of all groups of people, especially in alleviating some taxes.

The outlined measures will greatly help bring relief to Tanzanians as well as bolster efforts for competitive and inclusive economic growth, they said, pointing at measures like zero rating of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fertilizer manufactured locally.

Other measures appreciated by MPs include exempting VAT on supplies of double refined edible oil from locally grown seeds as well as zero rating VAT on gold supplied to domestic refineries to promote the growth of domestic refineries.

Many were similarly pleased with subsidising agricultural inputs including fertilizers, farming equipment, pesticides and quality seeds, apart from setting aside budget funds for major renovation of roads wrecked by El Nino rains.

Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural) said the budget proposals really touch the lives of Tanzanians, as they focus on key sectors of agriculture, employment and infrastructure development.

He spoke of being relieved to hear the government’s measures for mobilising more domestic funds for road constructions, repairs and maintenance “as this was his major cry for years.”

Godwin Kunambi (Mlimba) said one of the challenges in his constituency is the state of roads but as the government is allocating enough funds for construction and rehabilitation of roads, this is going to cure the challenge.

“With this budget, a 100km road is set to be built at tarmac level in my constituency, something which will open up more opportunities,’ he said. Saashisha Mafuwe (Hai) hailed President Samia Suluhu Hassan on how she has been initiating measures to transform the country’s development expectations.

“One again the government has come up with a budget that brings hope to Tanzanians, showing that President Samia is fully committed to improving the country’s economy as well as helping the poor,” he declared.

Sophia Mwakagenda (Special Seats-Opposition) cited this year’s budget as one of its kind as its major focus has been directed to further bringing relief to all groups of people starting with children, youth to elders so as to fight poverty.

Condester Sichalwe (Momba) said they have received the budget happily as it is going to respond to various challenges facing women and special groups.

Placing a lot of funds for implementing water projects is a good thing as it is going to provide relief to women and girls spending a lot of time searching for water instead of engaging in gainful economic activities, she stated.

The government had also placed enough funds to support agriculture sector transformation where women also have invested a lot of their power and time, she said.

Dr Damian Sambuo, senior lecturer at the Moshi Cooperative University, said the government’s decision to improve pension arrangements had brought joy and relief to many retirees.

The changes will see pensioners with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) receive 40 percent of total retirement benefits after the lump sum increase of seven percent.