MINISTER for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa has urged public servants to maintain unity, and harmony and uphold ethical conduct while executing their duties to achieve intended development goals.

He made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday during his first official visit to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

Silva also wanted public servants to prioritize the implementation of the 4Rs philosophy as outlined by Samia Suluhu Hassan and to leverage information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their roles.

Upon arrival, Minister Silaa was warmly welcomed by TCRA Director General Dr Jabiri Bakari and the authority’s management team.

In his welcoming note, Dr Bakari congratulated Silaa on his new role and provided an extensive overview of TCRA’s operations and responsibilities.

He highlighted TCRA’s oversight of critical sectors including telephony, internet, broadcasting, and postal services, noting their significant impact on the national economy.

“Communication is a fundamental sector that supports other areas such as health, education, finance, security, aviation, water, and railways,” Dr Bakari said.

During his visit, Minister Silaa toured several key departments within TCRA and his first stop was the Computer Emergency Response Team (TZ-CERT), where he received briefings on cyber-security measures and challenges.

He was updated on strategies to enhance network security where he emphasised that the safety of communication infrastructure was crucial for national security.

The Minister also visited the customer service desk, where he observed how TCRA handles public complaints and feedback.

He stressed the importance of delivering prompt and efficient services to maintain public trust and satisfaction.

“Prompt and effective service is vital to maintaining public confidence and ensuring quality service delivery, we need to remain dedicated and committed to excellence,” he said.

At the Communication Museum, Minister Silaa explored the rich history of communication in Tanzania.

He viewed historical artifacts and learned how the museum benefits the public, particularly students who frequently visit.

“Preserving and showcasing the development of our communication sector from ancient times to the present is essential for educating current and future generations,” he remarked.

He commended TCRA’s efforts in maintaining this national heritage.

The Minister also inspected TCRA’s spectrum management and quality monitoring vehicles, which are equipped with advanced tools to measure communication quality and manage frequencies.

He highlighted the importance of investing in cutting-edge technologies for effective frequency management, noting: “Investing in advanced technologies is crucial for managing communication frequencies and preventing interference.”

He was also briefed on TCRA’s strategic plans to expand communication services to remote and underserved areas.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the initiatives and pledged to support their success, affirming that the government is committed to ensuring that every Tanzanian has access to quality communication services.

The Minister further promised to maintain close collaboration with TCRA’s management and staff, urging them to work diligently and creatively.

He underscored the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for efficient service delivery and emphasized the importance of adhering to President Samia’s ICT strategy launched on July 29, 2024, at the State House in Dar es Salaam.

Dr Bakari assured the Minister that the authority will continue efficiently to support the achievement of the ministry’s goals. 

“We are confident that under Minister Silaa’s leadership, we will continue to make significant strides in advancing Tanzania’s communication sector,” Dr Bakari added.