Hotuba ya Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Dkt. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, akifungua rasmi Bunge jipya la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Dodoma, 20 Novemba 2015

Hotuba ya Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Dkt. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, akifungua rasmi Bunge jipya la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Dodoma, 20 Novemba 2015

Friday 20th November 2015

Chanzo :ikulu

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Niko hapa leo kutimiza matakwa ya Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Ibara ya 91 Ibara ndogo ya kwanza inayonitaka kulihutubia na kulifungua rasmi Bunge hili. Naomba nimshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kutujalia uzima na afya njema, na kutuwezesha kuwepo hapa siku ya leo. Aidha nitumie fursa hii kuwakumbuka wenzetu ambao, kwa namna na nafasi mbalimbali, walishiriki katika mchakato wa uchaguzi huu na kwa bahati mbaya walipoteza maisha yao kabla ya mchakato haujakamilika. Kwa hao wote waliotangulia mbele za haki ninamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu azirehemu roho zao na awape pumziko la amani. Nitumie nafasi hii kuwapa pole ndugu na jamaa ambao ndugu zao walifariki na wengine kupata ulemavu wakati wa mchakato wa uchaguzi huu.

Pia natoa pongezi kwako wewe Mheshimiwa Spika, Job Ndugai na Mheshimiwa Naibu Spika, Dkt. Ackson Tulia kwa kuchaguliwa kwenu kuongoza Bunge letu la 11. Waheshimiwa Wabunge wamewapa imani yao, na mimi kwa nafasi yangu nawahakikishia imani na matumaini yangu makubwa kwenu. Sina shaka Mheshimiwa Spika, chini ya uongozi wako Bunge letu limepata kiongozi mahiri, makini na mweledi.

Aidha, niwapongeze Wabunge wote kwa kuchaguliwa kuwa wabunge wa Bunge hili la 11. Aidha, nitumie nafasi hii kuwapongeza wale wote waliochaguliwa katika nafasi za udiwani katika kata mbalimbali kote nchini. Natoa pongezi hizi kwa dhati kabisa kabisa kwa sababu kuu mbili:

• Kwanza, ni kwa sababu ushindani katika uchaguzi wa mwaka huu ulikuwa ni mkubwa sana kuanzia ndani ya vyama vyetu na baadae katika Uchaguzi Mkuu uliohusisha na kushindanisha wagombea toka vyama tofauti.
• Pili, nawapongeza kwa sababu wananchi wamewapa imani na ridhaa ya kuwawakilisha katika kipindi ambacho matarajio yao kwa Awamu ya Tano ya uongozi wa nchi yetu ni makubwa sana. Watatupima kwa namna tutakavyokidhi kiu na matarajio yao. Sote tuliahidi kuwatumikia wananchi, na kutokana na utumishi wetu kwao tuweze kutatua matatizo yao mbalimbali, na kuongoza mabadiliko makubwa ya kiutendaji, usimamizi wa matumizi ya mali za umma na rasilimali za taifa, na ugawaji wa rasilimali hizo kwa haki. Mimi na Mheshimiwa Samia Suluhu, Makamu wa Rais tuliwaahidi wananchi kuwa tutawatumikia na tutahakikisha kuwa katika utumishi wetu tutawajali wananchi wote, lakini zaidi wananchi wa kawaida. Naamini wenzangu pia ndicho mlichoahidi na daima tukumbuke kuwa kazi zetu na mipango yetu yote tutakayoipanga na kuisimamia italenga katika kuwanufaisha watu wetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;                             

Niwahakikishie tu wananchi kuwa mambo tuliyowaahidi tutayatekeleza. Sikusudii kurejea mambo yote niliyoahidi katika hotuba yangu hii ya leo, lakini nataka niwatoe wasiwasi kabisa kwamba tuliyoahidi tumeahidi na ahadi ni deni. Nataka Wananchi mniamini kuwa sikutoa ahadi ili tu mnipigie kura, niliahidi kuwatumikia na kuwafanyia kazi, na hicho ndicho nitakachofanya. Ni imani yangu kwamba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Madiwani pia watafanya hivyo hivyo kama tutakavyofanya sisi.

Napenda pia kutoa shukrani zangu za dhati kabisa kwa Watanzania wote. Tulijiandikisha kwa wingi sana kwa ajili ya kupiga kura, tulishiriki na kufuatilia kwa karibu sana kampeni za uchaguzi, na tukajitokeza kwa wingi siku ya kupiga kura. Kinyume na ilivyotabiriwa na wasio tutakia mema hakuna siku iliyokuwa na utulivu mkubwa na amani kama siku ya tarehe 25 Oktoba tulivyokwenda kupiga kura. Hata baada ya matokeo kuanza kutangazwa tulionyesha utulivu mkubwa, na hata pale ambapo matokeo yalipotangazwa na yakawa sivyo baadhi yetu walivyoyatarajia bado tuliyapokea kwa hali ya utulivu na uungwana mkubwa.

Wale waliotarajia kuwa tutafarakana wameondoka wakiwa wamefadhaika sana huku wakijiuliza hivi hawa Watanzania ni Waafrika wa namna gani. Ndugu zangu Watanzania, kwa mara nyingine tena tumedhihirisha, kwetu sisi wenyewe, kwa Afrika na dunia, kwamba sisi ni kisiwa cha Amani katika bahari iliyochafuka. Tunayo haja ya kujipongeza na kujiwekea nadhiri kuwa tuaendelea kuidumisha hali hii na kuilinda amani ya nchi yetu. Ombi langu kwa vyama vya siasa, wanasiasa wa vyama vyote na viongozi wa dini ni kutimiza wajibu wetu wa kuilea amani ya nchi yetu.

Aidha, napenda niungane na ninyi pamoja na Watanzania wote kuvipongeza vyombo vyetu vya Ulinzi na Usalama (Jeshi la Wananchi Tanzania (JWTZ), Polisi, Magereza, Uhamiaji na Usalama wa Taifa pamoja na mgambo) kwa jinsi walivyoshiriki katika kuhakikisha nchi yetu inaendelea kuwa salama katika kipindi chote cha uchaguzi. 

Nawapongeza pia Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi kwa namna walivyosimamia zoezi zima la uchaguzi toka hatua za awali za kujiandikisha hadi siku ya kupiga kura na kutangaza matokeo. Mmetimiza wajibu wenu kwa weledi na umahiri mkubwa katika mazingira magumu na yenye changamoto nyingi. Hongereni, hongereni sana!

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Naomba kwa namna ya pekee, niwashukuru viongozi wakuu wa nchi yetu walionitangulia kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri walioifanyia nchi yetu. Natambua mchango wa Waasisi wa taifa letu, Mwalimu Nyerere na Mzee Karume kwa kujenga misingi imara wa umoja, mshikamano na amani ya nchi yetu. Mzee Mwinyi (Mzee Ruksa) kwa kuleta mabadiliko ya kiuchumi na kisiasa na kuijenga misingi yake. Mzee Mkapa (Mzee wa Ukweli na Uwazi) kwa kupanua na kuimarisha misingi ya uchumi na siasa ya nchi yetu. Mzee Kikwete (Mzee wa Maisha Bora) kwa kuendeleza misingi hiyo na kupanua fursa mbalimbali kwa wananchi kujiletea maendeleo yao. Wamefanya kazi kubwa. Nawashukuru sana na ninawatakia uzee mwema na maisha marefu ili tuzidi kuchuma busara zao.

Mhishimiwa Spika;

Tumeingia kwenye uchaguzi wamoja, tumeshindana katika kampeni tukiwa wamoja, na tumemaliza uchaguzi wetu tukiwa wamoja. Nataka niwahakikishie Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania kwa ujumla kwamba Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaendelea kulinda kwa nguvu na uwezo wote Tunu hizi za Umoja na Amani. Hatutakuwa na simile kwa mtu au kikundi chochote ambacho kitataka kuvuruga umoja na amani yetu kwa misingi ya udini, rangi, ukabila, vyama au ukanda.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

       Wakati wa kampeni, yako maeneo yaliyojitokeza kwa kulalamikiwa sana na wananchi. Ningependa niyataje baadhi ya maeneo yaliyolalamikiwa, maeneo hayo ni pamoja na:

• Rushwa - Suala la rushwa limelalamikiwa sana takriban katika maeneo yote yanayogusa wananchi.
• TAMISEMI - Upotevu wa mapato, kushindwa kukusanya kodi, ubadhirifu, matumizi mabaya ya fedha na utekelezaji wa baadhi ya miradi chini ya viwango, wizi, uzembe, n.k.;
• Ardhi – Migogoro ya wakulima na wafugaji, viwanja, kuhodhi maeneo bila kuyaendeleza, mipango miji, kujenga maeneo ya wazi, n.k.;
• Bandari - Rushwa, wizi, ubadhirifu na urasimu;
• Maji – Kiwango cha chini cha upatikanaji wa maji safi na salama, huduma ya maji kupatikana mbali na makazi, n.k.;
• TRA - Ukwepaji kodi, rushwa, ubadhirifu, urasimu na upotevu wa mapato kwa kushindwa kukusanya kodi hasa kodi zinazotakiwa kulipwa na wafanyabishara wakubwa;
• TANESCO - Kukatika kwa umeme mara kwa mara na uwepo wa umeme wa mgao;
• Maliasili na Utalii - Ujangili ambao lazima Idara husika inashiriki, Migogoro ya mipaka kati ya vijiji na Hifadhi, Upotevu wa mapato, n.k.;
• Huduma za Afya (Hospitali) - Huduma kuwa mbali na wahitaji, Ukosefu wa madawa, hujuma kwenye vifaa vya vipimo, msongamano wa wagonjwa na tozo zisizostahili, lugha mbaya za watumishi kwa wagonjwa, uhaba wa majengo, vitendea kazi, rasilimali watu na fedha, kushindwa kukusanya mapato yanayowahusu, n.k.;
• Uhamiaji na Ajira - Kutoa hovyo hati za uraia, Vibali vya kuishi nchini kwa wageni, Kushindwa kusimamia ajira za wageni hususan kwa kazi zinazoweza kufanywa na wazawa, n.k.;
• Elimu - Uhaba wa vifaa vya kujifunzia na kufundishia, michango mingi isiyo ya lazima, malalamiko ya walimu yasiyoisha, mazingira ya kusomea ikiwa ni pamoja na majengo, Madawati, Ukosefu wa nyumba za walimu, n.k.;
• Polisi - Malalamiko ya wananchi kubambikiwa kesi, upendeleo, Madai ya askari, Ukosefu wa nyumba za askari, Ukosefu wa vitendea kazi vya kisasa, n.k.;
• Zimamoto – Kuchelewa kufika kwenye matukio, kufika kwenye matukio bila vitendea kazi kama maji, n.k.;
• Mizani – kucheleweshwa kwa magari yanayosafiri;
• Mahakama - Natambua jitihada za Mahakama katika kushughulikia swala la mrundikano wa kesi. Hata hivyo, bado kumekuwa na malalamiko mengi juu ya ucheleweshaji wa kesi.
• Madini – Wenyeji kutofaidika, Vilio vya wachimbaji wadogowadogo kutengewa maeneo ya uchimbaji na kupatiwa mikopo, kutolipa kodi stahiki, usumbufu kulipa fidia, n.k;
• Kilimo na Mifugo – Uhaba wa pembejeo za mifugo na kilimo, Tatizo la masoko, Kukopwa mazao ya wakulima, Ukosefu wa Wataalamu wa Ugani, Upungufu wa Maghala, Mabwawa, Malambo, Majosho, n.k.;
• Uvuvi – Vifaa duni na masoko, Uvuvi haramu, Uwekezaji mdogo katika Sekta ya Uvuvi hususan viwanda vya mazao ya uvuvi n.k., na hasa katika ukanda wetu wa bahari;
• Reli – Uchakavu wa miundombinu ya nchi, Kutokuwepo kwa usafiri wa uhakika wa reli, upungufu wa bandari kavu, Mizigo mingi kusafirishwa kwa barabara, n.k.;
• ATC – Shirika la Ndege lipo, Wafanyakazi wapo zaidi ya 200, na wanalipwa mishahara ila ndege ni moja (1);
• Makundi Maalum – Haki za wazee, Walemavu, Wanawake na watoto zimekuwa zikikiukwa;
• Wafanyakazi, Wasanii na Wanamichezo – Mzigo wa kodi kwa wafanyakazi, Haki na maslahi yao, n.k.;

Kero hizi tutazishughulikia kwa nguvu zetu zote. Wizara, Ofisi na Taasisi husika zijipange ipasavyo kutatua kero hizi. Nimetaja baadhi ya kero hizi ili nanyi Waheshimiwa Wabunge mzitambue na mshirikiane na Serikali na wadau wengine tuzitatue haraka.

Pamoja na kero hizo tutashughulikia pia mambo yafuatayo.

Kuimarisha Muungano

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nilipoapa kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, niliapa kuulinda Muungano wa nchi yetu. Hata bila kiapo, mimi ni muumini wa dhati wa Muungano wetu wa kipekee, uliounganisha nchi mbili zilizokuwa huru za Jamhuri ya Tanganyika na Jamhuri ya Watu wa Zanzibar, tena kwa hiari na kwa wino wa kalamu, na si mtutu kama miungano mingine duniani. Naamini kwa dhati ya moyo wangu kuwa Muungano wetu ndio umoja wetu, amani yetu na salama yetu. Ninayo kila sababu ya kuulinda na kuuenzi Muungano wetu adhimu na adimu. Ni azma yangu kuwaona wananchi wa Zanzibar na Bara wakifurahia matunda ya Muungano wetu badala ya kuwa kikwazo kwa ustawi wao na ustawi wa nchi yetu.

Aidha, kwa kushirikiana na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na wadau wa siasa hususan vyama vya CUF na CCM tutahakikisha kuwa majaribu ya kisiasa yanayoikabili Zanzibar yanamalizika kwa salama na amani. Tunamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu atujalie busara na hekima tumalize kwa utulivu na amani.

Serikali nitakayoiunda itafanya kila lililo ndani ya uwezo wake kuendelea kuimarisha Muungano wetu. Nina faraja kuwa Mheshimiwa Samia Suluhu, Makamu wa Rais anao uzoefu mkubwa kutokana na nafasi yake ya awali ya Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais anayeshughulikia Muungano, na pia akiwa Makamu Mwenyekiti wa Bunge la Katiba. Mimi pamoja na Makamu wa Rais, Mama Samia Suluhu na Rais wa Zanzibar, Dkt. Ali Mohamed Shein tutahakikisha tunasimamia na kuimarisha Muungano wetu.

Kuimarisha Mihimili ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaheshimu na kuendeleza utamaduni mzuri uliojengeka nchini wa kuheshimu mihimili ya dola. Tutafanya hivyo kwa kuhakikisha kuwa mihimili yetu ya Bunge na Mahakama inapata fedha za kutosha kuendesha shughuli zake kwa uhuru kupitia Mfuko wa Bunge na Mfuko wa Mahakama. Kwa upande wa Bunge, tutahakikisha fedha za Mfuko wa Maendeleo ya Jimbo zinapatikana kwa wakati ili Waheshimiwa Wabunge mkashirikiane na wananchi wenu kusukuma maendeleo. Kwa upande wa Mahakama, tutalipa uzito mkubwa suala la uboreshaji wa Mahakama kwa kusogeza huduma za Mahakama karibu na wananchi, kuongeza kasi ya utoaji haki na kuboresha maslahi ya watumishi wa Mahakama zetu.

Mchakato wa Katiba

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali yangu imepokea kiporo cha mchakato wa Katiba ambao haukuweza kukamilika katika Awamu iliyopita kutokana na kutokukamilika kwa wakati kwa zoezi la uandikishaji wapiga kura. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tunatambua na kuthamini kazi kubwa ya kizalendo iliyofanywa na wananchi walioshiriki hatua ya awali ya ukusanyaji wa maoni kuhusu Katiba mpya, Tume ya Marekebisho ya Katiba na Bunge la Katiba lililotupatia Katiba Inayopendekezwa. Tutatekeleza wajibu wetu kama ulivyoainishwa katika Sheria ya Marekebisho ya Katiba. 

Uchumi na Matarajio ya Wananchi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano inaingia madarakani kukiwa na msingi imara wa kiuchumi uliojengwa katika Awamu inayomaliza muda wake. Uchumi wa nchi yetu umekuwa ukiimarika na kukua wastani wa asilimia 7. Katika kipindi hicho fursa mbalimbali za kiuchumi zilizopo nchini mwetu zimezidi kufunguliwa. Hii ni kutokana na jitihada zilizofanywa na Serikali za Awamu zilizopita za kujenga miundombinu ya kiuchumi kama vile barabara, uimarishaji wa bandari, uimarishaji wa reli, na ukuzaji wa sekta za mawasiliano ya simu na mitandao, ukuzaji na uongezaji wa uwezo wetu wa kuzalisha na kusambaza umeme.

Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tutaendeleza na kuimarisha ujenzi wa miundombinu mipya na kuiimarisha iliyopo ili kuvutia na kushawishi wawekezaji wa ndani na wa nje.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nasema hivi kwa sababu miongoni mwa ahadi tulizowaahidi Watanzania ni kuendeleza ujenzi wa barabara mbalimbali za kuunganisha miji yetu mikuu ya mikoa na wilaya; barabara ziendazo kwenye maeneo muhimu ya kimkakati na kiuchumi; na upanuaji wa barabara za miji kama Dar es Salaam kwa kujenga flyovers, barabara za pete (ring roads), n.k. Uboreshaji wa barabara na njia nyingine za uchukuzi na usafirishaji kuingia na kutoka Dar es Salaam ni muhimu sana kwa sababu bandari ya Dar es salaam ni lango kuu la biashara kwa nchi yetu na nchi jirani.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Katika jitihada hizo hizo za kuboresha na kuimarisha miundombinu ya kiuchumi Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano, katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo itaelekeza nguvu zake katika ujenzi wa reli mpya katika kiwango cha kimataifa (yaani standard gauge). Reli ambazo tunakusudia zianze kujengwa ni:

• Dar es Salaam – Tabora – Kigoma/Mwanza
• Uvinza – Msongati (Burundi) na Isaka – Kigali (Rwanda)
• Mtwara – Songea – Mbamba Bay na matawi ya kwenda Mchuchuma na Liganga;
• Tanga – Arusha – Musoma
• Kaliua – Mpanda – Karema

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nchi yetu pia imejaliwa kuwa na madini na maliasili nyingi. Ugunduzi wa gesi asilia umeongeza matumaini ya watu wetu wengi juu ya uwezo wetu wa kiuchumi katika miaka ijayo. Serikali itahakikisha kwamba madini na maliasili zetu zinatumika kwa manufaa ya Taifa letu kwa kusimamia Sheria na Taratibu zilizopo. Aidha, napenda kuipongeza kwa dhati kabisa Serikali ya Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete na Bunge la 10 kwa kupitisha Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mapato ya Mafuta na Gesi yaani The Oil and Gas Revenues Management Act, 2015. Serikali yangu itasimamia utekelezaji wa sheria hiyo kwa uaminifu na umakini mkubwa.

Ujenzi wa Viwanda

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaweka mkazo mkubwa katika ujenzi wa Viwanda. Natambua kwamba sekta binafsi ndiyo muhimili mkubwa wa kujenga uchumi wa viwanda. Hatuna njia nyingine kama kweli tunataka kujenga msingi wa uchumi endelevu katika nchi yetu utakaopaisha uchumi na maisha ya watu wetu. Dira ya Maendeleo ya 2025 inatutaka tuwe nchi ya watu wenye kipato cha kati. Tunaweza tukafika huko, na dalili zipo, lakini pia tunaweza tukafika huko kitakwimu tu wakati ukweli na uhalisia wa mambo ni tofauti. Utofauti ninaouzungumzia ni pale takwimu zitakapoonyesha kwamba sisi ni nchi ya kipato cha kati wakati mapato halisi na hali za maisha ya watu wengi hazifanani na takwimu hizo. Tamaa yangu na kwa kweli jitihada za Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano, zitakuwa katika ujenzi wa uchumi wa kipato cha kati ambapo sura na maisha ya Watanzania walio wengi yafanane fanane na nchi ya kipato cha kati. Njia moja ya kutufikisha huko ni uendelezaji wa viwanda.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tutahakikisha suala la viwanda linasimamiwa vizuri na tunafanikiwa. Matarajio yangu ni kuwa Bunge lako Tukufu litatuunga mkono mimi na Serikali nitakayoiunda katika kufikia lengo hili.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kama nilivyosema wakati wa Kampeni, na nataka nirudie hapa, tutaanza na viwanda vilivyopo na kuhakikisha vinafanya kazi. Wale wote ambao walibinafsishiwa viwanda vilivyokuwa vya umma kwa makubaliano kwamba wataviendeleza niliwataka wafanye hivyo mapema. Na hapa nataka nisisitize wito wangu huo kwao. Najua huko nyuma ufuatiliaji na usimamizi wa utekelezaji wa mikataba ya aina hiyo umekuwa ukilegalega na watu wamejifanyia mambo watakavyo. Wapo walioacha kabisa uzalishaji na kufumua hata mitambo ya uzalishaji. Mimi niliahidi, na nataka niseme hapa kwa wazi kabisa, kwamba wale waliobinafsishiwa viwanda hivyo waanze kazi, waanze kazi mara moja. Wakishindwa basi tutavitwaa viwanda hivyo kwa kuzingatia sheria na taratibu za nchi na kuwapa watu wengine wenye nia ya kuviendeleza. Hatuwezi kuwa na watu wanajiita wawekezaji tunawapa viwanda vyetu halafu wanaviatamia tu. Mimi hilo sitalikubali na wala sitalivumilia. Nimeielekeza Ofisi ya Msajili wa Hazina kuanza kushughulikia suala hili mara moja. Naomba Bunge lako lituunge mkono.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Njia ya pili ya kuendeleza viwanda ni kuhimiza na kushawishi wawekezaji kuwekeza katika maeneo mbalimbali ya nchi yetu. Kama nilivyoeleza miundombinu ya kufanya hivyo tayari ipo na baada ya muda itakuwa bora zaidi. Najua wapo watu wanaotaka kuwekeza Tanzania sasa, katika viwanda, na wamekuwepo hata miaka ya nyuma kidogo, lakini wakati mwingine sisi humu humu – tukiwemo sisi viongozi kwa kushirikiana na wafanyabiashara matapeli na laghai – tumehujumu mipango na shauku ya wawekezaji wa nanma hiyo. Pamoja na shauku na utayari wao wa kuwekeza Tanzania tumewawekea vikwazo na kuwapiga vita na hivyo kuwalazimisha kwenda kuwekeza katika nchi jirani. Sisi katika Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano tutajitahidi sana kuondoa usumbufu na urasimu wa aina hiyo na kuongeza bidii ya kuwashawishi wawekezaji wa ndani na wa nje kuja kuwekeza viwanda hapa nchini. Kwa watendaji wa Serikali watakaokwamisha jitihada za uwekezaji na ujenzi wa viwanda hapa nchini hatutawavumilia.   

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ni viwanda vya aina ipi hasa tunavyovikusudia? Sura ya kwanza ya viwanda tunavyovikusudia ni vile ambavyo sehemu kubwa ya malighafi yake itatoka ndani, hususan kweye sekta za kilimo, mifugo, uvuvi, na madini – na maliasili nyingine. Viwanda vya aina hii vitatupa fursa ya kujenga mfumo wa uzalishaji ndani ya nchi uliofungamana na kushikamana. Viwanda vya aina hii vitahitaji na kutegemea malighafi toka kwa wazalishaji wa sekta nilizozitaja, na kwa kufanya hivyo wazalishaji hao watakuwa na soko la uhakika humu humu ndani ya nchi. Sura ya pili ya viwanda hivi ni kuzalisha bidhaa ambazo zinatumiwa na watu wengi humu nchini (mass consumption) – yaani bidhaa kama vile nguo, viatu, mafuta ya kupikia, n.k. kwa hivyo viwanda hivi vitakuwa na uhakika wa soko la ndani kabla ya kufikiria soko la nje. Viwanda hivi vitatarajiwa kuzalisha ziada kwa ajili ya masoko ya nje. Yote mawili yakitokea, yaani kuzalisha kwa ajili ya soko la ndani na nje, itatuongezea akiba yetu ya fedha za kigeni na kutuwezesha kutekeleza na kuendeleza mipango mingine kwa ajili ya ustawi wa uchumi wetu. Sura ya tatu ya viwanda tunavyovikusudia ni kuzalisha ajira nyingi. Shabaha yetu ni kuwa ifikapo mwaka 2020 idadi ya ajira itokanayo na viwanda ifikie asilimia 40 ya ajira zote zitakazokuwepo nchini wakati huo.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nimeamua kulisema hili kwa kirefu sana kwa sababu ili tufanikiwe lazima tuelewane na tusaidiane kulisukuma kwa pamoja jambo hili. 

Kilimo, Mifugo na Uvuvi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Sekta nyingine ambazo lazima tutazitilia mkazo mkubwa na kuziendeleza ni kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi. Tutaziangalia sekta hizi kwa mtazamo wa kibiashara na viwanda kwa lengo la kuwa na viwanda vya kisasa vya kuongeza thamani mazao yatokanayo na kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi. Nchi yetu kwa kiasi kikubwa ni nchi ya kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi. Hii inatokana na ukweli kwamba sehemu kubwa ya watu wetu wapatao asilimia 75wanaishi vijijini na wanategemea kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi kwa ajili ya maisha yao. Wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wanatumia zana na mbinu duni katika shughuli zao na wanazalisha zaidi ya asilimia 95 ya chakula chote kinacholiwa hapa nchini, na kutoa mchango wa asilimia 25kwenye pato la taifa yaani GDP, na asilimia 30 ya mapato yetu ya fedha za kigeni. Kwa takwimu hizi chache ni wazi kwamba mchango wa sekta ya kilimo, mifugo  na uvuvi katika uchumi wetu na maisha yetu ni mkubwa sana. Nichukue nafasi hii kuwapongeza na kuwashukuru wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wote wa Tanzania kwa mchango wao mkubwa katika maisha yetu na uchumi wa nchi yetu. Nataka kuahidi kwao sitawaangusha.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na umuhimu wa kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi katika uchumi wetu wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wetu wengi bado ni watu maskini. Mapato yao yako chini na wanaishi maisha duni. Lengo letu ni kuuimarisha sekta hizi ili ziweze kutoa mchango mkubwa zaidi katika uchumi wa nchi lakini pia ziweze kuwanufaisha wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi katika kuyabadili maisha yao. Tukiweza kuboresha sekta hizi vijana wengi zaidi watavutiwa kujiunga nazo na hivyo kupunguza tatizo la upatikanaji wa ajira. Nataka niwahakikishie wakulima, wafugaji na wavuvi wetu kwamba ahadi zetu kwao tutahakikisha zinatekelezwa. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itazisimamia kwa dhati ahadi hizo ili kuhakikisha kwamba kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi unakuwa wa kisasa zaidi na wenye tija. Baadhi ya mambo tuliyowaahidi kuyatekeleza ni pamoja na haya yafuatayo:

1. Kuwapatia mafunzo ya kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi wa kisasa ikiwa pamoja na ufugaji wa samaki,
2. Kuwapatia pembejeo,
3. Kuwapatia zana za kisasa za kilimo, ufugaji na uvuvi,
4. Kuwapatia wataalamu wa ugani,
5. Kuwawezesha kupata masoko ya uhakika ya mazao yao,
6. Kuwapatia mikopo, na kwa hili Benki ya Kilimo itasaidia sana kufikia lengo hili,
7. Kuondoa ushuru, kodi na kero mbalimbali za mazao ya kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi zinazosababisha bei ya mazao hayo kuwa chini (mfano. Kahawa, kule Kagera ina kodi 26 ambazo husababisha wananchi kuuza kahawa yao Uganda ambako bei iko juu, tutapunguza kama sio kuondoa kabisa ushuru hizo ili wakulima wapate bei nzuri. Tutafanya hivyo pia  kwa mazao mengine kama mahindi, chai, pamba, korosho, mkonge, ngozi, nyama, maziwa, samaki, n.k.),
8. Kuwahakikishia umiliki wa ardhi na kuwaondolea usumbufu wa wao kuondolewa kwenye ardhi zao kupisha  wawekezaji,
9. Kuhakikisha kwamba migogoro ya ardhi baina ya wakulima na wafugaji tunaitatua na kuikomesha kwa kuhakikisha kuwa vyanzo vya msingi vya migogoro hiyo tunaviondosha haraka,
   1. 10.      Kuhakikisha kwamba tatizo la wavuvi kuvamiwa   na majambazi na uvuvi haramu linashughulikiwa kikamilifu.

Tatizo la Umaskini na Ajira

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nimezungumzia umuhimu wa kuendeleza viwanda, kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi kwa sababu ya matatizo makubwa mawili yanayoikabili nchi yetu kwa sasa. Kwanza, ni tatizo la UMASIKINI na pili ni tatizo la AJIRA. Ni kweli uchumi wetu umekuwa ukikua kwa kasi ya kuridhisha, lakini kasi hiyo haijawiana na kasi ya kuondoa umasikini na uzalishaji wa ajira za kutosha kwa vijana wetu wanaoingia kwenye soko la ajira kila mwaka.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kwa mujibu wa takwimu zilizopo zaidi ya asilimia 28.2 ya Watanzania ni maskini. Na kwamba kwa namna na kadri uchumi wetu unavyokuwa pengo baina ya matajiri (walionacho) na maskini (wasionacho) linazidi kukua. Tukiendelea hivi tunavyoendelea sasa hatutakuwa tunaitakia mema nchi yetu kwa sababu mgawanyiko mkubwa wa kimapato na tofauti kubwa za kimaisha baina ya matajiri na maskini ukiachiwa uendelee na kuzidi kukua utachochea chuki na uhasama baina ya walionacho na wasionacho. Lazima tujizatiti na kutumia akili, maarifa na nguvu zetu zote kukabiliana na kuibadilisha hali hii. Kwanza, lazima tushughulike na UMASIKINI wa watu wetu. Na njia moja kama nilivyokwisha eleza ni uendelezaji wa sekta ya viwanda na uboreshaji wa sekta za kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tatizo la pili ni AJIRA. Kama nilivyokwisha kugusia, ukuaji wa uchumi wetu haujaenda sambamba na kasi ya watu wanaoingia kwenye soko la ajira kila mwaka. Tatizo la ajira ni kwa vijana wote waliosoma viwango mbalimbali vya elimu na wasio na ujuzi. Hii inamaana kwamba sekta zinazochangia kukua kwa uchumi wa nchi yetu sizo zinazozalisha ajira kwa wingi. Ndio maana ya kuweka msisitizo kwenye sekta ya viwanda hasa vile vinavyoajiri watu wengi, na sekta ya kilimo, uvuvi na mifugo ambavyo ndio mwajiri mkubwa hivi sasa.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na kuweka msisitizo katika Viwanda, Kilimo, Mifugo na Uvuvi hatuna budi kuwawezesha vijana wetu kuanzisha shughuli mbalimbali za uzalishaji kwa viwango mbalimbali. Ili hili liwezekane, na sisi tutalifanya, linahitaji mambo mawili makubwa.

Kwanza, kuwaandaa vijana wetu vizuri kielimu na kiujuzi. Hatuna budi kuweka mkazo katika viwango vya ubora vya elimu na stadi za kazi wanazopata vijana wetu. Nalisema hili kwa sababu hatuwezi kuzungumzia uendelezaji wa viwanda ikiwa hatujaandaa vijana wenye uwezo, ujuzi, na stadi za kufanya kazi hizo kwa ubora na ufanisi wa hali ya juu; hatuwezi kutaka kuwekeza katika viwanda vya nguo au samani ikiwa hatuna wahandisi wa mitambo wazuri, wabunifu  wa zuri na wenye viwango vinavyotakiwa na kukubalika. Aidha hatuwezi kuwa na vijana wenye uthubutu wa kuanzisha shughuli za uzalishaji kama hawana elimu na maarifa ya kubuni miradi na kuiendeleza. Kwa hivyo tutaelekeza nguvu zetu katika kuhakikisha kuwa shule na vyuo vyetu katika ngazi mbalimbali vinafundisha na kutoa vijana wenye viwango vya hali ya juu vya elimu, maarifa, ujuzi na ufundi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pili, ni suala la uwezeshaji wa vijana hasa wale watakaotaka kujiajiri. Katika kutekeleza lengo hili Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itachukua na kutekeleza hatua mbalimbali ikiwemo:

• Kuwawezesha vijana wanaohitimu Elimu ya Juu na Vyuo vya Ufundi kupata mitaji ya kuwasaidia kuanzisha makampuni yao kulingana na fani walizosomea;
• Kuwawezesha vijana kuanzisha  SACCOS zao na kupitia SACCOS hizo kuwawezesha kupata mikopo;
• Kuwawezesha vijana wajasiriamali kujiunga na Mifuko ya Hifadhi ya Jamii ili waweze kupata mikopo na kunufaika na mafao mengine katika mifuko hiyo.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tatu, ni kuzitambua na kuziheshimu kazi na shughuli mbalimbali zinazofanywa na makundi mbalimbali ya kinamama na vijana. Hapa namaanisha shughuli za kina Mama lishe, wachuuzi mbalimbali, Machinga, waendesha Boda Boda na Maguta, na vijana wa kike na wa kiume wanaojitafutia kazi mbalimbali halali za kujipatia mapato kwa ajili ya kuendesha maisha yao, n.k. Shughuli za makundi haya zinatusaidia sana katika kupunguza makundi ya vijana wetu ambao wangekaa tu na kuzurura zurura ovyo bila shughuli ya kufanya. Na kwa kuwa kwa sasa uwezo wetu wa kuwapatia ajira tofauti ni mdogo ni jukumu letu kuwasaidia na kuwawezesha kufanya shughuli zao kwa utilivu bila bugudha. Niliahidi, na nataka nirudie hapa, kwamba Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano ikishirikiana na Halmashauri zetu, pamoja na Wakuu wa Mikoa na Wilaya itaweka mipango na taratibu nzuri na rafiki kwa aina ya shughuli ambazo baadhi nimezigusia. Aidha, ushuru usio wa lazima na wenye usumbufu kwa wafanyabiashara wadogo wadogo utokanao na shughuli nilizozitaja tutauondoa. Tunaamini ikiwa tutaweza kuongeza ukusanyaji mapato, na kuziba mianya ya wakwepaji wakubwa wa kodi ambao huipotezea Serikali mabilioni ya fedha tutakuwa hatuna sababu ya kufukuzana na kina mama na vijana mitaani. Viongozi na watendaji wa Serikali na hasa wa Halmashauri watenge maeneo kwa ajili ya wafanyabishara wadogo na waandae mipango ya kupunguza ushuru usio wa lazima.

Afya

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Dhamira ya kujenga uchumi wa kisasa na suala la kupambana na umasikini linakwenda sambamba na kuwa na wananchi wenye afya bora. Kwa kutambua ukweli huu na mahitaji ya huduma bora za wananchi wetu Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itahakikisha kwamba wananchi wanapata huduma bora za afya kwa kufanya baadhi ya mambo yafuatayo:

• Kwanza, kuimarisha huduma za afya pale zilipo na kuanzisha pale ambapo hazipo. Lengo ni kuhakisha kwamba kila kijiji kinakuwa na Zahanati, kila Kata inakuwa na Kituo cha Afya, kila wilaya inakuwa na Hospitali, na kila Mkoa unakuwa na hospitali ya Rufaa.
• Pili, tutaimarisha na kuboresha huduma za afya kwa kuongeza utaalamu katika Nyanja za afya kwa kuwapatia mafunzo watumishi wake ndani na nje ya nchi; kwa kuzipatia vifaa bora na vya kisasa hospitali, vituo vya afya na zahanati zetu. Lengo la kufanya hivyo ni kuwezesha upatikanaji wa huduma mahsusi hapa hapa nchini na hivyo kutolazimika kupeleka watu wetu kutibiwa nchi za nje.
• Tatu, tutaongeza bajeti ya dawa na kuboresha mfumo wa upatikanaji ili kuhakikisha dawa zinapatikana katika hospitali, vituo vya afya na zahanati zetu. Aidha, tutahamasisha wananchi wajiunge na Bima ya Afya.

Elimu

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Natambua juhudi kubwa zimefanyika katika upanuzi wa elimu ya awali, msingi, sekondari na vyuo vikuu.  Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itajielekeza katika kuongeza ubora wa elimu inayotolewa ikiwa pamoja na na kuongeza mkazo katika masomo ya sayansi.  Aidha, tutahakikisha kwamba vifaa vya kufundishia na kujifunzia vinapatikana ikiwa ni pamoja na maabara, vitabu, madawati, n.k. Tutahakikisha kuanzia Januari mwakani elimu kuanzia darasa la kwanza hadi kidato cha nne inatolewa bure, kama tulivyoahidi kwenye kampeni.  Tutahakikisha kwamba wanafunzi wengi zaidi wa elimu ya juu wanapata mikopo kwa wakati.  Tutashughulikia maslahi na kero za walimu wa ngazi zote ikiwa ni pamoja na kujenga nyumba za walimu vijijini na kuiunga mkono Benki ya walimu ili iweze kuwanufaisha zaidi.

Maji

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Wakati wa kampeni nimekutana na malalamiko mengi sana ya ukosefu wa maji. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itahakikisha kwamba inaongeza kiwango cha upatikanaji wa maji kufikia asilimia 85 kwa maeneo ya vijijini na asilimia 95 kwa maeneo ya mijini ifikapo 2020. Tutakamilisha miradi iliyokwishaanza na kuanzisha miradi mipya mikubwa na midogo ya maji kutoka katika mito, maziwa na vyanzo vingine vya uhakika vya maji  ikiwa  pamoja na kuvuna maji ya mvua. Tunataka tuwatue akina mama ndoo kichwani. Tunatambua umaskini hauwezi kuondoka nchini kama wananchi hawapati maji safi na salama.

Umeme

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Suala la upatikanaji wa umeme limeendelea kuwa tatizo katika nchi yetu pamoja na jitihada kubwa zilizofanywa na Serikali zilizopita. Hatuwezi kuzungumzia suala la kujenga viwanda wakati umeme hautoshi. Serikali yangu itahakikisha kwamba umeme unapatikana wa kutosha na wa uhakika. Tutakamilisha miradi ya umeme iliyopo na kujenga mingine mingi mipya ili wananchi wengi zaidi wanufaike na nishati ya umeme na viwanda vingi zaidi vidogo vidogo, vya kati na vikubwa vianzishwe.

Madawa ya Kulevya

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Madawa ya kulevya yamekuwa ni janga kubwa kwa taifa letu na kundi linaloathirika zaidi ni vijana wa kiume na kike. Familia nyingi zimeathirika na nguvu kazi ya taifa imepotea.  Tutaushughulikia mtandao huo hususan wafanyabiashara wakubwa wanaojihusisha na madawa ya kulevya bila ajizi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Masuala mengine tutakayoyawekea mkazo katika utawala wa Awamu ya Tano ambayo ninaamini yatasaidia katika kujenga uchumi wetu ni pamoja na masuala ya Utalii, Mawasiliano, Madini, Ardhi na Makazi, Ujenzi na Miundombinu, Bandari, Barabara, Ulinzi na Usalama, utunzaji wa mazingira, Vijana, Wanawake, Watu wenye Ulemavu na Ualbino, Wazee, Wafanyakazi, Wasanii na Wanamichezo, wanahabari, wafanyabiashara, wawekezaji, wajasiriamali, sekta binafsi, n.k. Utekelezaji wa masuala haya umefafanuliwa vizuri katika Ilani ya CCM ya mwaka 2015. Tutayatekeleza ipasavyo.

Mapambano Dhidi ya Rushwa na Ufisadi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Jambo moja nililolisemea kwa nguvu kubwa wakati wa kampeni ni mapambano dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi. Sikufanya hivyo kwa sababu nilitaka tu kuwarubuni wananchi ili wanipe kura zao na kunifanya kuwa Rais wao. Nililiongea jambo hili kwa dhati kabisa, na nilichokisema na kuwaahidi wananchi ndicho hasa nilichokikusudia.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Wananchi wanachukia sana rushwa na ufisadi, na wamechoshwa na vitendo hivyo. Mimi pia ninachukia rushwa na ufisadi. Sifurahishwi kabisa na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vinavyoendelea hapa nchini. Vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vinawanyima haki wananchi na kuitia hasara serikali kwa mamilioni ya fedha ambazo zingeweza kutumika kwa ajili ya kujenga miradi ya maendeleo kwa ajili ya watu wetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Chama changu, Chama cha Mapinduzi, kimejengwa katika misingi ya kukataa rushwa na ufisadi. Ndio maana moja ya Imani kuu za CCM ni ile isemayo: “Rushwa ni adui wa haki, sitatoa wala kupokea rushwa”

Kwa Mtanzania mwaminifu kwa imani yake hatakuwa na kigugumizi katika kuwa mstari wa mbele katika kupambana na rushwa na ufisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Mmoja wa waasisi wa Taifa letu, Baba wa Taifa, Hayati Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, aliwahi kuifananisha rushwa na ufisadi ‘Kama Adui Mkubwa wa Watu’.  Akiongea Bungeni Mei 1960, Mwalimu Nyerere alisema yafuatayo kuhusu rushwa:

“Rushwa [na ufisadi] havina budi kushughulikiwa bila huruma kwa sababu naamini wakati wa Amani rushwa na ufisadi ni adui mkubwa kwa ustawi wa watu kuliko vita.”

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Haya ni maneno makali ya mtu na kiongozi aliyeichukia na kuikemea rushwa katika maisha yake yote ya uongozi. Ni maneno yanayotukumbusha tu nini kinaweza kikatutokea kama taifa endapo tutaendekeza rushwa na ufisadi. Chuki za wananchi dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi ni dhahiri, wamechoka kabisa, wamechoka sana, hawako tayari kuvumilia upuuzi wa serikali itayoonea haya rushwa na kulea mafisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Mimi nimewaahidi wananchi, na nataka niirejee ahadi yangu kwao mbele ya Bunge lako tukufu, kwamba nitapambana na rushwa na ufisadi bila kigugumizi na bila haya yoyote. Dawa ya jipu ni kulitumbua, na mimi nimejipa kazi ya kuwa mtumbua jipu. Najua kutumbua jipu kuna maumivu lakini bahati mbaya halina dawa nyingine. Hivyo ninaomba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania wote mniombee na muniunge mkono wakati natumbua majipu haya.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ninafahamu ugumu wa vita niliyoamua kuipigana. Nasema nafahamu ugumu na changamoto zake kwa sababu wanaojihusisha na rushwa sio watu wadogo wadogo. Vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi vyenye madhara makubwa kwa nchi na ustawi wa nchi yetu hutendwa na watu wenye dhamana kubwa za uongozi na utumishi ambazo wamezipata kutokana na ridhaa ya watu.  Kwa hivyo ili niweze kufanikiwa lazima nipate ushirikiano mkubwa toka kwa Bunge lako tukufu na vyombo vingine vilivyopo na vyenye majukumu ya kupambana na vitendo hivi.

Aidha, tutashinda vita hii endapo wananchi pia watatuunga mkono. Sina mashaka kuwa kwa vile wao, kwa wingi wao, wanachukia rushwa na ufisadi, watakuwa tayari kutoa ushirikiano wao katika mapambano haya dhidi ya rushwa na ufisadi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Katika kushugulikia tatizo hili nimeahidi kuunda mahakama ya Rushwa na Ufisadi. Ni matumaini yangu vyombo husika katika jambo hili havitanikwamisha.

Aidha, nataka niahidi mbele ya Bunge lako tukufu kwamba, kiongozi yeyote wa kuteuliwa, ambaye mimi nitakuwa nimemteua kwa mamlaka niliyonayo kikatiba, na ninayo mamlaka ya kumwajibisha, pindi tu nikibaini na kujiridhisha kuwa anajihusisha na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi nitamtimua mara moja. Baada ya mimi kuchukua hatua hizo hatua na taratibu zingine za kisheria zitafuata.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Ninachotaka kusema ni kuwa Serikali yangu itafuatilia kwa karibu mienendo ya viongozi na watendaji wake ili kubaini kwa haraka nani anajihusisha na vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi. Na tukishajiridhisha hatutasubiri, tutachukua hatua. Ni imani yangu wengine pia katika ngazi mbalimbali mtafanya hivyo. Kwa sababu bila kufanya hivyo rushwa na ufisadi vitazoeleka na kuwa wimbo unaoburudisha badala ya kuudhi na kukera.

Muundo wa Serikali na Utumishi

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nilipokuwa nazunguka na kuzungumza na wananchi wakati wa Kampeni za Uchaguzi, niliahidi kuwa nitaunda serikali ndogo ya wachapa kazi.

Aidha, niliahidi pia kuunda serikali ambayo itawatumikia watu na hasa wananchi wa kawaida. Serikali nitakayounda, nataka iwe inawahudumia wananchi kwa haraka na sio kuwasumbua sumbua na kuwazungusha. Natoa rai kwa watumishi wa serikali, hasa ambao ni wazembe na wavivu, kujiandaa. Wamevumiliwa kwa muda mrefu sasa basi. Kwa sababu watumishi wa aina hiyo hawatavumuliwa katika serikali nitakayoiongoza. Lugha za “hiyo ni changamoto tutaishughulikia”, au “Mchakato unaendeela” hazitavumiliwa katika Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano. Mimi nataka watu wa Kazi Tu. Hatuwezi kulea watu ambao wanalipwa mishahara lakini hawafanyi kazi wanazotakiwa kufanya, au wamegeuza ofisi za umma kuwa ni mahala pa kuchuma bila kufanya kazi.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Pamoja na kuwataka watumishi wa Serikali kufanya kazi hatuna budi kuyaangalia na kuboresha mishahara na maslahi yao na mazingira yao ya kufanyia kazi kwa kuwapatia vitendea kazi bora na vya kisasa. Na jambo moja tutakalolitekeleza ni kuangalia namna ya kupunguza kodi ya mapato katika mishahara ya wafanyakazi yaani PAYE.  Pia tutajitahidi kuwatambua na kuwapa motisha wafanya kazi wachapa kazi.

Kuongeza Mapato na Kupunguza Matumizi ya Serikali

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Kwa zaidi ya miaka mitatu sasa ukusanyaji wa mapato umekuwa chini ya makadirio kwa sababu mbalimbali. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaongeza nguvu katika upanuzi wa wigo wa kodi na kuongeza ufanisi katika ukusanyaji wa mapato. Tutahakikisha kwamba kila mtu anayestahili kulipa kodi analipa kodi stahiki.  Hatutasita kumchukulia hatua mtu yoyote atakaye kwepa kulipa kodi. Tunawaomba wananchi mhakikishe mnapewa risiti kila mnaponunua bidhaa au huduma. Kodi ni kitu muhimu lazima kila mtu anayestahili kulipa kodi alipe.

Aidha, tutahakikisha kwamba kila senti inayoongezeka katika mapato ya Serikali inaelekezwa katika kutoa huduma bora zaidi kwa wananchi. Tutaziba mianya ya upotevu wa fedha za Serikali ambayo inaipunguzia Serikali uwezo wake wa kuwahudumia wananchi. 

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Nitataja baadhi tu ya maeneo ambayo tutayasimamia kwa lengo la kupunguza matumizi yasiyo ya lazima na kuziba mianya ya uvujaji wa fedha za Serikali:

Kwanza, safari zote zisizo za lazima nje ya nchi Serikalini tutazidhibiti na badala yake tutawatumia mabalozi wetu kutuwakilisha kwenye mikutano ya aina hiyo. Na pale inapolazimu kiongozi au mtumishi mwandamizi kusafiri tutahakikisa kwamba haandamani na msururu wa watu wengi ambao hawana umuhimu wala shughuli za kufanya katika safari hizo.

Katika kusisitiza hili napenda niwape takwimu za fedha zilizotumika ndani ya Serikali, Mashirika ya Umma na Taasisi nyingine za Serikali kwa safari za nje kati ya mwaka 2013/14 na 2014//2015. Jumla ya shilingi bilioni 356.324 zilitumika kwa ajili ya safari za nje kama ifuatavyo:

• Tiketi za ndege (Air ticket) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 183.160;
• Mafunzo nje ya nchi (Training Foreign) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 68.612;
• Posho za kujikimu (Per Diem Foreign) zilitumia shilingi bilioni 104.552;

Wizara na Taasisi zinazoongoza kwa matumizi ya safari za nje ni pamoja na Bunge, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikano wa Kimataifa, Wizara ya Fedha, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu, Ofisi ya Taifa ya Ukaguzi wa Hesabu za Serikali (NAOT), Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani, n.k.

          Hizi fedha zingeweza kutumika vizuri kuboresha huduma za wananchi wa maisha ya chini, kama afya, maji, elimu, umeme n.k. Mfano; fedha hizi zingetosha kutengeneza kilometa 400 za barabara za lami, tujiulize zingeweza kutengeneza zahanati ngapi?, nyumba za walimu ngapi?, madawati mangapi? n.k. Hivyo tunapodhibiti safari za nje tunawaomba Waheshimiwa Wabunge na Watanzania wote mtuelewe na mtuunge mkono.

Pili, tutahakikisha tunadhibiti safari na ziara za mafunzo nje ya nchi zinazogharamiwa na serikali ambayo yanapatikana hapa nchini.

Tatu, tutadhibiti warsha, semina, makongamano, na matamasha ambayo kwa kweli yanatumia fedha nyingi tu za serikali lakini hayana tija na wala hayaongezi ufanisi katika utekelezaji na usimamizi wa sera na mipango ya Serikali.

Nne, tutasimamia kwa ukamilifu Sheria ya Manunuzi ya Umma ili kuhakikisha kwamba mianya yote ya fedha za umma inayotokana na usimamizi hafifu tunaiziba. Ni matarajio yangu kutakapoleta Mswada wa Marekebisho ya Sheria ya Manunuzi ya Umma Waheshimiwa Wabunge mtatuunga mkono.

Tano, tutasimamia na kudhibiti ukiukwaji wa maagizo na maelekezo mbalimbali yaliyokwisha kutolewa na Serikali siku za nyuma kuhusu ununuzi wa bidhaa kama samani kwa ajili ya matumizi ya Serikali. Samani zote kwa ajili ya matumizi ya Serikali zinatakiwa ziwe zile zinazozalishwa hapa hapa nchini.

Sita, Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itasimamia kwa karibu na kuthibiti ununuzi wa magari ya gharama kwa ajili ya Viongozi na Watumishi waandamizi wa Serikali; na

Saba, tutaendelea kuchunguza na kudhibiti matumizi ya Serikali na Taasisi zake zote yasiyo na tija kwa uchumi wa taifa letu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Kwa ajili hiyo, vipaumbele vya Serikali ninayotarajia kuiunda vitakuwa ni: kupunguza urasimu ili kuongeza kasi ya utekelezaji wa maamuzi na miradi ya Serikali; kubana matumizi kwa kupunguza yale ambayo kutokana na hali yetu ya uchumi kwa sasa yanaweza kuepukika;na kurejesha nidhamu ya  Serikali na utumishi wa umma kwa kuongeza uwazi na uwajibikaji.

          Tutatekeleza vipaumbele hivyo kwa kufanya pamoja na mambo mengine kupunguza ukubwa wa Baraza la Mawaziri; kuongeza usimamizi katika ukusanyaji wa mapato ya kodi na maduhuli ya Serikali kwa kuziba mianya ya ukwepaji kodi, tutahakikisha kwamba wale wote wanaotakiwa kulipa kodi wanalipa ipasavyo. Tutaongeza nidhamu ya matumizi ya Serikali ili kuhakikisha fedha zinazookolewa zinakwenda kwenye miradi ya maendeleo; na kusimamia sheria, kanuni na taratibu za uwajibikaji wa viongozi na watumishi wa umma ili wawajibike kwa wananchi ambao ndio wateja na waajiri wakuu wa watumishi wa umma. Serikali ya Awamu ya Tano itaendelea kubainisha maeneo mengine ya matumizi yasiyo ya lazima ambayo yanaigharimu Serikali fedha nyingi na kuyadhibiti. Aidha, nitoe wito kwa Watanzania wote kila mmoja wetu afanye kazi iwe shambani, ofisini, kiwandani, sokoni, n.k.  Badala ya tabia ya sasa iliyoanza kujengeka kwa Watanzania kutokupenda kufanya kazi na hivyo kupoteza muda mwingi vijiweni, muda ambao ungetumika kufanya kazi ndiyo maana kauli mbiu yangu ni HAPA KAZI TU!

Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa

Kikanda na Kimataifa

Mheshimiwa Spika;

          Nchi yetu imepata mafanikio makubwa katika Nyanja ya diplomasia na ushirikiano wa kimataifa katika awamu zilizotangulia za uongozi. Serikali yangu itaendeleza sifa hiyo kwa kujenga juu ya msingi imara uliowekwa na awamu zilizotangulia na awamu ya nne chini ya Rais Mstaafu Dkt. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. Tutaendelea kuwa waumini na tutaendeleza sera ya ujirani mwema na nchi zinazotuzunguka kwa lengo la ustawi wa watu wetu na maslahi mapana ya nchi yetu. Tutaendelea kuwa waaminifu wa utangamano wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki (EAC) na daima tutatekeleza wajibu wetu kwa mujibu wa Mkataba wa Uanzishwaji wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki, itifaki zake na maamuzi ya vikao vya nchi wanachama. Tutaendelea kutekeleza matakwa ya Mkataba huu wa kujenga utengamano wetu hatua kwa hatua.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Tanzania itaendelea kuwa mwanachama mwaminifu wa Jumuiya ya Maendeleo ya Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC) na kuendelea kushirikiana kwa karibu na nchi wanachama ambao tunauhusiano wa kihistoria na kidugu. Tutaendelea kuamini katika Umoja wa Afrika (AU) na azma ya ndoto ya waasisi wetu ya kuunganisha bara la Afrika. Tutaendelea pia kushiriki kikamilifu katika Jumuiya ya Nchi za Maziwa Makuu (ICGLR) na kushirikiana na nchi wenzetu wanachama kutafuta majawabu ya kudumu ya amani, usalama na maendeleo katika eneo la maziwa makuu.

          Tutaendeleza na kustawisha mahusiano na marafiki zetu wote Magharibi, Mashariki ya Mbali na Mashariki ya Kati kwa lengo la kushirikiana kwa maslahi ya nchi zetu na watu wetu. Tutapenda kutumia fursa nzuri ya mahusiano yetu mazuri kisiasa kukuza mahusiano yetu ya uchumi kwa kutumia diplomasia ya uchumi. Tutafanya hivyo pia kwa ushirikiano wa kimataifa kwa kuendeleza mahusiano yetu na Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) na taasisi zake, Jumuiya ya Madola, Benki ya Dunia, Shirika la Fedha Duniani (IMF) na Benki ya Maendeleo ya Afrika (AfDB), n.k.

Aidha, tutazitaka Balozi zetu zionyeshe matunda yanayolingana na thamani ya fedha tunazowapelekea hususan katika kuvutia uwekezaji, biashara, utalii na mchango wao katika ukuzaji wa sekta ya viwanda. Tunataka kuona diplomasia yetu na Sera yetu ya nje ikijibu changamoto zetu za ndani za ajira, miundombinu, masoko ya mazao ya wakulima, viwanda n.k.

Hitimisho

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Naomba kabla ya kuhitimisha nitoe wito kwa Waheshimiwa Wabunge, Bunge hili linalo nafasi ya kuweka historia ya kuwa kitu kimoja na kuweka masilahi ya Taifa mbele. Kama kuna kitu ambacho wananchi wanachukia ni lugha za vijembe, mipasho, na ushabiki wa vyama bungeni. Kwanza, tukumbuke wote bila kujali itikadi za vyama vyetu sisi ni kitu kimoja; na pili tumechaguliwa kuwawakilisha wenzetu. Baada ya miaka mitano kila mmoja atarudi kwenye jimbo lake kuomba kura na huko atapimwa kwa maendeleo aliyopeleka. 

Tusimame pamoja, Tanzania ni yetu sote tutangulize masilahi ya nchi mbele, na kwa mara ya kwanza Watanzania waone Bunge tofauti na sio Bunge la kuzomea, kutoka nje, kutukanana, mipasho, n.k. Tunaitwa Waheshimiwa kwa heshima ya dhamana tuliyopewa na Bunge hili Tukufu, tutunze heshima hiyo ili tuzidi kuheshimiwa.

Aidha, napenda kusisitiza kuwa kazi iliyoko mbele yetu ni kubwa. Matarajio na matumaini ya Watanzania waliotuchagua na kutupa ridhaa ya kuwaongoza katika kipindi cha miaka mitano ijayo ni makubwa. Wanachotaka kuona ni nchi yetu kupiga hatua kubwa za maendeleo zitakazojibu matumaini yao na kutatua shida na kero zao. Nyie na mimi, baada ya miaka mitano toka sasa, tutapimwa kwa namna tutakavyokuwa tumetekeleza mambo ambayo tumewaahidi Watanzania wenzetu. Mimi nina amini kabisa kwa ushirikiano wetu na kwa kufanya kazi kwa bidii na ubunifu tutaweza kuzitimiza ndoto za Watanzania wenzetu.

Mheshimiwa Spika;

Sasa natamka kwamba nimelifungua rasmi Bunge la 11 la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Asanteni kwa kunisikiliza!

Mungu libariki Bunge letu na Wabunge wake!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza

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NAHUU MDIO WASIFU WA RAIS WA JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA MHESHIMIWA DKT. JOHN POMBE JOSEPH MAGUFULI

Mhe. Dkt. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli

Rais wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania tangu 2015-11-05 Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Dkt. John P. Magufuli,  alizaliwa  Oktoba 29, 1959  Wilayani Chato Mkoa wa Kagera ambayo hivi sasa ipo Mkoa wa Geita. Dkt. Magufuli amemuoa Mwalimu Janet na wamejaliwa

kupata watoto.

Kazi

Harakati zake za kisiasa zilianza mwaka 1995 alipogombea kiti cha ubunge katika jimbo la Chato na kuteuliwa kuwa Naibu Waziri katika Wizara ya Ujenzi. Mwaka 2000 Dkt. Magufuli aligombea na kushinda kwa mara ya pili  na kuteuliwa kuwa Waziri wa Wizara ya Ujenzi.  Katika chaguzi za mwaka 2005 na 2010, aliendelea kuwania  kiti cha ubunge katika jimbo la Chato na kushinda uchaguzi huo na kuteuliwa kuwa  Waziri wa  Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi hadi mwaka 2008 alipohamishiwa Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, ambayo aliiongoza hadi mwaka 2010. Mwaka 2010 alipochaguliwa tena kuwa mbunge wa Chato aliteuliwa kuwa Waziri wa Ujenzi.
Harakati zake za kisiasa zilianza mwaka 1995 alipogombea kiti cha ubunge katika jimbo la Chato na kuteuliwa kuwa Naibu Waziri katika Wizara ya Ujenzi. Mwaka 2000 Dkt. Magufuli aligombea na kushinda kwa mara ya pili  na kuteuliwa kuwa Waziri wa Wizara ya Ujenzi.  Katika chaguzi za mwaka 2005 na 2010, aliendelea kuwania  kiti cha ubunge katika jimbo la Chato na kushinda uchaguzi huo na kuteuliwa kuwa  Waziri wa  Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi hadi mwaka 2008 alipohamishiwa Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, ambayo aliiongoza hadi mwaka 2010. Mwaka 2010 alipochaguliwa tena kuwa mbunge wa Chato aliteuliwa kuwa Waziri wa Ujenzi.

Elimu

Dkt. Magufuli pia alijiunga na Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT) kwa mujibu wa sheria akianzia Makutupora, Dodoma (Julai - Desemba 1983), kisha akaenda kambi ya Makuyuni, Arusha (Januari hadi Machi 1984) na akamalizia katika kambi ya Mpwapwa mkoani Dodoma (Machi – Juni 1984). Mwaka 1985 alijiunga na Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam akisomea Shahada ya Sayansi ya Elimu akibobea kwenye masomo ya Kemia na Hisabati na alihitimu mwaka 1988. Kati ya mwaka 1991 na 1994  alijiunga na masomo ya Shahada ya Uzamili ya Sayansi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Salford nchini Uingereza, kikishirikiana na Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam ambako alipata Shahada ya Uzamivu ya Kemia kati ya mwaka 2000 na 2009.

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RAIS KIKWETE AHUDHURIA MAZISHI YA CHIFU KINGALU WA 14 WA WALUGURU, NA KUSIMIKWA KWA CHIFU KINGALU 15 KIJIJINI KINOLE, MOROGORO

Mama Salma Kikwete akimpa pole na pia kumpongeza Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru  wa Mkoa wa Morogoro Chifu Kingalu wa 15  baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro leo Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo na hatimaye mazishi ya kaka yake Marehemu Chifu Kingalu wa 14.

Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru wa Mkoa wa Morogoro Chifu Kingalu wa 15  akiongea machache baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro leo Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo na hatimaye mazishi ya kaka yake Marehemu Chifu Kingalu wa 14.

Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akizungumza na  Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Warugulu wa Mkoa wa Morogoro Chifu Kingalu wa 15  baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro leo Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo na hatimaye mazishi ya kaka yake Marehemu Chifu Kingalu wa 14.

PICHA NA IKULU

 

Mama Salma Kikwete akimpa pole na pia kumpongeza Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru  wa Mkoa wa Morogoro Chifu Kingalu wa 15  baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro leo Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo na hatimaye mazishi ya kaka yake Marehemu Chifu Kingalu wa 14.

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RAIS KIKWETE ASHUHUDIA KUSIMIKWA KWA KIONGOZI MPYA WA WALUGURU CHIFU KINGALU WA 15 KIJIJINI KINOLE, MOROGORO

Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akishuhudia kusimikwa kwa Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru Chifu Kingalu wa 15 katika kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo cha Chifu Kingalu wa 14 aliyefariki jana Jumatano jijini Dar es salaam na kuzikwa leo kijijini hapo.

Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru Chifu Kingalu wa 15 akitolewa nje baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kuwa kiongozi wa kabla hilo kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo cha Chifu Kingalu wa 14 aliyefariki jana Jumatano jijini Dar es salaam na kuzikwa leo kijijini hapo.

Kiongozi mpya wa kabila la Waluguru Chifu Kingalu wa 15 akichomeka fimbo yake ya Uchifu kabla ya kuketi  meza Kuu na Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete baada ya kusimikwa rasmi kuwa kiongozi wa kabla hilo kijijini Kinole mkoani Morogoro Alhamisi Julai 3, 2015 kufuatia kifo cha Chifu Kingalu wa 14 aliyefariki jana Jumatano jijini Dar es salaam na kuzikwa leo kijijini hapo.

PICHA NA IKULU

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SERIKALI YAZINDUA KAMATI YA KUSHUGHULIKIA CHANGAMOTO ZA USALAMA ZA WATU WENYE UALBINO

 

 Waziri wa Sheria na Katiba, Dk. Asha-Rose Migiro akiizundua Kamati itakayoshughulikia changamoto za usalama za watu wenye Ualbino nchini kwa niaba ya Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mathias Chikawe. Kamati hii imeundwa kutokana na ahadi ya Rais Jakaya Kikwete aliitoa wakati alipokutana na viongozi wa Chama cha Albino nchini (TAS), Machi 5, mwaka huu. Uzinduzi huo ulifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, jijini Dar es Salaam leo. Kushoto meza kuu ni Kaimu Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Haji Janabi, na kulia ni Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi nchini, IGP Ernest Mangu. Picha zote na Felix Mwagara, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi. 
Kaimu Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Haji Janabi akiwafafanulia jambo wajumbe wa Kamati itakayoshughulikia changamoto za usalama za watu wenye Ualbino nchini. Kamati hiyo ambayo ni ahadi ya Rais Jakaya Kikwete aliitoa alipokutana na viongozi wa Chama cha Albino nchini (TAS), Machi 5, mwaka huu, imezinduliwa leo na Waziri wa Sheria na Katiba, Dk. Asha-Rose Migiro (katikati meza kuu) kwa niaba ya Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mathias Chikawe. Uzinduzi huo ulifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, jijini Dar es Salaam leo. Kulia meza kuu ni Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi nchini, IGP Ernest Mangu. Picha na Felix Mwagara, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi.  Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Albino nchini (TAS), Ernest Kimaya akimshukuru Waziri wa Sheria na Katiba, Dk. Asha-Rose Migiro (katikati meza kuu), Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mathias Chikawe (hayupo pichani), Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi nchini, IGP Ernest Mangu (kulia meza kuu), kwa msaada wao ambao umesaidia matukio ya utekaji na mauaji ya albino kupungua kwa kiasi kikubwa. Pia alisema Kamati iliyozinduliwa itaongeza nguvu zaidi katika kukabiliana na changamoto ambazo zinawakabili za usalama wao nchini. Kushoto meza kuu ni Kaimu Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Haji Janabi. Kamati hiyo ilizinduliwa na Waziri Dk. Migiro kwa niaba ya Waziri Chikawe, katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, jijini Dar es Salaam leo. Picha na Felix Mwagara, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi.   Waziri wa Sheria na Katiba, Dk. Asha-Rose Migiro akizungumza na Kaimu Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Haji Janabi (kulia), na Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi nchini, IGP Ernest Mangu mara baada ya kupokelewa Waziri huyo katika ofisi za Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, ili azindue Kamati itakayoshughulikia changamoto za usalama za watu wenye Ualbino nchini, kwa niaba ya Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mathias Chikawe. Kamati hiyo imeundwa kutokana na ahadi ya Rais Jakaya Kikwete alipoitoa alipokutana na viongozi wa Chama cha Albino nchini (TAS), Machi 5, mwaka huu. Uzinduzi huo ulifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, jijini Dar es Salaam leo. Picha na Felix Mwagara, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi.  Waziri wa Sheria na Katiba, Dk. Asha-Rose Migiro (wanne kulia-mstari wa mbele), Kaimu Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Haji Janabi (katikati), na Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi nchini, IGP Ernest Mangu (watatu kulia) wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na wajumbe wa mkutano wa uzinduzi wa Kamati itakayoshughulikia changamoto za usalama za watu wenye Ualbino nchini. Kamati hiyo ilizinduliwa na Waziri Migiro kwa niaba ya Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, Mathias Chikawe. Hata hivyo Kamati hiyo imeundwa kutokana na ahadi ya Rais Jakaya Kikwete alipoitoa alipokutana na viongozi wa Chama cha Albino nchini (TAS), Machi 5, mwaka huu. Uzinduzi huo ulifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi, jijini Dar es Salaam leo. Picha zote na Felix Mwagara, Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi. 
KITENGO CHA MAWASILIANO YA SERIKALIWIZARA YA MAMBO YA NDANI YA NCHI

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How to set up Support Groups

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This guide deals with setting up and running support groups for people living with HIV and Aids and their families.

 It has the following sections:

1. Why set up support groups?
2. Aim of support groups.
3. Setting up support groups (summary)
4. Different types of support groups
5. Making your support groups a success
6. Before you set up the group
7. Finding members
8. Meetings
9. Developing a shared vision
10. Developing an action plan
11. Examples of what can be done in a support group
12. Topics that the group should address
13. How to support members who use antiretrovirals
14. Evaluating your work

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1.  Why set up support groups?

“I wanted to see other people with HIV.  We gained strength  just from knowing each other”  HIV support group participant, South Africa

The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS makes life more difficult for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Loneliness, anxiety, stress, confusion, bitterness and depression can make people more vulnerable to illness if they do not get any kind of support. People living with HIV/AIDS need a lot of emotional, spiritual, psychological, social, physical and clinical support.

Different people and different institutions can provide some support, but it is important for people living with HIV/AIDS to come together and support one another. People living with HIV/AIDS would know better what their hopes, joys, anxieties, fears and needs are and they are the ones who should define how best they want to be understood and treated.

 Some of the common needs of people living with HIV/AIDS are:

• Health and medical supplies and skilled medical services.
• Counselling to reduce isolation and promote acceptance.
• Community support groups to provide a safe place where feelings and advice can be shared.
• Spiritual support such as prayer groups and home visits by religious leaders.
• Social acceptance to help people living with HIV/AIDS feel welcome by visiting them and treating them like friends.
• Physical care such as bathing, cleaning their homes when they are sick, and any other thing they are not able to do on their own.
• Nutritional help so that families improve their diets using cheap and available foods.
• Safe clean water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine.
• Accurate information about HIV/AIDS.

2.  Aims of support groups

Support groups can be set up for many different reasons. Here are a few:

• To provide emotional support and coping mechanisms to those people who are undergoing a difficult time in their lives, and are willing to be part of a support group.
• To provide information for its members so that they can understand the disease and be able to educate their family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours about the disease.
• To draw strength from other members experiences.
• To share information around treatment, care and healing.
• To educate people about antiretroviral medication and to encourage people to keep taking their medication.
• To build a social network of people with similar problems.
• To improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
• To ensure that  a person living with HIV/AIDS can live a positive and productive life.
• To empower members with knowledge about HIV/AIDS and help them develop skills. 
• To create networking opportunities for those involved in the support group.
• To reduce isolation and discrimination while encouraging acceptance around HIV/AIDS.
• To demystify the disease and promote de-stigmatisation and community acceptance of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
• To strengthen HIV prevention messages by encouraging the community to have contact with people living with HIV/AIDS.

3. Setting- up support groups (summary)

Support groups can only recruit people who agree to be members. When you set up a support group you are starting a new organisation from scratch. Here are some of the things you should try to do:

• Develop a clear and shared purpose among the group members.
• Nominate people to coordinate activities of the group.
• Develop a realistic programme of action for the group.
• Evaluate the program regularly to make sure you are still on the right track.
• Have between three and twenty members. 
• Hold meetings at accessible and user-friendly venues.
• Keep an up-to-date database of membership.

4. Different types of support groups

There are many types of support groups, some are public and others are secret. It is important for members to decide early on if the support group is going to be public or secret. Many people may be keeping their status secret and may not want to be associated with an HIV/AIDS support group. Here are some of the different types of support groups that have been set up:

Support groups that meet in a clinic

 A doctor, a nurse or a social worker usually runs these support groups. They have a set timetable when they will see clients, a folder with client’s history, a set programme, and a specific purpose. Members are usually people who have been diagnosed in the clinic, but individuals may decide to come on their own, as they believe that there is some kind of confidentiality in the clinic.

Support groups that meets at church premises

These support groups are not different from the others as they have a similar purpose and a set programme. Religious ministers, a clinical psychologist or a social worker runs these support groups. Members are people who will have had counselling sessions with the minister or have been referred by a clinic or a friend.

Students who set up a support group at campus

Trained students or a resident clinical psychologist usually run these support groups. Students are referred to the support group from health or counselling services, or join because they hear about it.

House gatherings

Some people living with HIV/AIDS  want to come together in a house because of the privacy. They feel comfortable with this arrangement. Most people who want to meet in a house would be people who want to keep their status a secret. Trained people living with HIV/AIDS, clinical psychologists, social workers, nurses or doctors mostly run these support groups.

Informal support group

Some support groups operate on an informal basis. Members come together, share their problems, and discuss ways of helping themselves and each other. They do not get professionals or trained volunteers to run the groups, but work out their own programme and way of doing things.

Letter writing

Some people with HIV/AIDS maintain support through letter writing or through telephone networks. For people who are isolated and not close to any support groups, this may be a good option.

Buddy system

Some people living with HIV/AIDS would prefer to be in a group with people that they have developed rapport with. They would start a support group which is defined by what they think is best for them. They will have a set programme or informal arrangement depending on what is best for the group.

5. Making your support group a success

It is important that a support group meets the emotional, mental, spiritual, clinical,  psychological and socio economic needs of the group.  Individual attention for members is important as members are different and will have different needs from time to time.

Support groups are more successful when they achieve the goals they are set up to achieve.  Here are some things to keep in mind to help make the group a success:

• Make sure the members themselves decide the aims and activities of the group.
• Encourage group members to attend activities or meetings on a regular basis.  
• Promote a high level of trust in the group – talk about what trust means
• Ensure there is a variety of different activities.
• Encourage open communication and discussion within the group.  Make it as safe and comfortable as possible for people to speak about difficult issues.
• All members have equal status within the group.  It is important to make sure that no one dominates the group and that no one is left out.
• Group members should feel that they are learning new things.

6. Before you set up the group

1. Based on the need you have identified, think about exactly who you would like to participate in the support group.  It may be easier to start off with a group of people that have something in common.   For example, people of a similar age, or gender. When people have gained confidence in these groups it can be easier to develop more mixed groups.

These are some examples of possible types of groups:

• All members are HIV-positive
• Men only or women only who are HIV-positive
• Teenagers who are HIV-positive
• People who are HIV-Positive and their partners or family members
• Single mothers with children who are HIV-positive
• Teenagers or children orphaned by AIDS
• People who have lost a spouse or life partner to AIDS
• People who are caring for people living with AIDS.

Some groups make it clear to members that they are not going to be asked to disclose their HIV status.  Groups such as this never assume that members are HIV-positive or negative until a member discloses that information him or herself.

2. Find out if there are any other HIV-support groups in your area.  If so, speak to them about what you are planning to do and find out  what they are planning to do.  You can then refer people to each other’s groups.

3. Ask yourself whose support you need to make the support group a success.  A community leader? The administrator of the local clinic? The senior social worker at the local hospital?  Your local church leaders? When you think it might be helpful, try and involve them in the process of setting the group up.

4. Consider whether your group needs to be open or secretive.  Some members may be in danger of rejection or violence in their families or communities if their HIV-status is found out.  If you decide that the need is for a secretive group you must take every precaution to protect the identity of the group members.  For example, make sure that anyone referring members to the group (nursing sister, volunteers, etc.) know that they must not tell anyone else about the referral.

7.  Finding Group Members

Some support groups operate in a clinic and referrals come through clinic staff.  In this case you may have a ready source of potential members.  In other cases you may need to do some ground work to find group members.  Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Talk to doctors, nursing sisters, social workers and other staff members in clinics and hospitals.  Give them your contact details to pass on to people they think could benefit from the group.
• Prepare pamphlets or posters advertising the group.  If the group is secretive ONLY include contact information. Distribute these to hospital and clinic waiting rooms and other areas you think are appropriate.
• Speak to people in the community whom you think will be concerned about people with HIV/AIDS such as religious leaders or school teachers.
• Contact any AIDS service organizations or NGOs concerned with health in the area.
• Speak to potential members one-to-one.  If appropriate, visit them in their homes.

However you publicise the group always make sure the following information is clear:

• Who the meeting is for (e.g. only HIV-positive people?  Their partners? Care givers?).
• Contact details including name and phone number.
• Whether the group is open or secretive.

8.  Meetings

Meetings should always have an agenda and be well structured. They should not take longer than 2 hours at the most. Members should be informed about what is going to be discussed before the meeting.

There should be a person who will take minutes every time there is a meeting
Minutes of the previous meeting should always be available and be read. (The minute taker should take care to protect confidentiality.  People should only have their names recorded if they wish to.  Some members might wish give a made up or “nick name” for this purpose).

Always have a short social time after the meeting so that people can get to know each other – serve some tea if you can. 

Make sure that any materials you may need such as paper, pens or markers are available. Arrange the room so everyone feels an equal part of the group can see each other and be easily heard.  Sitting in a circle usually works well.

Decide on how big the group should initially be.  Smaller groups of about six to eight are best to start out with as they are easier to manage. 

Tips for running meetings

• While is not essential to have a group leader the members may find this helpful.  The group leader acts as chairperson of the meeting and makes sure the group keeps to the agenda. 
• Confidentiality is important even in an open group but absolutely essential in a secretive group.  You must emphasise the importance to group members of never sharing the identity of anyone in the group without that person’s permission. To betray this trust may expose the group member to discrimination or even violence.   Repeat the need for confidentiality when any new member joins the group.
• When the group decides on an action that requires follow-up, a group member (or members) should be designated to do this.  That person/ people should then report to the next meeting.  Make sure the members given this responsibility fully understand what they need to do.  Make sure they have any support needed to complete the follow-up task.
• No one has to talk but everyone is given a chance to speak at each meeting.  The leader should encourage participants to speak but no one is forced to.  Give your full attention to the person speaking and prevent others from interrupting the person speaking. 
• Differing opinions are welcome; personal attacks are not.  Group members benefit from being able to freely express their opinions and respect the opinions of other members in a safe atmosphere.
• Be aware of the agenda and keep the discussion on-track.  While you should always encourage people to express their thoughts and feelings, you should not let them stray off the agenda.
• Ask people open-ended questions rather than questions with a “yes” or “no” answer.  For example “how did you deal with the news of your diagnosis?”  This helps to encourage discussion.
• Don’t allow anyone to dominate the meeting.  If one or two people seem to be doing all the talking, the leader should say something like “let’s hear from someone else now.”
• The group has the right to ask a participant to leave.  If a participant’s behaviour is disruptive to the group, the leader should be empowered to tell the participant to leave.

Remember that you don’t have to have all the answers or be an “expert”.  It is perfectly acceptable to say that you don’t know the answer to a question.  (This can actually help stimulate discussion on how the group can find the information).

At your first meeting:

Be very welcoming as people arrive.  Start the meeting by making introductions and letting the group members get to know each other. 

To make introductions easier use this exercise.   Group members meet in pairs for a few  minutes to learn a little bit about each other.  The group then meets as a whole and each member introduces the person they have just met.

If the support group is part of a broader program be very clear about this. If the support group has a particular focus, such as a religious focus, you must also clearly explain this. 

Establish how often the group will meet and at what time.

Lay down some basic ground rules.  These should include:

• Confidentiality: (see Tips above).  Some groups use the motto: “What you see in our group, what you hear in our group, please let it stay in our group”
• Respect: Group members must listen to each other without interrupting and should only speak one at a time
• Language:  Group members should agree to use a language understood by all and not to use language that might offend.
• Non-judgemental attitudes:  Group members should avoid being judgemental of other people’s feelings, behaviours and views.  (This does not mean that they cannot express disagreement with those views).

Have all members say a few words about their expectations of the support group.  What do they hope to gain from participating in the group?  Groups sometimes fail because members have different needs and expectations.   Record this information and use it when developing the group vision (see below).

At your second or third meeting

The group should begin to develop its own ground rules.  For example, the group should decide whether to exclude anyone who is drunk or has been taking drugs.  Some groups disallow anyone under the influence. Others allow the person in but ask him or her not to speak. 

Decide on a name for the group that protects confidentiality.  Many groups decide on a name that does not mention HIV or even suggest that it is a support group.

Support groups tend to grow.   It can difficult for a group to operate effectively with more than twenty or so members.   The group should decide how big the group should be before either limiting more members or starting another group.

9.  Developing a shared vision

Early in the life of the group the members should develop a shared purpose statement, sometimes called a vision. Once the vision is clear it is easier to focus the group’s activities towards meeting that vision.

In group discussion, invite the members to think about what they would ideally like the group to achieve.   On a board or newsprint write these ideas for everyone to see.   See where there are some common threads to the ideas and incorporate those into a statement of purpose for the group.  You may need to draft this several times before you hit on a version which has a consensus among the group members. 

The leader should steer the discussion to make sure that the vision is realistic.  The group probably can’t, for example, change the attitudes of rejecting family members but could offer constructive ways to cope with living with HIV/AIDS.   

Put the vision statement up on the wall at all group meetings.  

10. Developing a plan of action

Once everyone is clear on the purpose of the group, as expressed in the vision, the members can develop a plan of action.  A plan of action should include specific things that the group wishes to achieve to help make the vision a reality.

They could include things like “ learning to stand up for our rights as patients” or  “learning to eat the right things or “learning relaxation”. 

Discuss exactly what you need to do to make the plan of action a success.  Will you invite an expert to address the group?  Do you need to get some materials such as tapes or CDs?  Make sure someone is given the job to follow-up on each issue.

A plan of action should be realistic.  The group should not try and do too much too soon. 

11.  Examples of what can be done in a support group

Talks and presentations from experts

The group members should consider if they would like  to invite experts to come and speak with the group from time to time.  If so, they should decide on topics that will benefit the group.

There are all sorts of topics which may interest the group such as treatment options, nutrition, treating specific HIV-AIDS related illnesses, relaxation methods, anti-retrovirals and many others.  The important thing, is that the group members themselves decide which topics are important for them.  (Although the leader could certainly offer suggestions).

Make arrangements with an appropriate expert to come and make a presentation to the group.  Explain to the expert before hand exactly what the group would like to know and tell him or her about the group and how it operates.

Ask the expert  to keep the presentation to about 30 minutes.  At the end of the presentation have the group members break into smaller “buzz groups”  for about 10 or 15 minutes.  In the buzz groups the members should discuss what they have heard and come up with some questions.  Appoint a member of each buzz group to write down the questions and hand them to the leader. The leader could either read the questions out aloud or write them up on a board for the expert to answer.

The group members may be nervous or embarrassed about asking questions and the buzz groups should help minimise this problem.  Remember to strongly  encourage the group members to come up with questions.  Remind them that when it comes to HIV/AIDS, there is no such thing as a silly question.

Social events

Organise social events that will bring fun but will also be good for people’s health.  These could include things like long walks, sport events, retreats, picnic by the seaside/river/clean dam, lawn, or whatever the group thinks will benefit them most. Social events also could be in a form of a concert, a dance, party, music festival etc. The group can start a book club where members can meet and share information.

Organise suppers and tea parties where people visit each others homes and have a relaxed social time together. It is important for people to spend social time in a group where they can be free and open about their status. Celebrate birthdays and other occasions together.

Group and individual counselling sessions

People need emotional support and a chance to talk about their feelings. Every support group should have some time set aside for group counselling or sharing. If a trained counsellor is available, members should also be encouraged to attend individual sessions.

Exercising

Members should be encouraged to do a lot of exercising. They do not have to belong to any gym, but they can exercise at home as individuals or start their own club at their own time. Time can be set aside on some days for exercising during support group days, an hour will be enough. When you exercise you also produce more blood cells, which means a better immune system. Swimming is very good exercise and members can go swimming together or can go as individuals.

Dancing is a great way to get exercise without feeling it. Put on the radio or play a CD that the group members like. When you dance you will also feel “happy” and your body will benefit from the extra oxygen it will receive. Oxygen also helps kill infections. 

Exercise is also a good way to help reduce mental  stress and anxiety.  Too much stress and anxiety can cause a breakdown of the immune system. Yoga and other stretch exercises are also excellent methods to de-stress the mind and strengthen the body.

Nutritional education

A person living with HIV/AIDS should eat nutritious food daily. It is difficult at times for unemployed members to follow the correct diet. There are other ways and means  that a support group can explore to ensure that members get a nutritious diet.

Some support groups start their own vegetable garden and provide lunch for the members on a daily basis. Fruits are also important and members can explore an easy way for members to have fruit every day. Members can contribute money every time they meet and buy fruits and divide the fruit amongst themselves. E-pap is now available in many areas as a good source of nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS.

There are also some foods that people with HIV/AIDS should eat to strengthen their immune systems and avoid getting infections. Here are some tips:

• Eat something yellow (like pumpkin or carrot), something red (like beetroot or tomatoes) and something green (like spinach) every day.
• Eat soya or eggs instead of meat. If you do eat meat, cook it well. Avoid pork
• Drink at least eight glasses of water everyday

The following should be taken daily:

• 1 Glass of lemon juice
• 1Tablespoon of fresh garlic
• 1 Teaspoon of ginger (not raw)
• 1 Tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
• 5 Tablespoons of ProNutro
• 6 Tablespoons of sour milk or yoghurt

If you get a cold, increase the amount of garlic to at least 5 tablespoons a day. Remember you can also steam with garlic for sinuses or gargle with it for a sore throat.   

Avoid sugar and cool drinks with sugar. Drink unsweetened fruit juices.  Avoid peanuts and peanut butter.

Multi-vitamin supplements are very good for people with HIV/AIDS.  Just one multi= vitamin pill a day can help build the immune system.  Unfortunately, vitamins are quite expensive to buy.  They may be cheaper in bulk and the group members might consider all contributing some money for this.   You could find out if any clinics or NGOs operating in your area have access to free or cheap vitamins which the members could access.  Some organisations may offer vitamins as part of a food parcel program.

12.  Topics that the group should address

Disclosure

This is a difficult area for all people living with HIV and  The leader and other members should be patient with one another. Disclosure is difficult for some members because sometimes members will not have told their families, friends or partners. The individual members will want at times to first deal with their own emotions before they tell other people.  This process is important and should be allowed to take its course.

The leader and other support group members will be important when the individual decides to tell their family and friends as they  will need a lot of support. It is always best to ask the individual what kind of support she/he will need.

The group leader must always ensure that the members have had pre-test and post-test counselling and ensure that the member gets counselling and on-going support.

In group discussion no member should ever be asked how they came to be infected.

Acceptance

This matter needs to be discussed with members. Members of a new group may be at different stages in terms of when they were diagnosed.  Those who are newly diagnosed may be in a state of shock and be very anxious.  Those who have lived with their diagnosis for longer may have accepted it and learned to live with it.

Members should be assessed and evaluated from time to time to see where they are in terms of accepting their status. What would help them to be in control of their status, what kind of support do they need, who is important to give them that support? What difficulties do they encounter at certain points, what would make them feel better? Discussing these questions with individuals or in the group can help people to be in touch with their feelings.

Protecting yourself against re-infection

The group should discuss the need to protect themselves against re-infection. Some people with HIV think that they can be in no further danger if they have sex without a condom because they are already infected.  This is not true!  HIV has many different strains, some of them very powerful.  If a person with HIV fails to protect themselves against further infection, he or she may contact a strain of HIV that is more dangerous than the strain they already have. 

Protecting others

A very important role of the group should to be to ensure that the members learn how to not spread HIV to others.  In group meetings remind the members that they not only have a responsibility to look after their own health but must also protect others from contacting the virus.

This means that a person with HIV must ensure that a condom is used each and every time she or he has sex.  In the group, talk about the difficulties members might have with condom use.  This may include issues such as being embarrassed to buy or ask for condoms or thinking that condoms reduce sexual pleasure.  Some  women may be afraid to ask  husbands or boyfriends to use them.  Ensure that the members know exactly how to use condoms properly (see below) and know where to obtain them. 

People with HIV should ensure that they keep their toothbrushes and razors for their own use and should not use someone else’s toothbrush or razor.  HIV can spread through fresh blood on these items.

Explain to men in the group that  if a woman they had sex with is pregnant, even if he is  not the father, it is vital that he ensures she is tested and gets early medical care.  This is for the sake of not only her own health but also to protect the baby.  (If the pregnant woman gets early treatment, the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby will be greatly reduced).

Correcting Misunderstandings

The group should also play a role in correcting some common misunderstandings on how HIV is spread.  HIV CANNOT be spread through any social or affectionate touching which does not involve the exchange of bodily fluids.  Kissing is a very low risk activity.  Sharing the same bedding is perfectly safe.  HIV-positive and negative people can share meals together with no risk whatsoever.  While sharing the same kitchen utensils cannot transmit HIV, this can transmit TB and flu viruses. 

Correct condom use

Using condoms correctly will greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection.  While some may find the issue a little embarrassing, it is important that group members have the opportunity to discuss proper condom use and ask questions.  The support group can help to correct any misunderstandings about condom use.

Here are some important points (and answers to common questions) on condom use:

• Although condoms need to fit properly and come in different sizes, most condoms will fit most men.
• Condoms need to be opened and handled carefully. Condoms in damaged packages or past their expiry date should not be used. Condoms should not be stored for prolonged periods in a wallet or in hot or sunny places (for example, in a car or by a window).
• Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, most hand creams, butter, or other oils must never be used with condoms.  Oils can dissolve or weaken latex and lead to breakage. Water-based lubricants, however, are very good to use with condoms.  Water-based lubricants (such as KY jelly) reduce the friction and can help stop breakage.
• The condom must be put on after erection and before any sexual touch. Some condoms have a reservoir tip; some don't. In either case, the tip of the condom should be squeezed while the condom is unrolled to leave an airless pocket to collect semen.
• After intercourse, the penis should be withdrawn while still erect. The base of the condom should be held around the base of the penis to prevent it from slipping off or spilling semen.
• Condoms should never be reused. They should be wrapped up in tissues or paper and thrown in the garbage, not in the toilet. (They can block the toilet).

13. How can the group support members who use antiretrovirals?

The group can provide important information and support around ARVs.  Many people are fearful of taking the medication thinking the ARVs will make them sicker.  Group members who have been taking ARVs and who have seen their health improve can provide reassurance and support for those who are fearful.

When people first start taking ARVs they may experience a range of side effects such as upset stomach, tiredness and headache.   When people are experiencing these side effects they may wish to go off the medication.  The support group can provide encouragement to continue or to at least be reassessed at a clinic if the symptoms continue.

Another very helpful role of the support group is to provide information and support about antiretroviral medication (ARVs). 

The group can provide important information and support around ARVs.  Many people are fearful of taking the medication because they think the ARVs will make them sicker.  Group members who have been taking ARVs and who have seen their health improve through taking ARVs can provide reassurance and support for those who are fearful.

The group can be a forum for practical information about ARVs to give members a better understanding of them.  This includes such things as what ARVs are, what they do, how they should be taken and stored.

When people first start taking ARVs they may experience a range of side effects such as upset stomach, tiredness and headache.   When people are experiencing these side effects they may wish to go off the medication.  The support group can provide encouragement to continue or to go back to the clinic for reassessment.

Many people find it difficult to keep to the strict ARV regimen requirements. The group should discuss strategies to help people stay on the medication and take it properly.  For example, a group member could share what has been helpful to him or her to remember to take the medication.

14. Evaluating your work

Evaluation is judging the effectiveness of the support group in meeting the needs of the group members.  Every so often the group should re-examine its vision and see to if the activities and functions of the group are helping make that vision a reality.  

If the group is off-track with its vision or goals then the members need to discuss how the group can change its focus to better meet the needs.  Brainstorm with the members and list all the strengths and the weaknesses of the group.  Address each weakness and discuss what the group could do to help turn them into strengths. 

The needs of group members may change over time.   When this occurs the group can revisit its vision and change it to suit the changing needs

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