WISE NEWS

Premier disagrees with Mbowe on police killings

Dodoma. Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda disclosed yesterday that the government had issued a directive to the police and security units to investigate the abduction and killing of people in the country to clear suspicions that the state was involved in the crimes. Answering a question from the Opposition Chief Whip, Mr Freeman Mbowe, the premier said the government would be cleared once the outcome of the investigation is released. He said it was absurd that the government, which has the responsibility of safeguarding its citizens, could be implicated in such crimes just because it was silent on the matter. “I don’t agree that we have lowered our reputation; for what? It is better to wait for investigations to be cpmpleted,” said  Mr Pinda, adding that Dr Stephen  Ulimboka had agreed to  cooperate with the government during a dialogue between the government and the doctor’s association in a bid to reach a solution on the dispute sparked by the doctors’ strike. He was responding to questions from Siha MP Freeman Mbowe (Chadema) who charged openly that the government was implicated in the  abduction of Dr Ulimboka and a series of assassinations which he did not disclose. According to Mr Mbowe, the government  has been incriminated in controversial killings  and last year during the Budget session Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda promised to direct security apparatus towards carrying out an investigation into the matter. “Your promise is yet to be implemented, hence suspicion over state involvement in the crimes,” noted Mr Mbowe. He suggested that the government should form an independent  probe commission to carry out an investigation, instead of the police and other security departments which have been implicated in the crimes. In another question from Murtaza Mangungu (MP for Kilwa North –CCM), the Premier said the government  was investing heavily in social services by improving the health sector. Mr Pinda said the government has embarked in improving  health institutions including the Muhimbili national hospital, Ocean Road and other departments such as the Heart Institute, Dental Department which have been equipped with modern facilities. The state has also upgraded the status of Lugalo Hospital into referral level. “The purpose of these concerted efforts is to improve health facilities and provide quality health services in the country in a bid to reduce dependence on seeking health services abroad,” said Mr Pinda, adding that the plans in place is to improve the working condition for public workers including health attendants, doctors, physicians, pharmacists, midwives and nurses.  Coral reaves “The government recognizes the role of the public workers in health sector and their sensitive and moral responsibility to take care of the human being but some few being unknowingly indulge in amazing events  such as unnecessary strikes,” noted Mr Pinda. In the question from Mr Mangungu the Prime minister was asked to explain the impact of the investment in health sector development programme from the third and fourth phases governments particularly the Muhimbili national hospital and other health institutions.