TBS is no police force, says Mwakyembe

Wakereketwa comments highlighted in red..

2007-03-26 09:00:25
By Patrick Kisembo

The government has called on the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to contribute to the actualization of National Strategy for Growth and Poverty reduction (MKUKUTA) goal.

Je wafanyabiashara kama watumaji wa magari Tanzania toka UK hawamo katika hii programme nzima ya mkukuta.

Deputy Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Hezekiah Chibulunje made the call on Friday, at a farewell party for outgoing TBS chief, Daimon Mwakyembe.

He urged TBS to adhere to the objectives of MKUKUTA in assisting small-scale industries.

The minister also urged TBS to ensure Tanzania does not become a dumping ground for counterfeit goods, which he said unfortunately have already flooded the country.

Hivi hawa TBS wanadhani mkakati mzima uliowekwa na Serikali kusitisha uingizaji wa magari madogo ambayo yana umri wa zaidi miaka kumi haitoshi ? Sisi huku UK tunaondesha magari ya 1995, na hakuna tatizo lolote alimradi, iko ndani ya vipimio vya MOT. na hawa TBS wanaelewa kuhusu counterfeit goods(mainly chinese imports), sijawahi kuona counterfeit cars, labda tuelemishane kwa hili...

`We are in a very competitive world. We need to produce quality goods which comply with the international standards for our survival,` he insisted. .. bado hatujaanza kuzalisha magari, until then msitunge standards ambazo hatunazo..

The outgoing TBS boss said he was grateful for the support he received from the government, members of the business community, hili linashaka TBS staff and other stakeholders during his tenure.

`I wouldn`t be here today if it were not for TBS executive council and the ministry responsible,` he said.

He called on for checks and balances so that TBS is not changed to some sort of a police unit such that stakeholders will run away whenever they see a vehicle lebelled TBS. It has become one, unfortunately.
`Let`s do the opposite and make people run towards us to seek advice or share information on TBS operations,` he insisted. Share information ?????

The Acting TBS DG, Charles Ekelege said the semi-autonomous body had recorded a number of achievements under Mwakyembe�s reign.

`In 1992 we had 528 standards but we now have 950 standards.Likewise we had 499 licenses but we now have 760,` he said.

Ekelege said TBS has started certifying standards of goods for other countries.

He said it was an indication that TBS was now recognized outside Tanzania�s borders.

TBS financial position had improved tremendously, he said.

`We used to collect 63m/- as an internal generation when Mwakyembe took over the office. However, we now collect 2.3bn/-,` the acting DG pointed out. , pesa zinaingia kwa wingi kama utaratibu ndio huu...

• SOURCE: Guardian