For the first time this year, JamiiForums is acknowledging the outstanding efforts of state actors to engage with citizens—listening, acknowledging concerns, and taking action. Responsive state actors are a crucial pillar for inclusive progress and shaping the country’s future; hence, JamiiForums encourages other stakeholders to follow the example of the awardees and the laureates themselves to continue their commendable path of increasing citizen engagement in their respective processes.
CHAMPIONS:
Dkt. Hon. Dorothy Gwajima
Minister Gwajima has been at the forefront of addressing all reported incidents related to her Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children. She has consistently condemned acts of violence and rape. She has even registered on JF, introducing herself to all Tanzanians and encouraging them to reach out whenever they encounter challenges related to her ministry. She is always prepared to offer close support and help resolve those issues.
TANESCO
TANESCO has been working hard to address the issues faced by people in various regions and has shown sufficient cooperation. This effort has led the people to recognize their support and award them this honor.
One of the issues they addressed was the frequent power outages in Bariadi District, particularly in the village of Mwasinasi. After the problem was reported, TANESCO arrived, explained the cause of the issue, and resolved it in a timely manner.
DAWASA
Water is essential for life, and DAWASA has been at the forefront of ensuring that citizens receive education, clarifications, and improvements in infrastructure. They actively communicate with the public, providing information whenever necessary. This commitment allows them to reach the community directly, addressing water-related issues and enhancing overall access to this vital resource.
The residents of Tankini and Muheza - Kibaha have been facing a water supply issue, with disruptions lasting for over a week. After a stakeholder reported the issue to DAWASA, they were informed that the water would be restored soon, yet the area went over a week without water.
After this issue was raised on the platform, DAWASA clarified that road maintenance work had been underway when the contractor accidentally cut six main water pipes supplying water from Maili Moja to Mpiji, which caused the disruption.
Wizara ya Maji
The Ministry of Water has
become a significant
institution that directly
impacts citizens, from rural
areas to urban centers. It
has established a close
relationship with the
community, helping to
address their challenges
more swiftly and
effectively.
A stakeholder raised their
complaint on the JF platform
about the long-standing
water scarcity issue
affecting many residents in
Morogoro Region. They
requested Minister Aweso to
investigate, noting that
some officials from the
Morogoro Urban Water Supply
and Sanitation Authority
(MORUWASA) were not
fulfilling their duties and
failing to provide adequate
information.The areas where
water service is a problem
include the wards of
Kihonda, Kichangani, Tungi,
Mkundi, Mindu, and
Kilakala.“ Then after the
report, and follow-ups the
Minister's visited
(MORUWASA), and Engineer
Thomas Ngulika was suspended
for failing to perform his
duties properly.
TAWA
TAWA is an institution that has taken the lead in providing extensive education to citizens. It has also made efforts to closely engage with the community, especially when people seek clarification on wildlife-related issues. Many have viewed wild animals as a threat, leading to fear within the community. TAWA's work aims to bridge that gap and foster a better understanding between humans and wildlife.
A common question has arisen within the community and on the JF platform, where a stakeholder asked on the Jamiicheck forum if the smell of rice or cooked rice in the forest indicates a python's presence. TAWA clarified that this is NOT TRUE. Upon being asked, they confirmed that while a snake shedding its skin emits a certain odor similar to a type of perfume, it does not resemble the smell of rice.
TAWA also addressed another misconception about encountering a lion in the wild and looking it in the eyes, stating that this does NOT induce shame in the lion. They clarified that this belief is false. In reality, lions do not experience shame as humans perceive it. Lions are very courageous animals and are not afraid of such encounters.
MANISPAA YA UBUNGO
The Ubungo Municipality has positioned itself close to the community, particularly in the transport sector. It features a major bus terminal that connects various regional transport services. When misinformation arises that directly affects the citizens, the municipality has demonstrated significant cooperation by providing clarifications and addressing concerns promptly. This proactive approach has strengthened its relationship with the community and ensured effective communication.
A stakeholder raised a concern on the platform about the lack of water service at the Mbezi Magufuli bus terminal, causing significant inconvenience for passengers who were forced to only use the facilities for urination and not for other needs. After the Ubungo District Council was contacted for more information, they cooperated by reaching out to DAWASA, and on the same day, water service was restored at the main Magufuli bus terminal.“
UDOM
The University of Dodoma is one of the largest institutions in Tanzania, offering high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. When challenges arise that affect students, the university has been proactive in addressing these issues and providing clarifications. This commitment not only enhances the educational experience but also fosters a supportive environment for all learners.
Twenty graduates from UDOM’s Faculty of Education, who completed their studies in the 2019-2020 academic year, have yet to receive their graduation certificates. After this issue was raised on the JF platform, UDOM’s administration was contacted, and they explained that the complainants need to visit the university for further clarification on the matter.
Additionally, UDOM students voiced concerns on the JF platform about the severe bedbug infestation in their dormitories, which has been a persistent issue. The university responded with a detailed explanation addressing these complaints.
TRC
The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has introduced a new dynamic for citizens, particularly with the high-speed train services. This development has generated significant public interest and engagement. TRC has shown strong collaboration by reaching out to the community, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and can benefit from this modern transportation option.
A stakeholder raised a concern that some employees of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) service in Dar es Salaam were involved in ticket scalping, selling tickets at inflated prices shortly after the President inaugurated the train service. In response to the report, TRC clarified that they had apprehended several individuals involved in this illegal activity.
NEMC
In addressing issues such as noise pollution, waste disposal, and chemical odors, the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) actively engages with the community. They not only educate the public about these environmental challenges but also work to find practical solutions that directly impact citizens' quality of life. By tackling these concerns, NEMC helps foster a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.
Residents of TAZARA (Dar) and neighboring areas have expressed their concerns about toxic smoke from raw materials erupting from a warehouse, which has been a persistent nuisance for them. They requested NEMC to provide clarification and assist in addressing this issue that is causing significant distress and suffering for the community.
NEMC: “We have inspected the warehouse from which the chemical smoke was emanating and found that the employees there also lack protective equipment."
Wizara ya Ardhi
Land is a vital asset for every citizen and a legacy for future generations. Through the Ministry of Lands, citizens have been able to obtain clarifications on various issues that concern them. This has helped to foster peace and understanding, particularly when disputes arise over boundaries, encroachments, land titles, and appropriate land use. The ministry’s efforts in addressing these matters contribute significantly to community stability and harmony.
It was reported that over 400 houses in Mapinga (Bagamoyo) were marked with an 'X' for demolition. This was after someone claiming to be the rightful owner of the land won a court case, despite initially lacking documents of sale. This is where the Minister of Lands intervened and halted the demolition process of more than 100 houses in Mapinga.“ This effort has led the people to recognize their support and award them this honor.