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Tanzania: Embrace Media, Councils Told
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The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
14 May 2008
Posted to the web 14 May 2008
Joas Kaijage
Mwanza
The Tanzania Union of Press Clubs (UTPC) yesterday urged local government authorities to use the media in fostering the implementation of poverty reduction strategies.
UTPC executive director Abbakar Karsan made the remarks in his opening speech at a three day workshop on improved information demand and supply for enhanced local governance, collaboratively organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) here.
Mr. Karsan said instead of seeking mitigation for any dissatisfaction they felt certain journalists had conducted, media stakeholders often resort to physically assaulting or prosecuting their presumed offenders in court.
Certain individuals resorted to assault or court action in such incidents due to ignorance on existence of relevant bodies established by the media to listen and uphold their rights upon receiving their complaints, he said.
Even when certain media stakeholders had been genuinely mistreated, it would create unnecessary hostilities of one resorts to beating journalists or going to court. The latter option could take too long to be ruled upon, than it is the case if the complaint is filed through media arbitration bodies, the director noted.
He further observed that whatever differences crop up among government officials and certain journalists it was a contravention of constitutional rights for civil servants to propose or enact by-laws that would deny the citizens their right to information.
The workshop involved various leaders from district councils and other local leaders in Bunda, Uyui, Morogoro and Bukoba rural districts and the media. The media practitioner said it was high time district councils establish information centers and train community reporters for efficient information delivery in their respective areas.
Ms Maureen Roell, the SNV development programs advisor, said in her presentation that access to information was vital in encouraging community participation in decision making after being informed on their rights and responsibilities.
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When information is accessible, it helps the government promote transparency on the one hand and fight corruption on the other hand, she said. Government officials would similarly be held accountable on how they use taxpayers' money to bring about community development, she added.
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