Dodoma — MEMBERS of Parliament have called on the government to dispose of its fleet of expensive luxurious motor vehicles in order to trim down expenditures.

Their call follows a government decision to buy cars with 3000 CC engine sizes or less starting during the 2012/13 financial year.

Debating the Prime Minister's Office budget estimates, the MPs claimed that the existing luxurious vehicles would continue to cost the country dearly.

Lupa legislator (CCM) Mr Victor Mwambalaswa and Mr Vicent Nyerere (Musoma Urban-CHADEMA) stated that the existing luxurious vehicles should be auctioned to avoid further costs.

"We commend the government to procure ordinary vehicles such as Prados. Existing luxurious vehicles should be disposed of as it has been done in Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and even Zanzibar where leaders are using ordinary cars.

"Previously Tanzania was exemplary in such things, but today we're emulating others," noted Mr Mwambalaswa. He, however, condemned emerging malpractice of government officials to buy government vehicles at throw away prices.

"Sales of such vehicles should follow tender procedures and avoid this fashion of officials selling cars to themselves", added Mr Mwambalaswa.

Mr Nyerere said that the move to buy ordinary cars would be meaningless if the existing luxurious ones will not be disposed of.

Moshi Urban legislator (CHADEMA) Mr Philemon Ndesamburo wanted the government to urgently remove municipal director for Moshi over alleged misconduct.

"This person is destroying Moshi which is also a tourist town. She doesn't respect the decisions of councillors and allows haphazard construction of buildings," said Ndesamburo.According to the legislator, the director had already reached compulsory retirement age (60 years) but she has been given a contract of a further two years.

"Why should such person be given another contract while there're many competent people out there. This director should be removed immediately", added Moshi Urban legislator.Dr Hamisi Kigwangalla (Nzega-CCM) and Dr Mary Mwanjelwa (Special Seats-CCM) lamented that mining and mobile phone companies were exploiting the nation.

"The existing mines are worth more than 70trl/- and gas deposits are worth about 500trl/-. But these mining companies paid taxes and royalties amounting to 100bn/- only last year," lamented Dr Kigwangalla.He suggested that the government should suspend new investments in gas and mines and review all existing contracts to meet the requirements of new Mining Act.

Dr Mwanjelwa demanded to know why mobile companies were not paying required taxes as is the case in neighbouring countries. She also wanted the government to clear the air following reports that Kiwira mine had been sold to Australian company. Land disputes, problems in coffee industry, uses of radar money and fate of Kiwira coal mine have remained recurring in the PMO budget debate.