A lawmaker in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has challenged the government of Tanzania to allocate what she described as ‘a considerable budget to the East African Community docket.’
Maryam Ussi Yahya from Tanzania felt that the docket was least budgeted comparing to other ministries, warning that it was not healthy for the realisation of the interrelation.
The irate legislator challenged Dr Susan Kolimba, who is Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Co-operation to lobby for ‘a considerable budget for EAC affairs’ but did not specify the amount that would suffice.
“I’m very saddened by the fact that Dr Kolimba’s docket is the least budgeted in the country this is not healthy for the sought after EAC integration neither is it helpful for the sensitisation process,” the lawmaker said on Tuesday while debating a report on an oversight activity on security related challenges of implementing the Common Market protocol along the central corridor.
Earlier in the day, the Chairperson of the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee which tabled the motion Abdullah Mwinyi told the assembly that Tanzania had reduced Non tariff Barriers in the form of roadblocks from 56 to only six roadblocks.
Mwinyi challenged the Assembly to be ‘more involved’ in the implementation of the Common Market protocol and urged partner states to continue sensitising budgetary allocations in the implementation of the protocol.
“EAC needs to provide sufficient funding for the Protocol’s implementation or else, we risk stalling it,” warned the legislator.
Mwinyi also singled out the yellow fever immunisation process at the Namanga border saying it was a clear impediment to implementation of the Protocol’s.
At the moment, a Tanzanian crossing the border to Kenya is supposed to have a Yellow Fever Card and present it to the immigration and health officers at the border points or risk monetary penalties and even forceful immunisation.
On her part, Nancy Abisai from Kenya seconded the views saying yellow fever cards are a serious issue at the border point. She also expressed her concern on how border crossers are being harassed if they don’t have the cards.
“This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed promptly to what extent have we accessed its health repercussions, when was the last time the World Health Organisation gave a directive on Yellow Fever,” queried the legislator.
Rwandese Valerie Nyirahabineza decried the delay by partner states in amending national laws to make them relevant to the Common Market protocol.
His compatriot Bazivamo Christopher said the elimination of Non tariff barriers depends on a country’s political will and urged the assembly to roll out punitive measures against partner states who fail to implement the protocol.
In her response, the Chairperson of Council of Ministers Dr Susan Kolimba assured the lawmakers that partner states will work to resolve the raised issues.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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