Tanzania:Fearless MP Anatropia Theonest Sparks National Debate on Spending Accountability

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a blistering critique of the Finance Ministry, Anatropia Theonest, Special Seats MP from Karagwe District, Kagera region, has accused the ministry of misallocating funds and prioritising recurrent expenditures over vital development projects.

 Theonest, known for her fiery and unapologetic stance, has recently stirred a significant reaction on social media, with many lauding her as a patriotic defender of the people's interests, despite her precarious position within her party.

Anatropia Theonest lambasted the Finance Ministry for spending excessively on vehicles for district councils instead of channeling more funds into development projects.

 "A huge chunk of funds is used to buy vehicles worth Sh880 billion that do not show value for money," Theonest remarked sharply. We are spending and creating jobs for the Japanese who sell us those cars while doing little to salvage our nation."

Highlighting the imbalance in budget allocation, Theonest questioned the competence of planning officers in the ministry, suggesting that they plan more for spending than for development.

 She proposed a significant shift in budgeting priorities, suggesting that at least 68% of the budget should be dedicated to development projects, with the remaining 32% for recurrent expenditures. "The government’s priorities are misplaced," she asserted. "Why not use common vehicles? The V8 is very costly to run, and we are set to collapse the economy altogether."

MP Anatropia Theonest's critique has drawn attention to alarming trends in budget allocations, particularly regarding expenditures on vehicles. She highlighted that substantial sums have been allocated for this purpose over recent fiscal years.

 For instance, the 2019-2020 budget allocated Sh54.48 billion through PO-RALG, while in 2020-2021, Sh29.83 billion was set aside for 238 vehicles. This trend continued with allocations such as Sh2.8 billion in 2021-2022 and Sh500 billion in 2022-2023 for regional administrations.

"The district commissioner’s vehicle, the Regional Commissioners, and many others, what do they do with these vehicles?" Theonest questioned critically. "We buy them for what… we are a country with planners at the finance ministry sleeping on their jobs."

The scale of government spending on vehicles was further highlighted, with an annual expenditure of Sh558.4 billion on purchasing vehicles, fuel, spare parts, and maintenance. Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, speaking in Parliament during the presentation of the 2022/23 National Budget, acknowledged the issue.

He proposed a transformation in the government's vehicle management system, suggesting that vehicles be lent to qualified government officials. “In this new approach, officials would bear maintenance costs themselves while receiving proper fuel provisions," Nchemba explained.

However, he clarified that this arrangement would exclude Security and Defence organs, the Judiciary, top leaders of Ministries, Corporations, Agencies, Regions, Districts, and Project Supervisors, with a limit not exceeding five vehicles for each institution.

This outcry comes amid rising concerns over Tanzania's national debt, which surged to TSh 91.7 trillion by March 2024, up from TSh 77 trillion the previous year.

Minister for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, attributed the increase to the government’s continued borrowing to finance development projects, including infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, electricity, and water.

Despite this, Tanzania has been announced as a middle-income economy, a milestone that brings both progress and challenges. "The increase in debt is attributed to the government’s continued receipt of funds from existing and new loans to finance development projects," Professor Mkumbo informed lawmakers.

In a heated parliamentary session on May 29, 2024, Special Seats MP Halima Mdee echoed Theonest’s sentiments, demanding accountability from the Ministry of Works over unfulfilled road construction promises.

Mdee accused the ministry of failing to deliver on critical infrastructure projects, including seven road projects totaling 2,035 kilometers that were promised within a year. "We expected you to come and apologize, admitting that you were unprepared and misled the Parliament," Mdee stated, underscoring the frustration of many MPs.

During the budget debate for the Ministry of Works, presented by Minister Innocent Bashungwa, Mdee questioned the lack of progress on these projects, which were initially presented to Parliament by then-Minister of Works and Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, during the 2023/24 financial year budget speech.

The passionate outcry from these MPs highlights the urgent need for greater accountability and a reevaluation of government spending priorities.

 Ester Bulaya also joined the chorus of criticism, lambasting the government for humiliating retirees with inadequate pensions after decades of service, while MPs receive millions.

 "The huge monies diverted from the funds have been used for shoddy projects that do not benefit the common citizens," Bulaya pointed out, citing the Dege Beach project in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam, and other National Housing deals as examples of financial mismanagement.

Bulaya’s comments resonated deeply with many, as she painted a stark picture of the disparities in government spending. "Retirees, after almost 30 years of service, are given a paltry percentage of what they worked for, while fellow MPs bag millions of shillings," she said. The debate has garnered significant attention, with many applauding the embattled MPs for their courage to speak out.

Despite facing criticism and potential repercussions from their parties, Theonest and her colleagues have garnered widespread support on social media, with many Tanzanians praising their efforts to hold the government accountable.

Theonest's contributions have been particularly celebrated, with many hailing her as a symbol of patriotism and integrity in a political landscape often marred by corruption and inefficiency.

The growing support for these MPs underscores the public's desire for transparency and responsible governance. The nation looks to its leaders to rise to the challenge, address the pressing issues, and steer the country toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

The courage shown by Anatropia Theonest exemplifies the kind of fearless advocacy needed to push for genuine progress. Her willingness to speak truth to power, despite the risks to her political standing, has inspired many Tanzanians to demand better governance and transparency.

The country grapples with its new middle-income status, and the resolute voices of lawmakers like Theonest, Mdee, and Bulaya will light the path forward, ensuring that the aspirations of the people are not just heard but acted upon.

Anatropia Theonest's fearless advocacy stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all leaders to prioritize the nation's development and equity. Her courage to challenge the status quo and demand accountability sets a powerful example, igniting a movement for true progress. This unwavering dedication to the people's needs is the cornerstone of a brighter, more prosperous future for Tanzania.