The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) has expressed concern over corruption and impunity, noting that these tendencies undermine the nation’s economic development efforts.
In a statement released at the weekend, the CEOrt notes that over 40 percent of Tanzanians live on less than $1.25 (Sh2,225) a day and without access to basic infrastructure or quality education.
The CEOrt says the country’s education system is failing due to a shortage of basic facilities and lack of qualified teachers. The statement adds that infrastructure projects have also been affected, thanks to corruption.
Tanzania currently ranks 119 out of 175 countries on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), has dropped 17 points in the last 2 years.
“The increasingly poor performance is alarming and the endless corruption scandals, pilferage of public resources and diversion of public funds by corrupt officials for personal gain have eroded trust in our leadership and encouraged the emergence of a national culture of impunity, disregard for the law and glorification of unethical behaviour in Tanzania,” reads part of the statement.
According to the CEOrt, the new education policy does nothing to support the country’s economic agenda, which requires strategies that will enable the people with entrepreneurial skills and empower them to face challenges and solve various problems.
“With approximately 70 percent of Tanzanians being below the age of 25, inadequate investment in their future will have long-term catastrophic implications for the country,” reads the statement.
According to the statement, CEOrt is the custodian of Tanzania’s natural resources and thus it has an obligation to combat corruption and impunity to ensure the country’s resources are protected, preserved and managed efficiently.
By The Citizen Reporter