By JULIUS BWAHAMA, 11th October 2011 @ 16:00,
Daily News
SEVEN Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and human rights activists have planned countrywide demonstrations for ten days from Friday, protesting payment of 94bn/- award to Dowans.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Sikika and Hakielimu said in Dar es Salaam yesterday they will take part in the demonstrations. Others are, TAMWA, TGNP, H.D.T and ED-AP200 .
Speaking to reporters, on behalf of other activists, Mr Irenei Kiria, the Executive Director of Sikika urged people to dress in black colour for ten days, in memory of the 12th anniversary of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's death.
"I urge all Tanzanians to pray to God throughout the weekend, to give us the strength and patriotism we need to defend our country's riches," said Mr Kiria.
He said some people could be beneficiaries of the payments and wondered who could be on the 'payroll.'
"The contract between Tanesco and Dowans was void because it was executed even before the company had been officially registered. Some issues are not yet clear "who is Dowans and why is the government so keen to pay the money?" Mr Kiria wondered. Mr Kiria said the NGOs' stand is that the government should not pay Dowans at all.
"There is need for the government to implement the 23 parliamentary resolutions showing the entire process leading to the Dowans award, said Mr Kiria, adding that next time the government plans to enter into any contract, it should involve both the parliament and the public.