The Independence Day celebrations in Tanzania scheduled for Friday, December 9,2022 have been canceled by Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country’s first female President, who has instead ordered that the budget be used to construct dormitories for children with special needs.
The 61st Independence Day celebration was expected to cost $445,000, which will now be used to construct eight dormitories in elementary schools around Tanzania.
George Simbachawene, Tanzania’s minister of state, declared that the funds have been disbursed. He stated that in honor of Independence Day, public discussions on development will be held in the East African country.
However this is not the first time Tanzania has canceled the celebrations.
Former President, John Magufuli canceled celebrations in 2015 and diverted the funds to build a road in the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam.
He repeated this action in 2020 and instructed that the budget be utilized to purchase medical facilities.
Prior to this, President Samira Hassan attracted notice by directing police officers with huge bellies to lose weight for increased productivity.
She also advocated for family planning, reversing her predecessor’s position on contraceptives which former President Magufuli advised against the use birth control.
Author- Roberta Appiah
