Dinner at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, September 22, 2022
The Parliamentary Network is a global platform for parliamentarians from over 160 countries with over 2000 members to advocate for increased accountability and transparency in International Financial Institutions and multilateral development financing. A Parliamentary Network Chapter brings together a group of parliamentarians who are committed to the Network’s mission and principles. Chapters aim to strengthen the position of parliamentarians among international financial institutions and other development stakeholders, by providing MPs with privileged and priority access to World Bank and IMF experts. Members can participate in consultations in World Bank Country Partnership Frameworks (CPF), IMF Article IV consultations, as well as World Bank and IMF operations, policies and individual projects.
During the launch of the Chapter, Hon Daniel Baran Sillo, the Chair of the Budget Committee pledged the full commitment and support of the Parliamentary leadership to the PN’s activities.
Dr Peter Okwero from the World Bank Group and Jens Reinke, the IMF Resident Representative, provided a brief to the members about the actions of International Financial Institutions to support Tanzania in the field of development. Mr Reinke invited the members to make use of the IMF’s training center in Tanzania where they provide trainings on budgeting, tax administration and other financial areas.
Hon Liam Byrne highlighted the unique opportunity provided by the Chapter to engage with Parliamentarians to scale up development outcomes in Tanzania. While underscoring the role of partnerships and international development cooperation in mitigating global development challenges, he stressed the role of PN Chapters in facilitating the transfer of knowledge between IFIs and MPs to work collectively for a better future for all citizens. Hon. Byrne then emphasized the importance of global platforms for wider knowledge sharing among MPs, where they can exchange experiences, ideas and solutions regarding the challenges their countries face for better public policy results.
While being conscious the challenges Tanzania faces as it strives to attain economic development, he expressed strong optimism that the country will achieve its goals.
Hon. Liam Byrne, Chairman of the Parliamentary Network, during the field visit on Friday September 23, 2022, in Ikomboliga village, Tanzania
During the field visit on Friday September 23, the PN and their Global Chair visited beneficiaries of TASAF in Ikombolinga village, Chamwino district, 65km from Dodoma. The Executive Director of TASAF, Mr Ladislaus Mwamanga and our TTL Michele Zini led the delegation, which consisted of five MPs and their staff. Ikombolingo village has 437 TASAF beneficiaries out of a population of 3,823, on whom the Project has collectively spent Sh190 million in cash transfers. Their latest payment was in the period May-June 2022.
The MPs were also taken to visit the Mkalama Chaco dam in Ikombolingo, which is part of the TASAF public works program. It was constructed 2 years ago and it is the main water source to irrigate the very arid, food- and water-stressed village. The plan by TASAF now is to split the dam and fence off one side on which they will install a filtration system so that the villagers can have clean water to drink. They will also construct a community trough for the livestock.
Speaking to the media at the dam, Hon Byrne underscored the importance of such field visits for MPs to receive more information about implemented government programs and in promoting the exchange of lessons learned to promote development impact at the global and local levels. Hon Lugangira expressed her gratitude to TASAF for bringing them to see the project and said it was important for them to hear from the beneficiaries.