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Write to: The Editor, Arusha Times, P.O. Box 212, Arusha. E-mail: arushatimes@habari.co.tz
Why do we shy away from this crime?Dear Editor, I refer to a letter appearing in your paper of July 3 to July 9 (Issue No 327) written by D.L. Fissoo of AUWSA. I congratulate the AUWSA people for candidly condemning this illegal habit of some wealthy people of building extensions to their shops and premises that extend into public spaces. It is a bad habit that has developed deep roots in our society and seems to continue unhindered. Nane nane is a clear example, but definitely not the only one. Some big shop owners in Uhuru Road (Opposite Tanga General) have gone to the extent of placing their bulk wares (Simtanks etc) on the road in the guise of a nuisance from mini buses. It’s true mini buses pose a problem, but is this the solution? Where do they expect pedestrians and cyclists to pass if not in the middle of the road? Is it not a mandate of the Traffic Police to ensure that public roads are not illegally obstructed? Yet they are always right in front of the shops and do nothing about it. One needs only take a walk along a stretch of any commercial street in town to see how many sidewalks and verandahs are blocked by illegal construction activities. Where is the Municipal Council? These activities are clearly undertaken by influential people who know how to quiet the system. Kudos to some commendable business concerns that practice their civic responsibilities and not only clear public passages, but also beautify them: CRDB, Stanbic, New Safari Hotel and AICC are but a few examples that come to mind. This menace is not prevalent to Arusha alone. All our cities and towns are plagued by it. In Dar some shop owners have gone to the extent of building concrete structures on the roads near their businesses and chaining sidewalks closed. Can this be legal? We Tanzanians enjoy a reputation of being watulivu. It seems some people take us to be wapumbavu. Sincerely,
Dear EditorCongratulations for your good stories I am highly impressed by the short story authored by Valentine Nkwame on life in general in neighbouring Kilimanjaro region especially in the slopes of the Roof of Africa, published in your edition of July 23, 2004. Frankly speaking, I have enjoyed every word I read in it. It was well a written short story, informative and thrilling as well. Please keep it up. Meanwhile, I have been attracted by the creativity you have shown on your ICTR story under the headline "The pain and joy of the ICTR exit". Everything there speaks for itself. It is wise and nice to challenge people about the present, past and the future. This is the cardinal rule of history and no doubt you have done it well and in time. Bravo Arusha Times, I am looking forward to read you more in your coming edition!
Do you know Nyerere Andendekishi Gibson?Dear Editor, Victor Nyerere Sopela
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