Sitta suspends TPA boss ahead of probe

Transport minister Samuel Sitta addresses the media in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Right is Deputy Permanent Secretary Monica Mwamunyange. PHOTO | SAID KHAMIS 

In Summary

The committee also comprises former TPA marketing director Flavian Kinunda and Mr Deogratius Kassinda, who is the team’s secretary. Mr Sitta said at a news conference that he had appointed retired bureaucrats to ensure impartiality in the investigation.

Dar es Salaam. Transport minister Samuel Sitta yesterday suspended Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) acting director general Madeni Kipande.

Mr Sitta sent Mr Kipande home to pave the way for an investigation into allegations of tender irregularities and strained relations with stakeholders at Dar es Salaam port.

The minister’s decision came barely three weeks after he swapped dockets with Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, who has been moved to the East African Cooperation ministry.

Mr Sitta said there have been complaints that the process of awarding tenders floated by TPA was neither fair nor transparent.

He appointed Mr Awadh Massawe  as acting director general and also named a six-member committee to investigate allegations levelled against Mr Kipande. Mr Sitta gave the team led by Lady Justice (rtd) Augusta Bubeshi two weeks to complete the investigation and submit its findings. Other members include the former Public Procurement Regulatory Authority director general, Dr Ramadhan Mlinga, former TPA director general Samson Luhigo and former TPA deputy director general Happiness Senkoro.

The committee also comprises former TPA marketing director Flavian Kinunda and Mr Deogratius Kassinda, who is the team’s secretary. Mr Sitta said at a news conference that he had appointed retired bureaucrats to ensure impartiality in the investigation.

“I’ve decided to appoint retired officials because I’m sure they will be objective since they are no longer working and aren’t seeking promotion.”

Mr Sitta said the awarding of tenders by TPA was mired in questionable practices, adding that this was damaging the reputation of Dar es Salaam port, the government and country in general. “It is important that we observe transparency in the awarding of tenders to protect the reputation of our port.’’

However, Mr Sitta did not take questions from journalists at the end of his briefing. Mr Kipande said he was leaving it to Tanzanians to judge him and his performance during his time at the helm of the TPA.

“I did everything I was supposed to do in my capacity as acting DG. I haven’t done anything wrong,’’ he said shortly after Mr Sitta announced his suspension.

Mr Sitta said the decision to suspend Mr Kipande followed an emergency meeting convened by the TPA board of directors, which discussed allegations levelled against him and decided on the way forward.

He said TPA was still dogged by many problems, although his predecessor, Dr Mwakyembe, had started to tackle the rot at the port before he was transferred.

Two years ago, Dr Mwakyembe who was then Transport minister, suspended TPA director general Ephraim Mgawe and four other senior officials over allegations of theft of oil and containers at the port. A team appointed by Dr Mwakyembe investigated their conduct after which they were relieved of their duties and charged with abuse of office. Their case is still pending.

Mr Kipande was appointed acting director general in August 2012.

Yesterday, Mr Massawe, the new acting director general, hosted the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when it visited the port a few minutes after Mr Kipande was axed. PAC members, led by chairman Zitto Kabwe, said there were still major issues that prevented the port from attaining its full potential.

Mr Kabwe said it was time the country established an independent entity to handle fuel at the port to boost revenue. He cited as an example Kenya Pipeline Corporation, which distributes fuel in the neighbouring country as well as control revenue at the Mombasa port, which PAC visited last week.

Mr Massawe, who was port manager before his elevation, said plans were underway to install new flow meters at the port, adding that this would increase revenue.