Tanzania Tourist Board director demoted for 'underperformance'

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu has demoted Dr Aloyce Nzuki from his former position as Director of Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) for what has been described as poor performance.

The minister has appointed Devota Mdachi as TTB Acting Director with effect from Monday. Before this appointment, Mdachi served as the board’s Director of Marketing.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Nyalandu said the decision was reached after a recent meeting with various tourism stakeholders including TTB officials, the ministry’s deputy minister, Mahamoud Mgimwa and Permanent Secretary Maimuna Tarishi where the consensus was Dr Nzuki has been under performing.

“Nzuki has been demoted with immediate effect…he will be assigned other tasks in the ministry but he is no longer trusted by the board to meet the charges of his office,” the minister explained and went on to direct the board to announce the vacancy within 21 days.

Last month Nyalandu dismissed Prof Alexander Songorwa, the Director of Wildlife and the assistant Director of Wildlife Utilisation, Prof Jafari Kidegesho also for poor performance in the campaign against poaching in the country.

Paul Sarakikya was appointed as Acting Director of Wildlife and Dr Charles Mulokozi as Assistant Director of Wildlife Utilisation with immediate effect.

Earlier this year at least 21 officials were suspended,  11 from the special task force against poaching in Arusha, 4 from Rukwa-Lwafi game reserve, 1 from the task force in Bunda, 3 from Maswa wildlife reserve, 1 from Selous game reserve and a wildlife official from Lukwika-Lumisule-Msanjesi game reserve.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN