Govt says it won't nationalise schools, hospitals owned by religious institutions

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda

The government has assured stakeholders that it will not again nationalise schools and heath centres owned by religious institutions.

 

In fact, the government is urging religious bodies to step up their aid to the education and health sectors to increase and improve service delivery especially for vulnerable groups by among other things, refurbishing existing centres and constructing new ones.

 

According to a press statement circulated to the media from the PM office yesterday, the call was made by Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda at a graduation event for catholic nuns held at the Magnificent Secondary School in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region.

 

“In the past, we nationalised these institutions but lakes realised it is better to adopt an inclusive approach and allow private sector participation to reduce the load on the government and improve efficiency,” he told the gathered clergy.

 

 “You are the stakeholders and I emphasise our stand, we won’t nationalise the schools, health centres, hospitals or universities belonging to religious institutions…we encourage you to construct more and more of such institution,” he reiterated.

 

Head of Roho Mtakatifu Sisters congregation and the school Manager Sister Inviolata Kessy, seconded the PM saying religious institutions have the responsibility to ensure social welfare is improved in the country and a key way to do so is contribute to the development of education and healthcare.

“If we continue to improve the existing schools and hospitals and also construct new ones, especially in rural areas then we increase the opportunity for our people to access these services,” she said.

 

She went on to call for government support to religious institutions as the basis to attain the intended goals.