Was Tanzania’s Cabinet reshuffle sparked by current power crisis?

As Tanzanians study the implications of the recent Cabinet reshuffle, it is beginning to emerge that a solution to the crippling energy crisis was a key motive in the mind of President Jakaya Kikwete when he effected the changes.

The EastAfrican has learnt that the removal of Dr Ibrahim Msabaha from the critical Ministry of Energy and Minerals was spurred by growing complaints from the private sector that the minister had mishandled the crisis by failing to warn manufacturers early enough about the gravity of the situation.

Several manufacturers who spoke to The EastAfrican blame the ministry for not being candid enough and accuse Dr Msabaha of failing to give information they needed to make contingency plans and seek alternatives.

What comes through from an interview of a broad section of industrialists is the view that the manufacturers were starved of information by the ministry.

East African