Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has been granted USD 9 million to support meteorological services, including enhancing infrastructure to improve the availability of quality meteorological data.
The Chairperson of the TMA Board of Directors, Judge Mshimbe Ali Bakari, made this announcement in Dar es Salaam today 7th October when inaugurating a five-day workshop on Regional WIGOS Centres (RWC) functions and tools.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), has brought together representatives from 20 countries with the aim of building capacity and sharing expertise among Africa’s meteorological authorities.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, Judge Bakari explained that Tanzania received the USD 9 million support due to the Tanzanian government’s ongoing efforts to invest in the meteorological sector.
He further highlighted that this support would strengthen efforts to access and deliver high-quality weather data in the country.
"WMO has granted us USD 9 million because they trust us. We are performing well. We are confident that more support will follow," said Judge Bakari.
He noted that he publicly disclosed the amount so that Tanzanians and the media could be aware of the financial support.
"I mentioned this on purpose so that Tanzanians hear about it, and the media can disseminate the information," he added.
Judge Bakari stressed that no achievements come without challenges. He identified the major challenge facing Tanzania as the public’s disregard for the information provided by TMA, which often leads to adverse effects on farmers and fishermen.
"There are always challenges in any success. Without challenges, there are no achievements. The major challenge we have in Tanzania is that people do not follow or implement the information we provide. 99 per cent of our reports are accurate," Judge Bakari explained.
He further emphasised that many of the negative consequences arise from ignoring the weather reports issued by TMA.
"Tanzanians tend to disregard TMA’s information," he insisted, adding that for over two consecutive years, TMA’s weather reports have been flawless.
He pointed out that the consequences of ignoring TMA’s reports lead to incidents such as people drowning, crops being destroyed, and individuals being caught in the rain.
"By disregarding TMA’s weather reports, people end up drowning, crops are ruined, and people get soaked by rain," Judge Bakari stated.
He also highlighted that within the East and Central African regions, Tanzania leads in meteorological services, and urged Tanzanians to have confidence in TMA’s reports.
Judge Bakari encouraged the workshop participants to take full advantage of the workshop to exchange knowledge and enhance their professional skills.
"Dear participants, I urge you to consider making good use of this workshop," urged Judge Bakari.
On his part, TMA’s Acting Director General and IPCC Vice Chair, Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, expressed his gratitude for Tanzania receiving USD 9m/- in support, noting that the country is among the few in Africa to benefit from such support.
"Tanzania is one of the developing countries in the region that has received support aimed at strengthening meteorological infrastructure," Dr Chang’a said.
He added that the USD 9m/- support would be used to enhance the monitoring capabilities through improved equipment and infrastructure.
Dr Chang’a revealed that the support was secured through collaborative efforts between Tanzania, UNDP, and the Danish Meteorological Institute.
"We obtained this support after writing a proposal in collaboration with our partners from UNDP and the Danish Meteorological Institute," Dr Chang’a explained.
He also noted that Tanzania has been recognised over the past three years as a leading nation in making significant investments in meteorological infrastructure.
"This training did not come by chance. It is a result of international recognition of Tanzania’s efforts in leadership and influence in meteorological issues both globally and regionally," Dr Chang’a elaborated.
He added that TMA’s goal is to ensure that Tanzania becomes a hub for meteorological services in Africa.
"Our goal is to be a hub, a centre of excellence for meteorological services in Africa," Dr Chang’a said.
Dr Chang’a also highlighted Tanzania’s leadership in investment, pointing out that 80 meteorologists from the country are currently undergoing training both locally and internationally.
"Tanzania has 80 experts attending training locally and abroad. If you search for an African country with 80 meteorologists in training, you might not find one; if you do, it will be Tanzania," Dr Chang’a proudly stated.
Both Judge Bakari and Dr Chang’a, in their speeches, invited participants to take the opportunity after the workshop to visit Tanzania’s tourist destinations.
The workshop has started today and planned to end on 11th October.
The workshop opening ceremony was lead today's morning at Four Point by Sheraton hotel, located at posta, Dar es salaam.