Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Deogratius Ndejembi, has urged officials in the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) to abandon routine approaches to work and instead embrace innovation, accountability and results-oriented performance.
Mr Ndejembi made the call on Monday during his first visit to the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) at Mtumba in Dodoma, where he was received by ministry officials and management.
He said public servants must change their mindset and approach to work, stressing the need for every official to be innovative and develop plans capable of producing tangible results for citizens and the country.
“Use your positions to provide valuable services to Tanzanians and recognise the responsibility entrusted to you in serving the people,” he told the officials.
The Vice President also called for greater efforts to strengthen the Union between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar through sustainable plans aimed at addressing challenges facing the Union and increasing public awareness of opportunities arising from it.
On environmental protection, Mr Ndejembi urged ministry leaders and officials to develop sustainable measures to advance conservation efforts, including tree-planting campaigns and maintaining cleanliness in cities and towns.
He said environmental campaigns should go beyond periodic activities, calling for the establishment of systems and resources that would make environmental cleanliness and conservation sustainable.
The Vice President further directed the ministry to prepare a special plan to help citizens shift away from daily activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
Earlier, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment), Hamad Masauni, congratulated Mr Ndejembi on his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Vice President.
Mr Masauni assured the Vice President of the ministry's cooperation in implementing responsibilities under the Office of the Vice President.
Presenting a report on activities undertaken by departments under the office, Permanent Secretary Dr Richard Muyungi said the ministry has four departments, eight units and two institutions responsible for various functions.
He said these responsibilities include implementing the National Development Vision 2050 in areas related to the Union and environmental management.
The Vice President's visit comes as the government seeks to strengthen public-sector efficiency and ensure that policies and development plans translate into practical benefits for citizens.