By Staff Reporter- Tanzania Information Service (MAELEZO) 

British government has provided US $ 450M to Tanzania to support implementation of various development projects.

Minister for Africa at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Department of International Development Mr. Rory Stewart told President John Magufuli during a courtesy call at the state house today that the money will be channeled to various development areas primarily in improving quality of education and increasing school enrolment.

He mentioned other areas as infrastructure development including ports and also strengthening commercial farming and industries.

According to the statement from Directorate of State House Communications available to the press today, Mr. Stewart commended President Magufuli for his efforts to fight corruption as well as for his government measures to ensure more access to education.

“I had an opportunity to visit one school in the city where I witnessed how the policy of free education is working…. I inspected the school environment, spoke to pupils, teachers and parents. The enrolment has doubled” said the Minister.

He noted that was a big achievement in a short period which brings about changes in the society because “education is everything”

Mr. Rory who arrived yesterday for a two-day visit in the country told President Magufuli that British government will continue to cooperate with Tanzania in various areas of mutual interest and expressed his optimism that his government assistance will contribute to the development of Tanzania and can also make difference in the lives of its people.

On his part, President Magufuli thanked British government and its people for their continued support to Tanzania development endeavors and assured the minister that the assistance will be used accordingly.

He noted that, UK being among Tanzania’s leading countries in investments and business, it appreciates and acknowledges the important role the British people play in the development of the country.

President Magufuli reminded Tanzanians that government measures to fight corruption were beneficial to the country hence called upon every Tanzanian to support the government in its efforts to end the vice.

“We always urge our people to support their government efforts to get rid of corruption practices. If we can get away from this vice, our country will prosper and as a result, as you may witness, our partners like UK come to support us” President Magufuli emphasized.

He renewed his call that Tanzania must develop tax–paying culture and believe that paying taxes is necessary if the country is to develop.

“We must pay taxes and stop relying on other people’s taxes” President Magufuli insisted.

Also present during the talks were British High Commissioner Madam Sarah Cooke, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Dr. Augustine Mahiga, Minister for Finance and Planning Dr. Philip Mpango and the ministry’s Principal Secretary Dotto James.