THE PATIENT'S PORRIDGE EATEN ON THE WAY ENDS UP IN THE OFFICE

Adeladius Makwega

Musoma, Mara – Tanzania

A public meeting in Rwakikoro Hamlet, Chirorwe Village, Musoma District, began like many others—an ordinary gathering where residents voiced their concerns and grievances. But when the Regional Commissioner for Mara, Colonel Evans Alfred Mtambi, rose to speak, the atmosphere changed. People moved closer, others fell silent, eager to hear the Government's position.

It did not take long.

Colonel Mtambi declared that the Government would not tolerate any public servant who fails to serve the people, emphasizing that negligence would no longer have a place in the Mara Region.

What made many residents nod in agreement—and others burst into laughter—was the example he gave about the interruption of water services.

"It is unacceptable for water to be cut off for three days, leaving residents and hospitals without water, only to be told that the electricity prepaid meter (LUKU) has run out! Are you telling me the Government cannot afford to buy electricity worth TZS 150,000? That's a joke! It is unacceptable, and disciplinary action must be taken."

The remark drew laughter and applause, but its message was unmistakable: public servants must fulfill their responsibilities instead of hiding behind excuses.

As if that were not enough, the Regional Commissioner offered another example that left many smiling while reflecting on its deeper meaning.

"A public servant who neglects his duty is like someone who is asked to take porridge to a patient in the hospital but drinks it on the way. Then, when asked why the patient never received the porridge, he replies, 'If the patient drinks the porridge, they'll vomit'—while you are the one getting fat from the patient's porridge!"

The crowd laughed, but many clearly understood the lesson hidden within the humor: excuses can never replace accountability.

Beyond the warning, Colonel Mtambi assured residents that the Government remains committed to listening to their concerns and finding lasting solutions.

He reminded the audience that the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, had recently visited Musoma Rural District. He also noted that, for two consecutive weeks, he himself had been touring Suguti Ward to hear directly from residents and address their challenges.

Earlier that day, before attending the public meeting, the Regional Commissioner had inspected the construction of a modern gold processing plant valued at approximately TZS 14 billion, which is now in its final stages of completion. He also visited several gold mining sites in Musoma District to assess progress and ensure that mining activities are conducted in accordance with the law, safety standards, and the interests of local communities.

At the end of the day, residents left with two memorable lessons. First, the Government is placing renewed emphasis on accountability among public servants. Second, if the problem is merely a prepaid electricity credit of TZS 150,000, that excuse will no longer be accepted as a reason for failing to perform one's duties.

One question remained:

What should this article be called?