Here goes 2007

Personally I have only a dull recollection of the outgoing year: Tanzania was being run by a newly-elected phase four government that was, er, different. Early on, a star minister, Hon Migiro (Foreign Affairs) was taken on by no less than UN SG ki-Moon as his Deputy.

Petroleum price continued to climb, and is now perched at 1500 Shs per litre, too expensive for many persons. But as common say around bongo goes, if your tight shoe is pinching your toe, just grin and bear it, it's your personal problem--same here: we are still having many people full-tanking for long drives out of town just for fun. Some of these cars were fitted with music system (Bang and Olufsen? Boston Acoustics? All here) whose wattage could support a concert at a stadium.

Corruption and thieving stories by politicians and political had-beens started to be leaked into email and web forums and circulate lightning-fast around the web to reach Tanzanians far and near. With Internet being such an efficient means of communications, things shall never be the same again--not-so-good guys are exposed, caught in the act.

Wave of armed robbery (which reached crescendo just after phase 4 government entered into the scene) was largely quelled; and it was discovered, after all, that most kingpins were from neighbouring countries.

Some landscape changes observed during the year include multiplication of outdoor banners, mushrooming of open-yard car showrooms and inflow of low-key "investors".

Lopsided system of remuneration continued unchecked--two kids would graduate same day with identical results of the same subjects. When one of them would land a job (in government, no less) receiving salary of, say "x", the other would receive a salary of "4x", also a government employee. Reasons peddled by those who speak to media are interesting: The person who gets four times salary works at a place where he/she might accept bribe from customer. Sigh!

Chadema opposition party had a field day when its fireband MP was "admonished" for "lying" and received wholesome public sympathy.

Road accidents continued to claim their toll, and law enforcement officers seemed unable to do anything about it.

Obituary: our uncle Israel (brother of my mother) passed away aged about 77. He's survived by wife Lyimo (petite charming lady who seems forever young come rain or shine) and 8 kids.