Tanzania

In 2001 the Tanzanian Government ordered the purchase of a £28 million air traffic control system. Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The World Bank claimed the equipment was more expensive than necessary and a civil air traffic system could have cost as little as £7 million. Many organisations felt the money would be better spend on health and education.

The Tanzanian Leaders: The Tanzanian Government argues that it needs this kind of system to boost the safety of Tanzanian airports. The government believes the air traffic control system will help create more money from tourism as more people will fly to their country. The government see it as a long term way of reducing poverty through generating more jobs in Tourism.

Who benefits? The expensive hi-tech system at a cost of £28 million is one third (1/3) the amount Tanzania spends on basic education. Members of the British government support the sale of the system as it will save 250 jobs in the UK. Leaders are supposed to represent the interest of the people of that country. Is the Tanzanian government actions helping their people or those in the UK, and why?

Country Facts: Government: Republic Population: 35 million Life expectancy: 51 years(men), 53 years (women) Average income: US$260 per year Main Exports: Sisal, cloves, coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, minerals and tobacco.