Olympic Torch Committee Set Up in Tanzania

A special committee for handling the itinerary of the Olympic Torch once it is brought into the country in April was unveiled yesterday.

Mohammed Seif Khatib, the minister for Information, Culture and Sports appointed Dar es Salaam city mayor Adam Kimbisa the head of the committee.


It will be responsible to coordinate with sports organs and the ministry all preparations towards the event, he said.

Also included in the committee is special police zone commander Alfred Tibaigana who will be responsible for safety and security, broadcasting director DunstanTiddo Mhando who has the task of publicity, while transport affairs will be coordinated by Charles Nyange.

Lilian Mukasa will handle protocol, while Bakari Kingobi and Deo Mutasiwa coordinate medical affairs, and Henry Tandau is tasked with marketing. The minister urged committee members to ensure that no embarrassments surface while the Olympic Torch is in the country.

The Olympic host country China would like to be informed on the safety and security situation that would prevail during the Torchs tour,

the minister noted. Efforts to ensure there is will be no incidents tarnishing the image of the country are required, so that Tanzania retains its respect as the most peaceful country in the continent, he further intoned.It is my sincere belief that the Olympic Torch race will be staged in the most peaceful manner, the way we are used to run the Uhuru Torch each year, he said.

About 22 cities in several continents were picked to stage the Olympic Torch race with Dar es Salaam he only city picked in Africa, he told the committee.

The 29th edition of the modern Olympic Games will be staged in China later in August.