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Makonda resurfaces after 8-day absence

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda (centre) opens a new road in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, yesterday. Second right is Temeke District Commissioner Felix Lyaviva. It was the first time Mr Makonda appeared in public in eight days. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT

What you need to know:

Mr Makonda, who has in recent weeks been facing relentless queries about his academic certificates, was seen in public for the first time in eight days when he opened a one-kilometre road built by an investor.

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda resurfaced yesterday after disappearing from public view for over one week.

Mr Makonda, who has in recent weeks been facing relentless queries about his academic certificates, was seen in public for the first time in eight days when he opened a one-kilometre road built by an investor.

Footage aired by national broadcaster TBC showed Mr Makonda presiding at the ceremony accompanied Temeke District Commissioner Felix Lyaviva. The video was also shared widely on social media earlier.

Mr Makonda commended Wazalendo Company Limited for building the road in the city’s Kurasini area, saying it was previously rendered impassable by rains.

“This is the kind of investors we want. He has used his own money to build this road, which will serve many Tanzanians. Since this road is located near an export processing zone, it will help to boost the country’s economy,” he said.

The whereabouts of Mr Makonda were a mystery following his absence from two official events he was expected to attend earlier this month.

He was expected to be the chief guest at the regional commemoration of International Women’s Day in Dar es Salaam on March 8, but did not show up.

It was the second time he had skipped a major event in Dar es Salaam in the space of three days.

He was uncharacteristically absent when President John Magufuli arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport on March 5 from a four-day tour of Mtwara and Lindi regions and was instead represented by Kigamboni District Commissioner Hashim Mgandilwa.

Mr Makonda disappeared from public view amid controversy surrounding his academic certificates.

The certificates storm surfaced a few days after Mr Makonda publicly linked several prominent individuals, including politicians, businesspeople, artistes and religions leaders, with narcotic drugs last month.

Those named include billionaire businessman Yusuf Manji, opposition leader Freeman Mbowe, actress Wema Sepetu and Bishop Josephat Gwajima of the Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Gwajima has repeatedly accused Mr Makonda of forging his Form Four certificate and using another person’s name, and challenged the RC to prove otherwise. Mr Makonda has yet to respond to the allegation. There were unconfirmed reports that Mr Makonda tendered his resignation shortly before disappearing.