Don't Serve Lunch at Short Meetings, Magufuli Warns

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has called on all public institutions to cut on refreshments expenditure during meetings.

Magufuli said strict frugality should be observed to have more funds for important needs.

He addressed a letter on the directive to principals, deans and directors of major administrative departments.

In a letter to the University of Dar Es Salaam, Magufuli quoted unnecessary refreshments offered in meetings.

"Heavy refreshments and food" are offered for a specified number of people "beyond a reasonable margin".

Magufuli said participants in meetings lasting two hours should only have water, tea or coffee.

Juice, nuts, fruits and water should be offered in meetings that last more than two hours, he said.

Magufuli said no meat and heavy snacks should be served in short meetings.

The newly elected President warned against uncontrolled pricing for catering services.

Magufuli said lunch should be served in very rare and exceptional circumstances.

Only meetings starting in the morning and expected to continue into the late afternoon should serve lunch, he said.

Magufuli said Finance departments have to approve any food served during the long meetings.

The President, who was elected in October, has taken drastic measure to reduce costs.

He cut down money for his inauguration and instead spent the funds in buying beds for a hospitals.

Magufuli also spent money meant for celebrating World Aids Day to buy ARVs for patients.