NGOs hailed as key pillar in driving Dodoma’s development

DODOMA Regional Commissioner, Ms Rosemary Senyamule, has commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for being a driving force behind the region’s development, citing their role in building schools, funding social projects and complementing government efforts.

She made the remarks in Dodoma on Wednesday while opening a consultative meeting with NGO stakeholders, part of the regional office’s routine engagement with different groups to plan and align development strategies.

Ms Senyamule said NGOs have supported the construction of schools and other projects, adding that such initiatives complement government efforts in improving social services.

“When we witness the handover of various projects undertaken by NGOs, it is clear that these achievements are a joint effort between the government and our partners,” she said.

She urged NGOs to familiarise themselves with Dodoma’s development priorities, which focus on five key areas including agriculture, tourism, positioning Dodoma as a logistics hub, construction industries and minerals.

She emphasised that NGO interventions should target sectors that directly touch rural communities to boost the regional economy.

Dodoma Regional Community Development Officer, Ms Honoratha Rwegasira, said NGOs have been instrumental in promoting social, economic and governance improvements by working closely with local government authorities.

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She disclosed that the region currently hosts 437 active NGOs, out of 527 registered, while 188 have been suspended and 150 deregistered for various reasons.

She said NGOs in Dodoma operate across multiple sectors, including health, economy, human rights, good governance, environment, agriculture, gender equality and youth development.

Over the past five years, they have contributed about 65.9bn/- towards projects that have improved education, healthcare, accountability and social welfare in the region.

“NGOs have been a key pillar in bringing positive change to our communities by creating opportunities, solving challenges and complementing government efforts,” she said.

A representative from the Registrar of NGOs in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Mr Dennis Bashaka, reminded stakeholders to operate within their mandates and focus on activities aligned with their registration, particularly as the country prepares for elections