Local leaders urged to address citizens’ grievances

MANYARA: MINISTER for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Abdallah Ulega has urged local government leaders and officials to address citizens’ grievances promptly and provide feedback on actions taken to resolve their concerns.

He made the call during the opening of civic education and good governance training for local government leaders and officials in Manyara Region.

He said providing feedback to citizens is an important aspect of accountability, as it enables them to understand the measures taken to address their grievances and challenges.

Ulega stressed that citizens visiting public offices should be treated with respect, served without discrimination and informed about progress made in addressing their concerns, including any existing obstacles.

Using the example of a patient visiting a hospital, he said the way patients are received and listened to can help them begin to feel better, noting that courteous language gives people hope, while unfriendly language can leave them discouraged.

“Consider the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly and other groups requiring special attention,” he stressed.

The minister urged local government leaders and officials to receive, record and ensure citizens’ complaints are properly addressed.

He said one of the major challenges facing communities is the failure by public officials to provide comprehensive feedback on complaints, adding that citizens should be informed promptly once their matters have been processed and resolved.

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He said feedback can be provided through telephone calls, written responses or inviting citizens to offices to explain the outcomes.

“Imagine a widow who brings a land-related case to a government office. She is received, listened to and her matter is addressed, after which she is told to go home and rest. After a day or two weeks, she receives feedback. This would bring great happiness and hope to the widow,” Ulega said.

Manyara Regional Commissioner Martine Shegela said land disputes were among the challenges facing the region, contributing to violations of the law.

For his part, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs Dr Seif Shekalaghe said the training is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen understanding of civic education and good governance.

He said the training has been conducted in 22 regions across the country, including Manyara and will continue in seven local government authorities: Babati District Council, Babati Town Council, Hanang, Kiteto, Mbulu Town Council, Mbulu District Council and Simanjiro.