Samia tasks ALAT on diligence

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued specific directives to the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT), with primary being working diligently to meet citizens’ expectations.

Speaking in Dodoma yesterday while opening the 39th annual General Meeting of ALAT, the President urged local government authorities to enhance service delivery by effectively managing their staff.

“We must welcome, listen to and serve citizens with professionalism, wisdom and integrity,” she said.

She outlined several key areas requiring immediate attention, including strengthening institutional systems, calling for improved systems within local governments to handle public grievances efficiently.

“Citizens are our employers. If they say we have failed them, we will all have to leave. To retain our positions, let’s work diligently to meet their expectations,” President Samia said.

Addressing land conflicts, President Samia acknowledged that land disputes remain a persistent challenge, often exacerbated by some leaders.

“Land conflicts are deadly, fostering hostility and severe consequences. Leaders must avoid involvement in these disputes and uphold justice,” she cautioned.

The Head of State further said aligning plans with national development goals is another area local authorities must give attention to by ensuring that their plans alignwith the national development vision.

President Samia stressed the importance of increasing efforts to generate new revenue sources and improve collection from existing ones.

She advised local governments to adopt a collaborative approach with businesses rather than coercion, which often leads to issues like fake receipts.

Additionally, President Samia instructed local government employees aspiring for leadership positions in the upcoming general elections to declare their intentions early, allowing for a smooth transition and preventing disruptions in service delivery.

She also highlighted financial mismanagement within local authorities, revealing that some councils use unofficial collection systems, diverting funds into private pockets instead of development projects.

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“Local Government and Regional Administration Minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa and District Executive Directors must closely monitor this. If all collected funds enter the official system, we will have sufficient resources for development.

However, if we allow funds to leak, our progress will stall,” she said. President Samia called for the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance financial transparency and accountability.

She urged local governments to explore innovative revenue sources, especially in cities and small towns, to boost service delivery. Furthermore, she stressed on enforcement of laws and by-laws, which she said many problems arise because these laws are not enforced.

Illustrating that, she said there’s a law that requires anyone wanting to build a residence or business to go to the municipal council, obtain a permit and have their building plans approved by a board of engineers.

However, once the permit is issued, the person builds as they please, and due to lack of oversight from municipal engineers after obtaining a permit for one house, someone might add another house that wasn’t on the approved plans.

“We must take this seriously and ensure compliance with construction regulations,” she said.

On investment, she reminded councils to safeguard designated investment areas and ensure they are used as intended.

President Samia also encouraged local governments to harness available resources to drive economic growth, citing Ludewa, Tanganyika and Kwimba districts as examples of regions utilising their natural resources to benefit their communities.

During the meeting, ALAT’s Executive Committee requested the President to reinstate Local Government Week, a national event showcasing council achievements funded by local revenues.

ALAT Chairman Murshid Ngeze argued that the event would help citizens appreciate the government’s efforts.

Mr Ngeze also urged the government to improve payment systems, as temporary financial closures at the end of the fiscal year have caused delays in project implementation.