NZEGA District and Town Councils of Tabora Region have been urged to make various decisions through application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide proper services to citizens and save government’s funds.
Speaking at a one-day GIS guideline training in Nzega town last week, Senior Urban Planning Officer from the President Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr George Miringay, said it was the right time for these councils to abandon outdated administrative information systems that are less efficient.
“There are already in place residential addresses, as well as maps of areas. These councils should now turn to using GIS information to make science-based decisions for the development of citizens and reduce operational costs,” he said.
He postulated the benefits of using the GIS information in decision-making including knowing where infrastructure for health services, schools, and roads should be directed with urgency, rather than concentrating them in one place and forcing citizens to travel long distances in search of these services.
Regarding reducing operational costs, Mr Miringay said that the use of geographic information system data will help the councils determine employees coming from distant places who deserve allowances.
It will also help establishing the amount of fuel needed to visit all schools during inspections or distribute examinations.
“The use of GIS systems will also facilitate revenue collection and ensure complete submission without loss. This system will also help identify administrative boundaries as well as address outbreaks of diseases by directing workforce and additional resources to the epicenter of those diseases,” he said.
He mentioned that other stakeholders of the GIS system include the Office of the President, TAMISEMI, the Offices of Regional Commissioners across the country, District Councils, Wards, Streets or Villages, as well as the private sector.
On the other hand, the Executive Director of Nzega Municipal Council, Mr Shomary Mndolwa, promised to implement all that was taught abou collaboration with the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Governments), TAMISEMI.
Mr. Mndolwa stated that all relevant documents will be reviewed and appropriately acted upon.
