DC suggests reforming the TASAF financial system

MASWA: THE Maswa District Commissioner, Mr Aswege Kaminyoge, has called for reforms to the financial system used by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) in implementing development projects under the third phase of the initiative, which aims to support poor households (TASAF III).

Mr Kaminyoge explained that the current system is causing significant delays in the completion of some projects due to its lengthy procedures.

He made the comments yesterday during a visit by TASAF’s members of the national committee who were in the district to meet the beneficiaries and inspect various projects.

The DC highlighted that TASAF’s method of disbursing funds for projects differs from the central government’s approach, where funds are allocated directly to local governments for development initiatives.

He noted that the central government sends money directly to the village or ward where a project is being implemented, allowing many projects to be completed as scheduled.

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Mr Kaminyoge pointed out that under the TASAF system, funds are first transferred to local government accounts, and the process of moving the money to the project sites is much slower, causing delay in the implementation of projects.

“For instance, in the central government’s system, when a village is building a health centre, funds are sent directly to the village, enabling the project to be completed quickly and on time,” he explained.

He added: “however, under the TASAF system, the funds are first deposited into local government accounts, and there is a long process to transfer the money to the project sites, which significantly delays the project completion.”

In another development, the DC commended the district’s poverty reduction program, highlighting its significant impact in transforming previously impoverished households into self-sufficient ones.

After touring the projects and meeting with beneficiaries, members of the committee emphasised the importance of better maintenance for the various TASAF projects to ensure their long-term sustainability and continued benefit to the community.

They expressed concerns that, in some districts where TASAF projects have been implemented, project managers have not adequately fulfilled their responsibilities in overseeing the proper management and maintenance of the projects.