THE Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango is expected to grace the 2022 congress of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) in Mbeya City today.
The theme of the three-day gathering focuses on efficient collection and spending of local authorities’ revenues as the basis of sustainable development for the people.
In quick analysis, increased independent revenue sources tap can provide local governments with more resources to meet the growing demands of meeting expenditures on healthcare, roads, water and other local government services.
Speaking after handing over a 120m/- cheque to support the 36th ALAT congress yesterday, NMB Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ruth Zaipuna pledged that the bank will continue to work closely with the local government to make sure that it increases efficiency in revenue collection.
“The relationship between us and ALAT has been for some time active, and has been of great benefit to the two parties. For many years, we have collaborated with ALAT at all levels from the council to the national level,” she pointed out.
She added, “NMB Bank recognizes the good work of ALAT under the leadership of national chairperson, Murshid Ngeze and Secretary General Elirehema Kaaya in overseeing and implementing the objectives of the organization,”
In her short address of NMB’s acceptance to sponsor the ALAT 2022 Congress, Ms Zaipuna lauded the association’s leaders for their strong stewardship of the organization.
“In the bid to strengthen this relationship, NMB finds it appropriate to ensure that this congress, which starts today, succeeds by contributing 120m/-for its organisation,” she added.
Providing services with locally generated revenues enhances the local government’s social contract with its citizens, building a culture of tax compliance as the price paid for a well-functioning local government.
In response, ALAT’s General Secretary, Elirehema Kaaya applauded the bank for not only supporting ALAT, but also on how it was close to the government and supportive especially in health and Education sector.
Last year’s ALAT Congress, which was also sponsored by NMB Bank, took place in Dodoma with over 500 participants from 185 city, district and municipal councils across the country.
The local governments are major NMB business and development partners which it serves as well as their people through 227 branches that comprise the widest network of bank outlets in Tanzania.