Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has assured councillors across the country that their allowances will be increased once domestic revenues double and the national economy stabilises.
The assurance was given yesterday in the National Assembly by Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Dr Festo Dugange, while responding to a supplementary question from Mwibara MP, Charles Kajenge (CCM), who sought clarity on when councillors’ allowances would be raised.
Dr Dugange said that the government acknowledges the vital role councillors play in local governance, but noted that any increment in their allowances must be aligned with improved economic conditions and increased internal revenue collections.
“The government recognises the important work carried out by councillors, which is why allowances are provided. However, for these allowances to be increased meaningfully, we must first strengthen our economy and boost domestic revenues,” Dr Dugange said.
Earlier, during the basic question, Special Seats MP Neema Mwandabila (CCM) had asked when the government would begin paying salaries to councillors to enable them to perform their duties more effectively.
In response, Dr Dugange explained that councillors currently receive monthly allowances as stipulated in the Standing Orders of the Council and guided by existing government regulations.
“These allowances serve as a formal means of acknowledging the contributions of councillors to the development of their communities,” he said.
In a follow-up question, Ms Mwandabila questioned whether the lack of salaries for councillors could contribute to corruption in local projects under their oversight.
She also inquired whether the government would consider providing transport allowances similar to what the ruling party, CCM, has offered in some constituencies.
Dr Dugange reiterated that the government is aware of the challenges councillors face and continues to assess the situation.
“We understand that current allowances are still not sufficient and we are closely monitoring economic performance with the aim of increasing them when conditions allow,” he said.
“Likewise, the government will evaluate the feasibility of providing transportation support based on available resources and economic capacity,” he added.
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