Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR local government authorities have collected over 50bn/- in revenue between 2020 and 2025, a major financial milestone attributed to enhanced systems and diversified revenue sources.
The achievement was announced by Zanzibar Minister of State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments, Mr Masoud Ali Mohammed, during a ceremony to formally dissolve municipal councils.
The event took place at Sheikh Idrissa Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni. The dissolution of municipal councils is in line with Section 88(1) of the Zanzibar Local Government Authorities Act No. 7 of 2014, as amended in 2016, to pave way for the General Election later this year.
Mr Masoud credited the success to improved revenue collection mechanisms and the identification of new revenue streams. He revealed that over 3bn/- from the collected funds was allocated to the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) to support special groups, including women, youths and people with disabilities.
“The revenue has also enabled implementation of development projects that have delivered economic, social and community benefits,” he said.
Among the key projects funded through local government revenues are the construction of modern markets at Mwanakwerekwe, Jumbi, Chuini, Machomane (Pemba) and Mkwajuni.
Additional initiatives include the development of Mwanamashungi Park in Pemba and a children’s recreational park in Paje.
Mr Masoud noted that local authorities have also improved the business environment by offering safe and organised trading spaces for entrepreneurs.
He thanked outgoing councillors for their service and acknowledged the elevation of several town councils to municipal status during the current fiveyear term.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments, Mr Issa Mahfoudh Haji, has urged government staff to maintain professionalism and public service standards during the transitional period following the dissolution.
He advised that no new development projects should be approved outside the existing work plans of the outgoing councils.
Mr Mahfoudh added that the dissolution allows former councillors to participate in political and community activities ahead of the 2025 general election.
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