Local governments should be self-reliant

I support President Jakaya Kikwete's idea the local governments should have their own sources of income rather than relying solely on the central government.

But by supporting this idea should not be taken as green light for local governments to introduce more tax to wananchi. The authorities should help wananchi to start or expand income generating projects so that they (wananchi) can contribute further to their own development.

Yes, Mr President your views are spot on; but 'no' to local governments passing on unnecessary burden to wananchi please!
................................................................................


(SOURCE: Guardian, 2008-07-17 11:12:47 By Lydia Shekigenda, Korogwe, Tanga)

President Jakaya Kikwete has advised local governments to build up their own sources of revenue rather than rely solely on central government subsidies.

Speaking in Korogwe yesterday, President Kikwete said subsidies were only meant to back up the councils` operations.

He said there was no need to have local authorities which did not depend on their own sources of income.

``The government does not need district councils whose main task is simply to supervise the administration of funds from the central government,`` the President said.

``The councils are meant to assist the central government in development matters by using their own money,`` he said.

He said local governments which failed to collect their own revenue were not supposed to exist.

The challenge resulted from a report presented by Korogwe District Commissioner Betty Mkwasa, which indicated that the district was facing a shortage of class rooms and teachers`quarters.

President Kikwete said such problem could be solved locally as the councils could raise their own money which would be backed up by subsidies.
............................................................................