LAAC Chair Urges Reforms in Local Government Leadership

The Chairperson of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Local Government Accounts (LAAC), Halima Mdee, has raised urgent concerns regarding the appointment and accountability of Directors in local councils.

During a session in Dodoma, where the committee presented its findings, Mdee urged the Minister of Planning and Investment, Prof. Kilita Mkumbo, to thoroughly reassess the current procedures used to appoint these vital positions, emphasizing that ineffective leadership is causing significant financial losses for local governments

Mdee criticized the existing system that allows poorly performing directors to be simply transferred rather than held accountable for their actions. “The success of any institution or family depends heavily on the leadership at the top,” she stated, highlighting the critical need for accountability in local governance

. Her comments come in light of increasing financial mismanagement and inefficiencies that hinder local councils’ ability to effectively serve their communities

The LAAC Chairperson’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the operational challenges facing local governments in Tanzania. She pointed out that the process of selecting and managing directors requires a more rigorous approach to ensure that only qualified individuals are placed in these significant roles. “We cannot continue to allow the status quo to prevail,” Mdee insisted, calling for a comprehensive evaluation of the recruitment and oversight mechanisms in place

Responding to Mdee’s concerns, Prof. Mkumbo acknowledged the importance of reforming the selection process. He assured the committee of his ministry’s commitment to developing clear and effective criteria for appointing local government directors. This initiative is seen as crucial for enhancing governance and ensuring that local councils can fulfill their mandates

The call for reform highlights a crucial moment for local governance in Tanzania. The proactive stance taken by the LAAC and the commitment expressed by the Minister signal a shared understanding of the need for improvement within the local government framework.