180bn/- goes to local govt projects

 

LOCAL government authorities had by end of October received 177bn/- for development projects from the central government, the National Assembly heard here yesterday.

The Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, answering a question by Ms Munde Tambwe (Special Seats-CCM), reaffirmed the government's commitment to release funds as per approved budget, assuring farmers of timely delivery of agricultural inputs to boost production.

The backbencher had sought to know the reason behind delays in the issuance of development funds, impacting negatively on a number of development projects. "What is not working well in the budget machinery because funds for development projects are not properly disbursed, three months since we approved the budget," queried Ms Tambwe.

The premier attributed the delays to the government verification of the revenue collection and spending systems in the local governments as well as deploying capable employees to oversee the disbursement and utilisation of the allocated resources.

Mr Majaliwa said upon being satisfied with the system in place, the government started issuing the development funds last month.

"We are obliged to ensure the funds trickle down timely but after passing the budget, we had to evaluate the revenue collection systems, position revenue collection officers across the country and inspect all development projects in the country," said Mr Majaliwa He cited many tender advertisements from various local government councils as an indication that the funds have started flowing.

The premier stressed on the collection of revenues through the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) and disbursement of funds as planned, issuing strong warning against embezzlers. He also refuted claims by the opposition that the government was bankrupt, saying the economy remains stable and Tanzanians have nothing to worry about.

Mr Majaliwa made the assurance as he answered a question by Mwita Waitara (Ukonga-Chadema) who demanded explanation as to why the government has failed to release money under the Constituency Fund if at all it was not broke.

"I believe the government is not well financially ... but if that is not the case, why then the money, which is purely for development projects in the constituencies is yet to be released.

We have already made development promises to our voters but we have failed to deliver on those promises and we are now perceived as liars," said Mr Waitara. Responding, the premier said the constituency funds are disbursed once in a financial year and that only three months of the current fiscal year have passed.

"There are priority areas that we had to start with, but I want to assure all MPs that the money will be paid in due course." On delivery of agricultural inputs, the premier told the House that the government had set up modalities with a number of suppliers to ensure the inputs reach farmers timely.

“We are well organised through the Ministry of Agriculture ... seeds and fertiliser will reach farmers on time and get away with complaints on delayed agricultural inputs, a serious impediment to production," he said. He was responding to Oran Njeza (Mbeya Rural - CCM), who queried the measures that the government will apply to ensure time delivery of inputs.

Mr Majaliwa said the government has appointed the Tanzania Fertiliser Company (TFC) to distribute fertilisers through agents to the grassroots level. "We want to support our farmers to get subsidised agricultural inputs for we know that agriculture is the key economic sector, " said Mr Majaliwa.