ACT-Wazalendo promises local governments reforms if elected

Dar es Salaam. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo officially launched its 2024-2029 Local Government Election Manifesto on Sunday, outlining commitments to foster responsible, fair and accountable leadership if its candidates are elected on November 27, 2024.

During the launch event held at the Hakainde Hichilema Hall in Dar es Salaam, party leader Dorothy Semu said the manifesto focuses on addressing corruption, protecting citizens, and enhancing local government services to meet the needs of Tanzanians.

The manifesto criticises the past five years of local leadership, citing corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of accountability.

ACT-Wazalendo pledges to restore the voice of the people by enforcing regular village assemblies and street general meetings, as required by law.

The key measures that the party will take include eliminating unauthorized fees for services such as official stamps for court, police, Nida, and passport forms. It will immediately remove corrupt officials found guilty of misconduct.

“We aim to bring integrity back to leadership at all levels and ensure transparency in local governance,” said Ms Semu.

ACT-Wazalendo is promising to protect citizens from unfair arrests by law enforcement agencies and enhance community policing to fight crime and promote peace.

On the aspect of improving the business and the economy of citizens, ACT-Wazalendo says it will create a favorable environment for small traders, vendors, food sellers, and boda-boda riders.

It pledges to secure better markets and fair prices for farmers, herders, and fishermen as well as remove unfair levies and implement rural land use plans to resolve conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

To address land issues and housing challenges, ACT-Wazalendo says it will regard land rights as a priority. It vows to halt land grabbing and ensure fair compensation, implement a Land for Equity policy to empower communities through land-based investments, reclaim sold open spaces, and prevent unauthorized land allocation to investors or conservation projects without local consent.

The party promises to end informal school fees, ensure proper use of government funds, and guarantee access to essential services such as water, electricity, and healthcare. It also commits to advocating for better working conditions in rural areas and building new public facilities using renewable energy sources.

According to Ms Semu, ACT-Wazalendo plans to maintain roads year-round and improve waste management by ensuring weekly street-level waste collection. It also proposes initiating tree-planting campaigns and cleanliness drives in both urban and rural areas.

The manifesto reflects ACT-Wazalendo’s broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth, aiming to tackle the challenges of local governance head-on while empowering citizens and fostering economic prosperity.

Ms Semu called on voters to choose leaders who will drive change, saying, “Our manifesto is a promise to serve Tanzanians with integrity and deliver tangible results in their daily lives.”