ACT-Wazalendo promises local government reforms if elected

Dar es Salaam. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo on Sunday officially released its Manifesto for the 2024-2029 Local Government Elections, which sets out a commitment to promote responsible, fair and accountable leadership if its candidates are elected on November 27, 2024.

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

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

ACT-Wazalendo is committed to restoring the voice of the people by holding regular village meetings and street general meetings as required by law.

Among the key measures the party will take is the abolition of unauthorized fees for services such as official stamps for the court, police, NIDA and passport forms. He will immediately remove corrupt officials guilty of misconduct.

“We are committed to restoring integrity to leadership at all levels and ensuring transparency in local governance,” Ms Semu said.

ACT-Wazalendo promises to protect citizens from unjust arrests by law enforcement agencies and improve community policing to fight crime and promote peace.

On the aspect of improving citizens’ business and economy, ACT-Wazalendo says it will create an enabling environment for petty traders, vendors, food vendors and boda boda enthusiasts.

It is committed to ensuring better markets and fair prices for farmers, herders and fishermen, as well as abolishing unfair fees and implementing rural land-use plans to resolve conflicts between farmers and herders.

To address land and housing issues, ACT-Wazalendo says it will make land rights a priority. He promises to stop land grabbing and ensure fair compensation, implement Land for Share policies to empower communities through land investment, restore sold open spaces and prevent unauthorized land allocations to investors or conservation projects without local consent.

The party promises to abolish informal tuition fees, ensure proper use of public funds and guarantee access to basic services such as water, electricity and healthcare. It also undertakes to promote the improvement of working conditions in rural areas and to build new public facilities using renewable energy sources.

According to Ms Samu, ACT-Wazalendo plans to maintain the roads all year round and improve waste management by providing weekly street litter collection. He also suggests initiating tree planting campaigns and cleanliness drives in both cities and rural areas.

The manifesto reflects ACT-Wazalendo’s broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth, aimed at directly addressing local governance challenges while empowering citizens and promoting economic prosperity.

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