The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (TAKUKURU) in Morogoro Region has uncovered significant shortcomings in the implementation of 12 public development projects valued at TZS 2.26 billion, spanning the construction, health, and education sectors.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the Morogoro Regional TAKUKURU Chief, the Head of Public Education, Thomas Bigambo, said the findings came as a result of routine monitoring and evaluation of ongoing development initiatives.
Bigambo revealed that TAKUKURU assessed a total of 26 development projects across sectors such as education, water, roads, and health, with a combined value of over TZS 28.4 billion.
The aim was to identify potential risks that could lead to the misuse or loss of public resources and to ensure that funds were being used effectively and efficiently.
In a related effort, TAKUKURU, in collaboration with technical experts from the Morogoro Municipal Council, conducted inspections on public open spaces that had been unlawfully occupied and developed by private investors.
Their assessment revealed significant losses in municipal revenue due to these unauthorized developments.
To address this, TAKUKURU and the Municipal Council reached an agreement with SM Holding Msamvu, a private investor, to formalize the collection of tax revenue from commercial structures constructed on Plots 11 and 12 in the Msamvu area.
These developments had been carried out in violation of urban planning laws, regulations, and procedures.
“As a result of this intervention, the Municipality has begun collecting annual revenue amounting to TZS 26.3 million funds that were previously going uncollected. This revenue will be generated over a ten-year period as stipulated in the lease agreement,” said Bigambo.
Over the course of the ten-year contract, the Municipality is projected to collect a total of TZS 263.5 million. Upon the contract’s expiration, full ownership of the developed properties will revert to the Municipal Council.
Bigambo further emphasized that monitoring efforts will continue across all open spaces within Morogoro Municipality.
The goal is to promote responsible land use and maximize revenue collection from municipally owned assets.