Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has urged local government leaders to take a front-line role in safeguarding peace and strengthening public order at the grassroots level, particularly as the country heads toward the 2025 General Election.
Speaking during a working session with ward and street chairpersons and executive officers held at Diamond Jubilee Hall, Mr. Chalamila emphasized that lasting peace begins in communities.
He pointed out that a few neighbourhoods in the region have reported incidents of unrest, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance among local leaders.
“Security is not a matter reserved for national authorities alone. It must start at the mtaa and kata level,” said Mr. Chalamila. “You are closest to the people. If there is trouble in your areas, it reflects on your leadership.”
The Regional Commissioner also called on the leaders to be proactive in solving residents’ challenges instead of becoming sources of conflict or frustration.
“You are not elected or appointed to add problems to the people,” he said. “Your role is to provide solutions and uphold trust.”
With Tanzania entering an election year, RC Chalamila urged the leaders to sensitize citizens to participate actively in democratic processes.
“This is a crucial year. As local leaders, you must encourage voter registration and civic engagement from the ground up,” he said.
In addition, he appealed for stronger efforts in promoting tax compliance among residents and business owners, arguing that sustainable development depends heavily on local revenue generation.
“The government needs money to implement development projects, and that money comes from the people,” said Mr. Chalamila.
“President Samia is doing a remarkable job leading development efforts, but she can only go as far as the country’s resources allow. You must educate your communities on the importance of paying taxes.”he added
The commissioner reiterated President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent directive to regional leaders, which outlines four key areas of focus: maintaining peace, enhancing revenue collection, overseeing implementation of development projects, and engaging directly with citizens to resolve grievances.
Mr. Chalamila stressed that the success of these directives hinges on the performance of leaders at the local level.
“You have the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. Use it wisely,” he said.
For his part, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, SACP Jumanne Muliro, reinforced the message, calling for close collaboration between local leaders and the police force in order to maintain order and prepare for peaceful elections.
“The strength of our democracy depends on the calm and orderliness of our neighbourhoods,” said SACP Muliro.
“As we approach October 2025, your cooperation with security forces will be more critical than ever.”he added
The meeting served as a strategic push to align local leadership with national priorities on peace, development, and inclusive governance, especially as Tanzania prepares for one of its most significant democratic exercises in recent history.