The government has provided 12 motorbikes to Community Development Officers in Mbeya Region to enhance their efficiency and outreach, particularly in remote areas, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen social service delivery at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Mbeya Regional Commissioner’s Office on Wednesday, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Felister Mdemu, urged officers to work with diligence and integrity in serving citizens.
Ms. Mdemu said the provision of the motorbikes aims to recognize the officers’ contributions and to ease their mobility challenges, which often hinder timely responses to community needs.
“We expect you to be fully committed to your responsibilities. These motorbikes are meant to help you reach the people more easily and address their social and development challenges effectively,” she said.
She noted that the government values the critical role played by Community Development Officers in coordinating social initiatives, supporting vulnerable groups, and promoting inclusive development at the local level.
Acting Mbeya Regional Administrative Secretary, Anna Mwambene, thanked the ministry for its support, saying the motorbikes would significantly improve service delivery and community engagement.
“I urge all recipients to ensure these motorbikes are well maintained and used for their intended purpose. We also appeal to the ministry to continue providing such tools to meet the growing demand among officers who travel long distances to serve citizens,” she said.
Mbeya Regional Community Development Officer, Elukaga Mwaikasu, cautioned ward officers against misuse of the motorbikes, emphasizing that any deliberate negligence or damage would attract legal action.
“These are government assets, and they must be protected. Anyone who misuses them will be held accountable,” he said.
The officers who received the motorbikes expressed appreciation to the government for the gesture, pledging to intensify their efforts in delivering timely and professional services to communities across the region.