Manyara Region has approved a TZS327 billion draft budget for the 2026/27 financial year, signalling a renewed push to accelerate development projects and improve social services across the region.
Presenting the budget during a Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting in Babati, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Planning and Coordination, Lusungu Mwilongo, said the proposal is aligned with key national priorities, including directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the opening of the 13th Parliament, the National Development Vision 2050, and the Fourth Five-Year National Development Plan.
He said the budget prioritises the implementation of development projects overseen by district councils, with particular emphasis on completing ongoing initiatives.
Mwilongo called on leaders and citizens to work closely together to ensure the budget translates into tangible outcomes.
“Successful implementation depends on cooperation between leaders and the community, especially in ensuring development projects are completed on time,” he said.
Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga urged government leaders and public servants to make meaningful contributions during their tenure.
She said leadership should be measured by impact on people’s lives rather than personal recognition. “Let us use our knowledge and energy to serve the people of Manyara and leave a positive legacy,” she said.
She also praised Members of Parliament from the region for effectively articulating citizens’ concerns in key sectors such as health, education, water, agriculture, livestock and road infrastructure.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Daniel Sillo, who also represents Babati Rural constituency, said wananchi have high expectations for improved delivery of social services.
He noted that from March, MPs from Manyara will be in Dodoma for the budget session, urging voters to understand that their absence from constituencies would be due to parliamentary responsibilities.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Ole Millya said the Sixth Phase Government has recorded notable achievements in serving pastoralist and rural communities, particularly in access to clean water, education and health services.
He said those who experienced life in underserved rural areas can clearly see the scale of progress made in recent years.
The approval of the draft budget paves the way for the implementation of development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and service delivery across Manyara.