The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, has directed Regional Commissioners to ensure that all local government authorities introduce special days at ward level dedicated to listening to citizens’ complaints and resolving service delivery challenges.
The directive is aimed at improving access to government services and ensuring that issues affecting communities are addressed promptly at the grassroots level.
Prof. Shemdoe issued the instruction on March 2, 2026 while opening the 12th General Meeting of Regional and Council Education Officers from Tanzania Mainland held at Lush Garden Hotel in Arusha.
He said council directors and members of Council Management Teams (CMT) must strengthen their engagement with citizens by creating clear mechanisms for receiving and addressing public concerns.
The minister noted that many complaints raised by citizens during visits by national leaders could have been resolved earlier if local authorities had established effective systems for engaging communities.
“Council leaders should not wait for issues to be raised when national leaders visit regions. They must stay close to the people and resolve challenges early,” he said.
Prof. Shemdoe cited the ongoing regional tour by the Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, during which many residents have presented long-standing grievances that could have been addressed at council level.
Beyond administrative reforms, the minister also urged regional and council education officers to address the growing concern over declining moral values in society.
He said teachers play a central role in shaping the character of young people and must serve as role models both inside and outside the classroom.
According to Prof. Shemdoe, educators should guide students on responsible behaviour and help them develop strong ethical values that will benefit society.
He also called on teachers to guide students on the responsible use of information and communication technology (ICT), particularly social media, as digital technology becomes increasingly central in modern life.
“With the rapid advancement of science and technology, ICT must be used as a tool to strengthen education and positive values rather than undermine discipline among young people,” he said.
The minister further urged education officers to closely follow up on a directive issued by the Prime Minister requiring all schools in the country to ensure adequate toilet facilities for students and teachers within six months.
Improving sanitation infrastructure in schools, he said, is essential for ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education at PMO-RALG, Atupele Mwambene, said the 12th General Meeting is being held under the theme “The Use of ICT as a Key Pillar for Improving Education in Tanzania.”
Mwambene said the meeting brings together education officers from different regions and councils to share experiences and discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the education sector and improving learning outcomes across the country.