Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has challenged local government authorities to ensure that clean audit opinions awarded by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) translate into measurable improvements in public service delivery, arguing that good financial management must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens.
Speaking on Sunday during separate special council meetings in Kigamboni and Temeke municipalities to deliberate on and adopt the CAG's report for the financial year ended June 30, 2025, Chalamila said the true value of a clean audit opinion lies in whether residents experience better services.
"A clean audit opinion should not be an achievement on paper alone. Citizens expect to see quality services, including better roads, reliable water supply, electricity, healthcare and other essential public infrastructure," he said.
The regional commissioner directed all councils in Dar es Salaam to respond promptly to every audit query raised by the CAG and ensure that the issues are conclusively resolved.
He also instructed councils to fully implement recommendations issued by the Local Authorities Accounts Committee (LAAC), saying stronger accountability would improve governance and public confidence.
Chalamila further urged councils to prioritise visible, high-impact development projects while adopting innovative approaches to increasing local revenue and improving project implementation.
He said stronger financial discipline should ultimately result in faster delivery of public services and more efficient use of taxpayers' money.
The regional commissioner also encouraged residents to visit the ongoing 2026 Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), describing it as an important platform for business growth, investment opportunities and economic networking.
On security, Chalamila assured the public that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to safeguard peace and stability across the commercial capital.
"Maintaining peace in Dar es Salaam is a matter we take very seriously. This region is the country's economic hub and home to major public and private investments that depend on a stable and secure environment," he said.
Representing the Controller and Auditor General, Nestory Karia said while obtaining a clean audit opinion is a significant milestone, councils should strive to eliminate recurring audit queries by strengthening internal financial controls.
He stressed that effective use of internal auditors would help identify and address weaknesses before external audits are conducted, reducing unnecessary audit findings and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The remarks come as councils across the country continue reviewing the CAG's latest audit reports, with authorities under pressure to demonstrate that sound financial management is being matched by improved service delivery and value for money in public spending.
