In modern conditions, when responsibility to citizens, transparency and rational use of public funds are the basis of the work of municipal structures in Tanzania, the Kwimba district administration in the Mwanza region is increasingly seen as an example of effective governance and financial order. The recent success of this local government body, receiving a positive audit opinion four years in a row, has brought recognition to the regional authorities and has become an occasion for discussion on how strict financial control contributes to development in the public interest.
At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee dedicated to the report of the Comptroller General and Auditor (CAG), Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda praised the council's efforts to maintain impeccable audit records. «Congratulations on the fact that the auditors have given a satisfactory conclusion for the fourth year in a row. This is an outstanding result demonstrating commitment to the principles of accountability and sound management of public resources», he said. This recognition comes at a time when municipalities across the country are under pressure to improve financial discipline, eliminate supervisors' comments, and ensure that budget funds are invested in projects that improve the lives of citizens.
Experts note that obtaining an unconditional audit opinion is an important step, but the true value of such successes lies in their essence. Such a conclusion confirms the correct accounting, compliance with costs and the lawful disposal of public assets. For Quimba, this achievement reflects many years of work to strengthen internal controls, modernize accounting systems, and comply with regulations.
Representatives of the Office of the Chief Controller and the Auditor reported that the audit confirmed the proper state of the financial statements and business processes of the council. Ritchson Ringo from the CAG regional unit in Mwanza noted that the Kvimba District administration consistently follows the principles of rational management of public funds, which ensures stable positive audit assessments. He emphasized the constructive tendency of the municipality in implementing audit regulations and optimizing responsibility.
A significant increase in local revenues of the municipal council was approved by the regional authorities. According to the meeting, receipts increased from about 3 billion shillings in 2023/2024 to almost 5 billion shillings in 2025/2026. This indicates improved financial management, increased control over fundraising, and increased economic activity in the area.
Mtanda, the Regional Commissioner, called this trend a positive indicator of the formation of a sustainable financial framework capable of supporting development programs. For many municipalities, budget replenishment remains a difficult task due to limited economic activity, imperfect collection systems, and dependence on subsidies from the central budget. Quimba's results confirm that strategic administration and dedication can significantly improve the effectiveness of local resource mobilization.
Despite the positive indicators, Mtanda recommended that the council change its approach to development, focusing on large investment programs instead of many small projects. He noted that large investments ensure a sustainable impact and become benchmarks of progress for future generations. «It is necessary to develop and implement programs with a budget of one billion shillings or more. Their implementation may take several years, but such projects will radically change the lives of local communities», he stressed.
This appeal highlights the increasing political orientation of the country's leadership, aimed at ensuring that the territorial authorities implement strategic programs to develop the economy, increase employment and improve the availability of public services on a large scale.
Mr. Balandya Elikana, Regional Administrative Secretary of Mwanza, expressed gratitude to Kwimbu for achieving 106% of the collection plan in the fiscal year 2025/2026. He stressed that filling the budget should not be an end in itself. Funds should be used to improve services that affect the quality of life. «Financial results should improve the conditions of service for citizens. The population should see improvements in education, medicine, water supply and other vital areas», he said.
At the meeting, special attention was paid to the launch of the Public Employee Performance Management Information System (PEPMIS). Balandya demanded that the heads of departments and divisions carefully monitor their subordinates, ensuring that data on functional responsibilities and results are correctly entered into the database. He warned that failure to comply with this order would lead to disciplinary measures against managers.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Chairman of the Kvimba District Council, Lamek Hole, called on the participants to take initiatives to resolve the remaining audit issues and strengthen the management mechanisms of the local administration. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving development goals.
After four years of positive audit assessments and revenue growth, the municipality needs to focus on implementing major transformational projects that will create a long-term legacy. The region's leaders said that strict financial discipline and transparency have created a solid foundation for further transformation. Now the task is to use this platform to implement projects that will improve living conditions, accelerate economic development and increase the well-being of citizens. For Quimba, the transition from an impeccable auditing reputation to large-scale transformations can be a key stage of development.
