He said it is imperative for the citizens to be well informed of implementation of development projects being undertaken by the government in their localities as well as give them an audience to air their views.
The minister expressed his sentiments at the launching of a first series of special meetings organised by the Director of Information Services, and Chief Government’s Spokesperson, Mobhare Matinyi with Regional Commissioner and District Executives Directors (DED’s) countrywide.
“The public has the right to be informed on how their taxes and revenues are being spent for development projects in their localities thus, Maelezo must flood positive content to the media and urge for massive coverage,” he said.
He added, “The citizens must be given an audience to express that the development projects have been a blessing to their wellbeing and socio-economic welfare.”
Nape said the government allocates a lot of money for development projects be it educational, health, agriculture and the likes in rural and various localities which the citizens are not aware of.
Matinyi called upon the regional and local authorities to communicate the information and has devised a novel strategy to streamline and expedite information sharing, especially focusing on implementation of development projects being undertaken by the government countrywide.
He insisted on the need for development journalism by citizens’ engagement through information sharing as essential for open government and effective development.
Matinyi is well aware that this will demand a committed and responsive government too thus Regional Commissioners (RCs), District Commissioner (DCs) and District Executive Directors (DEDs) in each region will speak out on the development and implementation strategies in their respective areas.
The special programme, he said, intends to inform the citizens on the actions taken by the government in their respective regions.
“We have started this special programme in Dodoma today, and we will be heading to Morogoro, Coast Region and Dar es Salaam in the first round” he said.
Matinyi said the government is doing a lot, especially in-terms of executing development programmes, but in most cases the majority of citizens remain unaware of what is happening within their localities.
Closing the session, Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, regional administration and local government, Dr Festo Dugange directed the regions and local authorities to offer full support and information to make the programme work.
He also insisted on full utilization, facilitation and equipping of information officers in the councils so that the public remains aware of government investment in various sectors.
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