DODOMA: THE government will today provide clarification on the management and utilisation of various statutory funds established to finance the development, maintenance and expansion of key public sector projects.
Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, told the National Assembly yesterday that the government has taken note of concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the administration of project-specific funds.
He said Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, would address the concerns while presenting the 2026/27 National Budget in Parliament today.
Prof Mkumbo made the remarks in response to MPs’ concerns who questioned the management of revenues collected through various development funds, alleging that some of the resources were being diverted to activities outside their intended mandates.
Lawmakers argued that such practices undermine the objectives for which the funds were established and could slow the implementation of critical development projects.
Earlier, Mr Kenneth Nolle (Bahi-CCM) sought clarification on when the government would ring-fence resources allocated to the National Water Fund to ensure they are used solely for water-related projects, noting that water shortages remain a major challenge in many parts of the country.
The legislator said access to clean and safe water continues to be a pressing issue not only in Bahi District but across Tanzania, making it imperative for funds earmarked for the sector to be protected and directed towards their intended purpose.
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“It is evident that water challenges persist in many parts of the country. However, there are concerns that revenues collected under the Water Fund are not adequately safeguarded for their intended use. I would like the government to explain the measures being taken to ensure these funds are protected and channelled towards improving water services,” he said.
Responding to the concern, Deputy Minister for Finance Mshamu Munde said the National Water Fund was established under the Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 12 of 2009 and currently operates under the Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 5 of 2019.
He explained that Regulation 4(1)–(5) of the law clearly stipulates that all funds deposited into the National Water Fund account must be used exclusively for activities aimed at developing, improving and expanding water services across the country.