SIMIYU, June 19 -- PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed all councils across the country to enhance their efforts in collecting taxes and levies, emphasising the need for Tanzania to strengthen its financial independence and reduce reliance on donor funding.

Speaking at a public rally in Bariadi Town on the fourth day of her working tour of Simiyu Region yesterday, President Samia noted that although councils receive substantial funding from the central government, their contributions from internal revenue sources remain disproportionately low.

“Our councils receive a lot from the central government but contribute very little. Strengthening levy collection is crucial for our development to move forward,” she said.

Pres...