BY DAVID KISANGA
8th May 2013
A statement issued by the GBS Chair Ambassador Lennarth Hjelmaker of Sweden said that development partners provide this support to strengthen the capacity of the government to deliver results and improve the lives of Tanzanians by reducing poverty and inequality.
The statement said that the release of the funds depends on government performance and the results delivered through the implementation of national policies and development plans.
It said while some progress has been made, substantial challenges remain, notably around meeting targets tracking access to clean and safe water, quality and equity of social service delivery, accountable governance, access to electricity and the financial sustainability of the energy sector.
“The future of this support depends on tackling these challenges,” said the statement.
It pointed out that development partners are therefore expecting to see continued progress in delivering quality basic services, especially in rural areas.
“In 2013, particular attention will be given to the area of public financial management and budget transparency, quality of health and education services on local level, as well as energy as key pillar for sustainable growth,” the statement.
Some of the important results that the development partners expect to see in the year ahead, the statement said, include improvement of Standard Seven exam results and more rural household getting access to safe and clean water.
The statement said that this will also go in line with Tanzania’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership which development partners expect to see positive things in improving the accountability and transparency of government
The government is working to strengthen its implementation capability and is focusing on six priority areas: water, education, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure and revenue collection.
“Development partners welcome this initiative which they expect to be translated into tangible results, fully supported by corresponding budget allocations,” noted the statement.
Marshall Elliott, Head of DFID and outgoing Chair of the GBS donor group said “Tanzania has huge potential and we notice positive trends.”
He revealed that development partners want to see clear results from their investment if they are to maintain these high levels of support.
“We need to be able to tell the taxpayers in our own countries, what results budget support in Tanzania has delivered this year. Budget support is a highly reliable and predictable aid instrument. But the Government needs to show that it is being used effectively to improve the lives of its citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Tanzania Filiberto Ceriani-Sebregondi on Monday assured Tanzanians continued support despite the financial crisis facing its member states.
He said that the EU will not reduce its aid thus fund other areas where there is much problem.
According to Sebregondi, EU member states usually contribute US$ 1bn/- to Tanzania each year.
“About 40 percent of aid is contributed by EU each year to support on various areas in the country,“ he said.
He said that EU will continue to support the country in every aspect to reduce poverty among its people.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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