LOCAL government officials in Gairo District, Morogoro Region, have been urged to maintain strict oversight of internal revenue collection and proper use of the same during the transitional period following dissolution of the district council ahead of this year’s October General Election.

The call came from Gairo District Executive Director, Jeremiah Mapogo, during a recent council meeting reviewing third-quarter reports covering January to March 2025. Mapogo commended the council’s achievements in managing development projects and mobilising local revenues but stressed the importance of vigilance as the financial year closes.

“As we approach the General Election, it is crucial to sustain robust supervision, especially in agriculture,” he said. “With the harvest season ending, we must act decisively to prevent illegal transportation and smuggling of crops.”

Acting Gairo District Council Chairperson, Danstan Mwegoha, echoed the warning, emphasising that officials must not relax standards or shirk accountability during the absence of elected councillors.

“This is not the time for complacency. The lack of councillors does not mean council operations should falter,” said Mwegoha, who also represents Gairo Ward. “Officials must uphold transparency and integrity, especially in overseeing ongoing and new development projects.”

Mwegoha pointed out that previous council transitions had resulted in qualified or adverse audit opinions despite earlier clean records under councillor supervision. In a related matter, Msingisi Ward Councillor Stephano Mganga raised concerns about an increase in telephone scams, where fraudsters impersonate TANESCO employees and demand payments from residents under the pretext of selling electricity poles.

Responding to the issue, acting TANESCO manager for Gairo District, Donald John, denounced the scams and clarified that TANESCO does not sell poles to clients. “These con artists deceive residents by falsely claiming to represent TANESCO, often involving local leaders and councillors as intermediaries,” he explained. “Electricity poles are provided free of charge under the government’s rural electrification programme.” He urged residents to disregard such fraudulent requests and to follow official procedures by submitting service requests through TANESCO’s website or offices.