MLIMBA District Council in Kilombero, Morogoro Region has terminated the employment of two workers for chronic absenteeism, despite continuing to receive their salaries from the government.

The employees are Haji Jecha, the driver and Albert Chana, assistant environmental health officer.

Mlimba Council chairman Innocent Mwangasa announced the decision during the second-quarter of the council meeting held over the weekend here.

“This action was taken to serve as a stern warning to other employees who habitually fail to report at their work stations without notice, yet continue to receive their salaries. This behaviour is unacceptable,” Mwangasa said.

He further emphasised that the council will take stern measures, including dismissal, against any employee found guilty of similar misconduct in the future.

Meanwhile the council has approved several key resolutions including the confirmation of two acting officers as heads of their respective departments and the appointment of a new head for the Human Resources Department.

The council also decided to cancel debts owed by four individuals of the council.

Furthermore, the council lifted a previous ban on issuing 10 percent loans to groups from four wards Igima, Idete, Mofu and Mchombe.

The wards had been barred from accessing loans due to previous failures to repay them on time. However, groups in the wards that exercise accountability will now be eligible for loans.

Hassan Kidapa, the chairperson of the economic, construction, and environment committee, announced that the council plans to disburse 1.5bn/- as part of the second loan phase in January.

Kidapa, who is also the Chinganda Ward Councillor, explained that although more than 8bn/- in loan applications had been submitted, only 2.2bn/- is currently available.

To address this shortfall, the council plans to allocate more than 500m/- each quarter, based on the loan repayment cycle.

“We encourage groups to remain hopeful. The council is committed to supporting its residents, and we will continue to issue loans in phases when funds are available,” Kidapa assured.

Kilombero District Commissioner, Dunstan Kyobya, who opened the meeting, praised the council's leadership for its effective internal revenue collections, which had played a significant role in the region's development.

He urged council members to prioritise critical issues such as nutrition, environmental conservation, and security in their community engagements.