The Muheza District Council has outlined its key priorities for the 2025/26 financial year, focusing on strengthening local revenue collection and improving service delivery.

These priorities were revealed during the council's workers' meeting held last weekend, where the draft budget of 46.45bn/- was approved.

Opening the meeting, Muheza District Executive Director Dr. Jumaa Mhina encouraged council members to freely share their thoughts and suggestions, emphasizing the importance of aligning the district’s priorities with the proposed budget.

"These funds will be allocated to salaries, other expenditures, and development projects," Dr. Mhina stated.

Presenting the budget draft, Acting Planning Officer Mwanaisha Dala explained the breakdown of the proposed 46.45bn/- budget. 

Local revenue is expected to contribute 3.85bn/-, while 2.66bn/- will come from other grants. Salaries will account for 29.27bn/- , and development projects will receive 10.66bn/-.

Dala highlighted the district's priorities, which include strengthening local revenue collection to enhance service delivery and investment, supporting operational costs for educational oversight and improving access to health supplies, including medications and diagnostic tools.

Other priorities will include providing economic and social loans to women's, youth, and disability groups and improving working conditions by contributing to the construction of four village offices (Kwamnyefu, Shembekeza, Masimbani, Mkulumilo) and the Makole ward office.

Council members underscored the importance of budgeting for monitoring revenue collection to ensure targets are met and addressing outstanding debts for staff and retirees.

Dr. Mhina assured the council that the proposed budget takes these concerns into account and incorporates suggestions made during the workers' meetings.

Muheza District, located in the Tanga Region of northeastern Tanzania, has a diverse economy based on agriculture, trade, and tourism.

Eco-tourism is growing due to the district’s proximity to the Usambara Mountains and Amani Nature Reserve, renowned for their biodiversity and scenic beauty.

However, Infrastructure issues, including road networks and access to reliable markets, pose a challenge to economic growth, while farmers face difficulties in accessing finance and agricultural inputs.