ALAT chairman, Dr Didas Masaburi,

The Association of Local Authorities has expressed dismay over the rising wave of removal of local government leaders from their positions in different parts of the country without following proper legal channels.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, ALAT chairman, Dr Didas Masaburi, who is also the Dar es Salaam City Mayor, recalled the recent incidents in which several local government leaders were removed in the wake of persisted pressures exerted from councillors.

He cited the cases of Rungwe district council in Mbeya, Tabora, Kibondo district council, Kigoma, Shinyanga district council, and recently Misungwi district council, where the chairmen of the respective councils and municipalities were shown the door on the basis of mere allegations raised by councillors.

“And in many cases removal of these leaders was accompanied by chaos and endless conflicts in the respective district councils and municipalities,” said Masaburi. ALAT condemned the removal of local government leaders, describing the acts as absolute violation of good governance principles and natural justice. He said that districts and municipalities are governed by laws and regulations which must be respected.

Elaborating, Masaburi cited the Local Governments Acts No.7 and 8 of 1982, regulations of 1995 (Government Gazzete No. 263 of May 19, 1995) and No. 264 of May 19, 1995) which clearly describe the procedures for removing the respective leaders from their posts.

“But we are surprised to see these regulations and laws not being followed. District council chairmen are removed just like that...without following proper legal channels,” said ALAT chairman.