Shinyanga District Commissioner, Julius Mtatiro, engages with residents of Shinyanga Municipality on March 3rd, 2024. Photo by Adonis Byemelwa.
Shinyanga: In a proactive move to tackle citizen concerns head-on, Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro has launched a comprehensive tour aimed at addressing pressing issues within the community. With the impending civic elections this year and in 2025, decisive leadership and community engagement are paramount, and Mtatiro's bold initiatives stand at the forefront of this transformative process.
Mtatiro's journey towards effecting change is rooted in his background in the opposition party, CUF, and his esteemed tenure within the University of Dar es Salaam's students' government. With a deep commitment to grassroots activism and inclusive governance, Mtatiro is poised to make significant strides in Shinyanga District.
Harnessing his experiences and bold leadership style, Mtatiro navigates through the community's concerns with unwavering determination. His tenure at the University of Dar es Salaam instilled in him the values of accountability, transparency, and proactive problem-solving – qualities that now define his approach to governance.
With an eye toward the upcoming civic elections, Mtatiro's tour not only addresses immediate grievances but also lays the groundwork for long-term community development. By engaging directly with citizens and fostering collaborative solutions, he embodies the spirit of participatory democracy, empowering constituents to shape the future of their district.
As the civic elections draw nearer, Mtatiro's bold initiatives resonate deeply with the electorate, signaling a new era of responsive and accountable leadership in Shinyanga District. Through his proactive tour and unwavering commitment to service, Mtatiro paves the way for tangible and transformative changes that uplift the community and drive progress for years to come.
In a significant collaboration, Mtatiro is joined by District Executive Director Alexus Kagunze, who shares a history of education with him at the university. This blend of leadership promises to mark significant strides in addressing citizens' grievances and propelling Shinyanga District towards a brighter future.
During a public meeting held on April 3rd, 2024, at the major market of Shinyanga Municipality, Mtatiro listened attentively to the grievances raised by citizens and issued directives to the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) regarding urgent road repairs.
Mtatiro emphasized the critical importance of addressing the poor condition of the road from Ndala to the Mwawaza Regional Referral Hospital, a lifeline for accessing healthcare services. He instructed Tarura to ensure the road is repaired promptly by April 10th, utilizing emergency funds if necessary.
"Instruct Tarura to ensure that by April 10th, the road from Ndala to Mwawaza Regional Referral Hospital has been urgently repaired using emergency funds. This road is crucial as it affects people's lives due to its connection to the referral hospital," said Mtatiro.
Moreover, Mtatiro pledged to address various other issues raised by citizens, including land disputes, border conflicts, compensation payments, lack of truck parking areas, and the sale of public spaces. He stressed the importance of prompt and efficient resolution of these issues.
District Commissioner Julius Sunday Mtatiro addresses citizen land demarcation concerns raised by Mzee Hafidh Masego and issues urgent directives for repairing the road to Mwawaza Regional Referral Hospital. Photo by Adonis Byemelwa.
"I am dedicated to serving the people and ensuring justice is upheld regardless of the individuals involved," emphasized Mtatiro.
Furthermore, the District boss’ approach of engaging directly with citizens to address their concerns has been commended by many. Unlike previous leaders, Mtatiro avoids public shaming of government officials and fosters respectful communication to resolve issues collaboratively.
Meanwhile, former Secretary of Ideology and Propaganda, Paul Makonda's approach of publicly accusing leaders of neglecting their duties faced strong opposition. Makonda's tactics were sharply criticized by the party's General Secretary, Emmanuel Nchimbi, who advocated for decorum in executing party duties without humiliating civil servants.
Additionally, Mtatiro's responsibilities as District Commissioner, including chairing various committees and attending regional meetings, highlight his commitment to ensuring efficient service delivery and creating conducive environments for District Councils to fulfill their duties.
In line with the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mtatiro pledged to spend time in the field to understand citizens' concerns and ensure their rights are protected.
In response to Mtatiro's efforts, Shinyanga Urban MP, Patrobas Katambi, pledged to expedite the construction of essential infrastructure, including a new market, bus stand, and airstrip, requesting funds from the government treasury for these projects.
In addition to his direct involvement in addressing citizens' grievances, Mtatiro's role as District Commissioner encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring efficient governance and service delivery in the Shinyanga district.
These duties, undertaken on behalf of the Regional Commissioner, include chairing committees related to business licensing appeals, liquor licenses, and prison inspections, as mandated by the Business Licensing Authority Act, No. 25 of 1972, the Intoxicating Liquors Act, No. 28 of 1968, and the Prisons Act, No. 34 of 1967.
Mtatiro also deals with matters concerning individuals suspected of witchcraft, as stipulated under the Witchcraft Ordinance Cap 18, acts as a liaison with District Councils, and plays a crucial role in various committees formed at the district level. Furthermore, he actively participates in Regional Consultative Committee meetings and assists the Regional Commissioner in overseeing District Councils to ensure adherence to government policies and legal responsibilities.
Shinyanga district, nestled in the heart of the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania, stands as a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. Boasting a population of 214,744 as per the 2022 census, and covering an area of 554.6 km², it serves as a pivotal hub for economic activities, particularly in agriculture and mining. With a population density of 387.2/km², the district teems with potential for growth and prosperity.
Under the dynamic leadership of individuals like District Commissioner Mtatiro, who are committed to serving their constituents and driving positive change, Shinyanga district is poised for significant advancements. With its sizable population primarily engaged in farming and small-scale mining, there exists a robust foundation upon which to build sustainable development initiatives.
Through collaborative efforts and proactive initiatives spearheaded by the District Commissioner, the district can harness its abundant resources and vibrant community spirit to propel growth and prosperity. By leveraging the fertile lands for agricultural expansion and tapping into the mineral-rich reserves for responsible mining practices, the Shinyanga district holds the promise of becoming a beacon of hope and progress in the region.
By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations, the District Commissioner can capitalize on the district's potential, channeling resources and expertise toward initiatives that uplift livelihoods, improve infrastructure, and foster economic resilience. With strategic planning and inclusive governance, Shinyanga district is poised to witness tangible improvements and emerge as a model of sustainable development in Tanzania.
