Local government

1. Linking communities with central government: Local governments convey community needs to the central government.
2. Utilizing local resources: Efficient use of resources like food, water, and local materials.
3. Promoting democracy: Councilors are elected every five years, ensuring public participation in governance.
4. Creating by-laws: Specific laws are tailored to address local challenges and environmental conditions.

Village government

Smallest government unit. Composed of:

1. Village Assembly: Includes all adult residents.
2. Village Council: The executive arm managing daily activities.

District council

Covers administrative districts. Composed of:

1. Elected councilors.
2. Members appointed by the responsible minister.
3. Members of Parliament (MPs).
4. Led by a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson.

Town council

Towns like Songea, Njombe, Lindi, and Bukoba. Composed of:

1. Elected ward representatives.
2. MPs residing in the town.
3. Five appointees by the minister.
4. Led by a Chairperson and managed by a Town Director (chief executive).

Municipal council

Towns with populations exceeding 80,000 (e.g., Dodoma, Iringa, Morogoro). Composed of:

1. Elected ward representatives.
2. MPs from the municipality.
3. Ministerial appointees.
4. Led by a Mayor and a Deputy Mayor, with a Municipal Director as chief executive.

City council

Major cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya, and Arusha. Composed of:

1. Elected ward representatives.
2. MPs from the city.
3. Ministerial appointees.
4. Led by a Mayor and a Deputy Mayor, with a City Director as chief executive.

Mandatory functions

1. Ensuring the social and economic welfare of residents.
2. Maintaining law and order.
3. Collecting and utilizing revenue.
4. Enforcing by-laws and national policies.
5. Regulating and coordinating development projects.

Permissive functions

1. Prescribing land-use practices.
2. Building and maintaining infrastructure like drainage systems.
3. Charging fees for services and issuing licenses.
4. Establishing and managing health centers and schools.

Local governments raise revenue to fund services and pay employees through:

1. Service charges: Fees for services like refuse collection and water supply.
2. License fees: For various licenses issued by councils.
3. Rent: Charged for using council properties like houses, stalls, and stadiums.
4. Government grants: Provided by the central government for general and specific expenditures.