Local government reforms and service provision in Tanzania: a case of Dar es Salaam municipalities

Provision of public services like water is the demand of all citizens in Tanzania. Different measures have been introduced by the government in order to improve provision of public services to the people. Local Government Reform Programme was also introduced for the purpose of improving public services in Tanzania. However, there is huge public outcry on provision of water services to the people in Tanzania. This dissertation investigates the reasons for the failure of LGRP to improve water service provision in the Dar es Salaam Municipalities. The research has used both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection and presentation. Also, purposive and random sampling procedures have been used in selecting key informants and recipients of the service. Research has found out that there is poor provision of water services in Dar es Salaam municipalities. There is a big problem in water access, availability and affordability which affects socio-economic development of citizens especially the poor. This study concludes that, though with challenges, LGRP is an important tool for improving provision of public services. Thus the study recommends for the government to allocate enough funds for provision of water service, involvement of citizens in planning processes and make them aware of local government reforms, maintenance and repairing of water infrastructures to overcome water wastage and water loss through faulty or damaged piped connections.