Information and communication technologies (ICTs) for good local governance in Tanzania: case studies of Dar es Salaam City Council and Morogoro Municipality.
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Date
2003
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University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigates the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for promoting good Local Governance in Tanzania. Two Local Government Authorities (LGAs) were selected for the study: Dar es Salaam City Council and Morogoro Municipal Council. Four research questions were answered using data collected from 35 respondents which included 7 H.O.Ds, 3 decision-makers, 16 technical staff, 5 secretaries and 4 businessmen. More specifically, the study assesses the current Communication System and the extent to which it meets users' needs. Also, it examines the current use of ICTs and the potentialities and problems for enhancing the application of ICTs in facilitating transparent and faster information flow within and between Local Governments. Qualitative and quantitative research paradigms were used to collect data. The findings of the study reveal that the two LGAs have computers and use them to carry out some of their activities especially in Financial Management and word processing. Currently, most of the computers have neither e-mail nor Internet connectivity. As such, the LGAs communication system is mostly manual and does not meet users' needs. Nonetheless, there is unanimous acceptance among the LGA workers that ICTs can improve service delivery in LGAs. From the findings, the study concluded that ICTs play very little role in communication. However, the LGAs have computers which could be used to expand e-mail and Internet connectivity. Inhibiting the use of ICTs are factors such as lack of ICT Policy which results in poor utilization of even existing facilities and general low level of investment into ICTs. Unless there are drastic changes the current communication system is likely to continue being inadequate to meet the needs of users. The following recommendations are made: LGAs should develop a ICTs Policy emanating from within LGAs. The government should provide fund for ICT projects and ensure their sustainability and relic' power supply.
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Keywords
Local government reform, Management, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Citation
Pessa, J. C. (2003). Information and communication technologies (ICTs) for good local governance in Tanzania: case studies of Dar es Salaam City Council and Morogoro Municipality. Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/search.aspx?formtype=advanced)