Odd-Helge Fjeldstad, Amon Chaligha and Einar Braathen | This is the first issue in a series of Project Briefs from the formative process research (FPR) on the local government reform programme (LGRP) in Tanzania. The Project Briefs intend to present and discuss cases illustrating experiences from various councils in implementing the reform. The Project Briefs will also provide discussions on special issues and themes of broader interest. In this issue the…

Odd-Helge Fjeldstad | The recent rationalisation of local government taxes and, in particular, the abolishment of the development levy, imply that many district councils, in the short run, will lose 40-50 percent of their own generated revenues.

Siri Lange | One central Objective of Local Government Reform Programme - LGRP is foresting of public-private partnerships in delivering of essential services at a community level.

Einar Braathen | In response to pressure in the parliament the government has recently stated that it is considering extending the Tanzania Social Action Fund - TASAF to all districts as from 2005

Odd-Helge Fjeldstad | Part of the problem of raising local government revenues in Tanzania is persistent public resistance to paying, as evidenced by widespread tax evasion and non-payment of fees and charges.

Deograsias Mushi | The Local Government Reform Programme - LGR target to strengthen grassroots institution to govern, mobilize, manage resources and provide social services through participatory processes that has been well defined from hamlet to council level.

Einar Braathen | Accessibility to clean and safe water for every household has been seen for decades as a core element of basic needs and human rights. The Government of Tanzania (GoT) has endorsed the UN Millennium Development Goals, including the pledge to reduce by half by the year 2015 the proportion of people who do not have sustainable access to safe drinking water.

Odd-Helge Fjeldstad and Kurt Nygaard | The Overall Goal of Local Government Reforms - LGR programme is to improve public services to ordinary citizen

Siri Lange | Primary education since the introduction of the Primary Education Development Plan

Deograsias Mushi | The Major concern with the public health sector reform is the impact on the poor on their access to public health services