Sauti za Wananchi
Senior Member
- Sep 2, 2014
- 113
- 138
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AG Attorney General
APRM African Peer Review Mechanism
BEST Basic Education Statistics of Tanzania
CAG Controller and Auditor General
CHMTs Council Health Management Teams
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
eGA e-Government Agency
EITI Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
AOI Access of Information
GIS Geographical Information System
IATI International Aid Transparency Initiative
IRM Independent Report Mechanisms
LAAC Local Authorities Accounts Committee
LGA’s Local Government Authorities
MALC Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
MOCLA Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs
MOEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
MEM Ministry of Energy and Minerals
MOF Ministry of Finance and Planning
MOHGEC Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children
MLHHSD Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development
MOWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation
MSD Medical Stores Department
NLUPC National Land Use Plan Commission ii
NAO National Audit Office
NBS National Bureau of Statistics
NECTA National Examinations Council of Tanzania
OGP Open Government Partnership
PAC Public Accounts Committee
PSC Production Sharing Contracts
PORALG President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government
PO-PSMGG President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance
POSH President’s Office, The State House
RAMD Records and Archive Management Departments
RHMTs Regional Health Management Teams
TAGCO Tanzania Association of Government Communication Officers
TIC Tanzania Investment Centre
TIS Tanzania Information Services
TEITA Tanzania Extractive Industries (Transparency and Accountability) Act
1.0 Introduction
Launched in 2011, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has rapidly grown from eight founding Governments to nearly 70. Throughout, the OGP has
operated as a partnership between Governments and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), with Action Plans developed, implemented and monitored jointly by Governments and CSOs. The thrust of OGP is to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to improve governance.
Tanzania joined OGP in 2011 and has already completed two phases of the OGP cycle. Phase I was implemented between 2012/13-2013/14 whereas Phase II was implemented between 2014/15-2015/16. This is Tanzania’s Third National Action Plan (NAP III). It contains specific and realistic commitments meant to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in the governance of Tanzania.
NAP III draws on the experiences and lessons from NAP II, constructive inputs from Civil Society and different Government Departments, Recommendations from the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) have also been taken into account. NAP III’s Commitments are designed to address real problems and create positive changes in the lives of Tanzanians.
Tanzania’s Fifth Phase Government, under H.E. President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, is keen to promote open and responsive government as part of the Government’s commitment to efficient and accountable government with strong anti-corruption stance. The slogan of Hapa Kazi Tu (Work! Nothing else!) will significantly support and strengthen implementation of the OGP Third National Action Plan; while banking on a dialogue mechanism between CSO’s and the Government that is sustainable throughout the National OGP cycle. It is expected therefore this Action Plan will not only strengthen partners’ relationship and collaboration but also enhance implementation of principles of Good Governance.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets a number of global priorities to eradicate poverty for sustainable development. 17 Goals and 69 Targets were adopted during the Regular Session of the UN General Assembly in September, 2015. In support of the 2030 Agenda, the OGP Steering Committee declared its commitment to promote the rule of law, promote public access to timely and disaggregated information and open data on government activities, support citizen participation, uphold principles of open government and use Open Government National Action Plans to adopt commitments that serve as effective tools to promote transparent and accountable implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable Development.
The Third OGP National Action Plans focuses on open government priorities to promote government reforms by strengthening transparency, accountability and Citizen Participation.
2.0 Previous OGP Action Plans
The Government of the URT in collaboration with Civil Society developed and implemented two previous National Action Plans. The first (NAP I) covered 2012/13 to 2013/14, and the second (NAP II) 2014/15 to 2015/16. Both plans were developed in consultation with Civil Society and Public. However, in the case of NAP II, the development took into consideration the recommendations provided by the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) Progress Report 2014/15.
Public consultations were conducted through various platforms, such as Government websites, social media and consultative meeting to receive
comments from public. The Second Action Plan was approved by the Government through the Inter Ministerial Technical Committee (IMTC) which
is sat by Permanent Secretaries. The Committee had an opportunity to review and assure commitments are relevant to their Ministries.
NAP I (2012/13 – 2013/14) had a total of 25 commitments, covering a wide range of issues predominantly in Health, Water and Education. In the situation whereby OGP was a new concept to the Nation with ambitious commitments, implementation did not proceed as planned.
The Second Action Plan (2014/15 – 2015/16) was therefore a more streamlined and realistic plan, structured with commitments in the following five priority areas, selected for their cross-cutting importance:
(i) Access to Information
(ii) Open Budgets
(iii) Open Data
(iv) Land Transparency
(v) Extractive Industries Transparency
After a one year of implementation, the Government submitted a Self-Assessment Report to the OGP Secretariat, which is available online at www.opengov.go.tz.
2.1 Achievements and challenges
Key achievements in the Second OGP National Action Plan are as follows:-
3.0 PHASE 3 ACTION PLAN COMMITMENTS
Tanzania’s Third OGP Action Plan focuses on seven priority areas. Five of these were partially implemented in the Second Action Plan and two have been added.
Ongoing Commitments:
(i) Enactment of the Access to Information Act
(ii) Open Budgets
(iii) Open Data
(iv) Land Transparency
(v) Extractive Industries Transparency
Additional Commitments:
(vi) Medical and Health Service Transparency
(vii) Performance Management Systems
For each of the seven (7) areas, the key principles and commitments are as detailed below.
3.1 Access to Information
Access of information is both a cornerstone of open government and a key democratic right. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 recognises this right, but at present there is no law that provides the means to put this right into practice. H.E. President Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete former president of the United Republic of Tanzania took cognisance and made a bold decision, and at OGP London Summit
in 2013, stated that as part of the country’s next OGP Action Plan, a Freedom of Information Act would be enacted.
Commitment:
To enact Access to Information Act by December 2016, and Regulations developed by June 2017. The legislation will be established in line with international best practice and shall include:-
(i) Recognition of a human right to information, along with a broad presumption of openness of information held by public bodies, including state-owned enterprises and bodies, and private bodies undertaking public functions or operating under public funding;
(ii) An obligation to publish a wide range of information on a proactive basis;
(iii) Robust procedures for making and processing requests which are simple, free and quick (with a clearly specified maximum response time).
(iv) A limited regime of exceptions based on preventing harm to protected and security related interests, a public interest override and severability where part of a record is exempt;
(v) A right of appeal.
(vi) Protection for good faith disclosures and sanctions for obstruction of access; and
(vii) Obligations to report on requests received backed up by sanctions for refusal to disclose information without reasonable cause.
(viii) Regulations for implementation of the Act will be developed in consultation with civil society and other stakeholders by June 2017.
3.2 Open Data
Open Data is part of the broader Tanzania Government commitment to Open Government Partnership (OGP). When data is made available freely for use, re use and other innovations it unlocks opportunities in social and economic spheres. Open Data has the potential to empower Citizens with informed decisions, advance research and enable improved investment decisions. This Third Action Plan commits to establish a strong Open Data system aimed at empowering the public to hold the government more accountable, transparent and accountable to its citizens.
Commitment:
To establish a strong open data system and practice by June 2018 Key steps to operationalizing this commitment include the following:
i) To formulate OpenData Policy and its Implementation Strategy that will provide a consistent approach to the implementation of Open Data initiatives including the release of government data, while providing clear guidance to the users on how the data can be used and re-used.
ii) To formulate Open Data Guidelines that will provide guidance on what data should be public, how to make data public, and how to implement the Open Data Policy.
iii) To prepare Open Data License that provides guidance on intellectual property rights in data that prevent third-parties from using, reusing and redistributing data without explicit permission. That means special attention should be applied to all government data and the ease of its legal re-use.
iv) To complete the development of Open Data Portal Phase II which focuses on improving it accessibility and functionality; Integrate CKAN portal with Geo code features in order to make the portal user friendly for maps and map data; install necessary application programming interfaces for large datasets; enable simple and automatic updates between information systems and provide reliable hosting environment for the portal.
v) To develop Open Data Portal mobile application that aims to empower citizens to get immediate access to certain government information and services anywhere, anytime and make informed decisions. The mobile apps which will be developed includes but is not limited to location based services and other user generated contents application
vi) To develop Open Data Portal feedback mechanism that will enable citizens to comment on valuable datasets and submit requests for additional datasets and provide input about what data should be a priority for publishing
vii) To update and publish approved data sets of high quality on the Open Data portalwww.opendata.go.tz . Approved data sets which will be uploaded are related to Education sector (primary, secondary, high education, examination results, education indicators such as teacher pupil ratios); Health sector(health facilities, health indicators); Water Sector (water points, dam drilling, water indicators),Agriculture Sector (crop market price, crop productivity, fertilizers, pests and diseases, and agricultural indicators); Transport Sector (Weather, Traffic and Public Transportation and transportation indicators); and NBS (census, survey data, GIS data on Village and Ward boundaries).
viii) To Develop Open Data Communication Strategy that aims to communicate key messages to internal and external stakeholders such as policy makers, data producers, Parliamentarians as well as external stakeholders such as citizens, media, companies, Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners on the meaning of Open Data and its benefits in Tanzania.
ix)To Build Capacity for Open Data producers and users to use and re-use Open Data opportunities for efficient and collaborative operations. These skills include Open Data interpretation, detailed explanation, guidance and clarification on how to extract and prepare data in machine-readable formats and other data users make the best use of the data.
3.3 Open Budgets
The Government is committed to publish online key budget documents in order to provide citizens with comprehensive information on the government’s plans and expenditure. In particular, online information in a user friendly and machine-readable format provides a useful platform
for budget stakeholders to analyze the budget using a wide range of techniques.
Commitment:
To make budget data (eight key budget reports), audit committee reports and tax exemptions publicly available each year. In line with internationally accepted good practices for open budgets, this includes:
(i) Publish, in a timely manner and machine-readable format (i.e. MS Excel or CSV format), the following eight key budget documents each budget year:
(a) Pre-budget statement
(b) Executive’s Budget proposal
(c) Enacted Budget(including Financial and Revenue Estimates, Vol. I; Estimates of Public Expenditure Consolidated Fund Services (Section 1) and Supply Votes (Ministerial) Vol. II; Estimates of Public Expenditure Supply Votes (regional) Vol. II; Public Expenditure Estimates Development Votes (Part A) Ministerial and Regional Development Programmes, Vol. IV)
(d) Citizens’ Budget
(e) In-year reports on revenues collected, expenditures made and debt incurred
(f) Mid-year review
(g) Year-end report
(h) Audit reports.
(ii) Publish on a Quarterly basis all tax exemptions.
(iii) Publish Budget data online, in machine-readable formats, as well as key information made available at LGA’s as far as possible at all education and health facilities.
(iv) Issue a directive to LGAs, schools and health facilities directing that detailed budget and expenditure information should be made available to any local resident on request and posted on a public notice board.
3.4 Land Transparency
Land transparency is an important component in the Government’s commitment to ensure fair, equitable and efficient governance of land matters, and to reduce the potential for land conflicts. Therefore the government has decided to commit some of the service delivered in land sector to be included in the OGP third national Action plan
Commitment:
Make land use plan, Land delivery Service System and demarcated areas for large scale land deals accessible online for public use by June, 2018.
This includes:
(i)Publish land use plans and make it accessible both at national and local levels
(ii)Make Land Delivery Service System available on line
(iii)Publish demarcated areas for large scale agricultural investment (farming and livestock keeping)
(iv)Publish a list of approved titles that need to be collected
3.5 Extractive Industries Transparency
Tanzania as a member of EITI has continued to fulfil EITI requirements as stated in the EITI Standard. To date Tanzania has produced six EITI
reports covering the Fiscal Years 2008/9 up to 2013/14.
Commitment:
Tanzania to fulfil its EITI commitments by December 2017
This Include:
i)To integrate Contract Disclosure portal on Online Transactional Mining Cadastre Portal (OTMCP). This commitments aims at incorporating an online, searchable and user friendly database for contract disclosure into OTMCP. Once established users will be able to search contracts and view summaries of key social, environmental, fiscal and operational provisions as well as download full contracts.
ii) Upload the MDAs and PSAs in OTMCP. This activity follows after the integration of contract Disclosure portal into OTMCP. This will be the
process of uploading contracts into the OTMCP.
iii) To make Regulations to implement TEITA Act, 2015. The TEITA Act, 2015 came into force on 25th September 2015. The regulations will provide details which will help to better implement the Act.
iv) Publish online registered areas for mining.The OTMCP allows online registration of Mining companies. Once registered, users can view their
portfolio of licenses, submit reports and update their personal and company contact details. Registered users are notified when they can apply for new tenements, undertake renewals, extensions, relinquishments and surrenders, as well as make online payments.
v) To integrate EITI dashboard module on Online Transaction Mining Cadastre Portal (OTMCP) and link to the Government open data portal. The dashboard module will improve EITI data visualization and presentation, enhance electronic data storage and connect TEITI data with other relevant data such as human development indicators. This will increase public accessibility to and use of TEITI data. Data will be available as visualization and downloadable openly licensed data sets(spread sheets, image downloadable, widgets and similar tool).
3.6 Medical and Health Service Transparency
1. The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children, has expanded its commitments in the OGP National Action Plan for the year 2016/18. The intention is to further apply the OGP principles of transparency, openness, accountability, and innovations for improvement of service delivery in the sector. In this regard, three important commitments have been earmarked as follows:
Commitments:
(i)Installation of mobile tool for monitoring client satisfaction on services offered
(ii)Post key Health Statistics on the Ministry Portal by December, 2018
(iii)Posting orders and receipts of medical supplies from the Medical Store Department (MSD) online by December, 2018
2. Installation of Mobile Tool for Monitoring Client Satisfaction on Services Offered.
This tool has been introduced this financial year 2016/17 by the Ministry so as to monitor satisfaction of clients on health services offered from health facilities. It is now piloted in four (4) Districts of Mwanza Region namely; Ilemela, Nyamagana, Magu and Misungwi. The aim is to test functionality of the tool. During the Pilot, Health Management Teams of the Region and Districts together with health facilities staff will be trained so that they orient clients on how to use the tool during their visits.
After the pilot, this tool will be advertised in media such as TVs and Radio so that it is used nationwide. The USSD code will be provided for users to dial and provide feedback. This activity is expected to be by the end of December 2016.
3. Post key Health Statistics on the Ministry web Portal by December, 2018
The Ministry of Health has a web based data base that is used for reporting and analyzing of health statistics. In order to access data from this system, one needs credentials. Under the open government operations, the Ministry created a web portal which is accessible to stakeholders even without credentials. Several indicators and data elements have been uploaded in the portal such as family planning, labour and delivery and OPD attendencies. Data is cleaned and updated on quarterly basis.
4. Posting Orders and Receipts of Medical Supplies from the Medical Stores Department (MSD) online by December, 2018
Ministry of Health through MSD is currently using electronic system whereby facilities make orders of medical supplies from the Medical Stores Department. Upon delivery of the medical supplies to the facility, the facility is required to put on notice boards the list of medical supplies received for public information.
3.7 Performance Management System.
The Government of Tanzania developed the Performance Improvement Model (PIM) in 2001 which is used as a tool for instituting Performance
Management Systems across the Public Service. PIM is a four stage interlinked process comprising a series of integrated tools, components
and approaches for planning, implementation, monitoring, performance reviews and evaluations to facilitate continuous improvement in
organizational performance and service delivery.
(i) At the planning stage we have service delivery surveys; Self Assessment; Strategic Plan; Medium Term Expenditure Framework; and Annual Plan
(ii) At implementation stage we have Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) and Client Service Charter (CSC)
(iii) At the monitoring stage we have M&E System; and
(iv) Performance reviews involves using PMS tools such as OPRAS, Service Delivery Surveys.
Despite installation of PMS tools since 2001, there are some challenges in the implementation across public service related to capacity of public servants, commitment, low awareness on some of the PMS tools, transfers of public servants which have led to low utilization of the tools. This calls for deliberate efforts to improve utilization of PMS tools to enhance performance and overall service delivery.
Commitment:
Monitor implementation of Performance Management Systems (PMS) in MDAs by June 2018.
Key steps to operationalizing this commitment include the following:
i. To prepare Performance Management System Monitoring tools
ii. To conduct monitoring visits to MDAs to asses PMS implementation status.
iii. To analyse data and prepare PMS implementation Report.
iv. To disseminate Report to MDAs (feedback)
4.0 CONCLUSION
Tanzania remains committed to the OGP principles of ensuring citizens participation, transparency and utilizing the available technology. More innovative ways of involving citizens especially in the rural areas will be employed to broaden participation. This will overcome the challenge and making OGP more practical and meaningful for the benefits and prosperity of the citizens.
AG Attorney General
APRM African Peer Review Mechanism
BEST Basic Education Statistics of Tanzania
CAG Controller and Auditor General
CHMTs Council Health Management Teams
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
eGA e-Government Agency
EITI Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
AOI Access of Information
GIS Geographical Information System
IATI International Aid Transparency Initiative
IRM Independent Report Mechanisms
LAAC Local Authorities Accounts Committee
LGA’s Local Government Authorities
MALC Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
MOCLA Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs
MOEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
MEM Ministry of Energy and Minerals
MOF Ministry of Finance and Planning
MOHGEC Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children
MLHHSD Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development
MOWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation
MSD Medical Stores Department
NLUPC National Land Use Plan Commission ii
NAO National Audit Office
NBS National Bureau of Statistics
NECTA National Examinations Council of Tanzania
OGP Open Government Partnership
PAC Public Accounts Committee
PSC Production Sharing Contracts
PORALG President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government
PO-PSMGG President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance
POSH President’s Office, The State House
RAMD Records and Archive Management Departments
RHMTs Regional Health Management Teams
TAGCO Tanzania Association of Government Communication Officers
TIC Tanzania Investment Centre
TIS Tanzania Information Services
TEITA Tanzania Extractive Industries (Transparency and Accountability) Act
1.0 Introduction
Launched in 2011, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has rapidly grown from eight founding Governments to nearly 70. Throughout, the OGP has
operated as a partnership between Governments and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), with Action Plans developed, implemented and monitored jointly by Governments and CSOs. The thrust of OGP is to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to improve governance.
Tanzania joined OGP in 2011 and has already completed two phases of the OGP cycle. Phase I was implemented between 2012/13-2013/14 whereas Phase II was implemented between 2014/15-2015/16. This is Tanzania’s Third National Action Plan (NAP III). It contains specific and realistic commitments meant to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in the governance of Tanzania.
NAP III draws on the experiences and lessons from NAP II, constructive inputs from Civil Society and different Government Departments, Recommendations from the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) have also been taken into account. NAP III’s Commitments are designed to address real problems and create positive changes in the lives of Tanzanians.
Tanzania’s Fifth Phase Government, under H.E. President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, is keen to promote open and responsive government as part of the Government’s commitment to efficient and accountable government with strong anti-corruption stance. The slogan of Hapa Kazi Tu (Work! Nothing else!) will significantly support and strengthen implementation of the OGP Third National Action Plan; while banking on a dialogue mechanism between CSO’s and the Government that is sustainable throughout the National OGP cycle. It is expected therefore this Action Plan will not only strengthen partners’ relationship and collaboration but also enhance implementation of principles of Good Governance.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets a number of global priorities to eradicate poverty for sustainable development. 17 Goals and 69 Targets were adopted during the Regular Session of the UN General Assembly in September, 2015. In support of the 2030 Agenda, the OGP Steering Committee declared its commitment to promote the rule of law, promote public access to timely and disaggregated information and open data on government activities, support citizen participation, uphold principles of open government and use Open Government National Action Plans to adopt commitments that serve as effective tools to promote transparent and accountable implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable Development.
The Third OGP National Action Plans focuses on open government priorities to promote government reforms by strengthening transparency, accountability and Citizen Participation.
2.0 Previous OGP Action Plans
The Government of the URT in collaboration with Civil Society developed and implemented two previous National Action Plans. The first (NAP I) covered 2012/13 to 2013/14, and the second (NAP II) 2014/15 to 2015/16. Both plans were developed in consultation with Civil Society and Public. However, in the case of NAP II, the development took into consideration the recommendations provided by the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) Progress Report 2014/15.
Public consultations were conducted through various platforms, such as Government websites, social media and consultative meeting to receive
comments from public. The Second Action Plan was approved by the Government through the Inter Ministerial Technical Committee (IMTC) which
is sat by Permanent Secretaries. The Committee had an opportunity to review and assure commitments are relevant to their Ministries.
NAP I (2012/13 – 2013/14) had a total of 25 commitments, covering a wide range of issues predominantly in Health, Water and Education. In the situation whereby OGP was a new concept to the Nation with ambitious commitments, implementation did not proceed as planned.
The Second Action Plan (2014/15 – 2015/16) was therefore a more streamlined and realistic plan, structured with commitments in the following five priority areas, selected for their cross-cutting importance:
(i) Access to Information
(ii) Open Budgets
(iii) Open Data
(iv) Land Transparency
(v) Extractive Industries Transparency
After a one year of implementation, the Government submitted a Self-Assessment Report to the OGP Secretariat, which is available online at www.opengov.go.tz.
2.1 Achievements and challenges
Key achievements in the Second OGP National Action Plan are as follows:-
- An Access to Information Bill was prepared and submitted to Parliament for further processes.
- Guidelines on Data Management for Open Data were developed and circulated to the Ministries of Health, Education and Water.
- An Open Data Portal (www.opendata.go.tz) was developed and is now operational.
- Seven out of eight key budget documents and data have been made public and a simplified Citizen’s Budget is available in Kiswahili version.
- A list of 348 Demarcated areas for large scale agriculture investment in the Eastern zone of Tanzania has been identified and posted on the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development website (www.ardhi.go.tz).
- The Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency and Accountability Act, 2015, was enacted into law and became operational in September 25, 2015. This caters for transparency in the extractive industries, including providing for mandatory disclosure of all Mining Development Agreements (MDAs) and Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) signed prior to and after commencement of the Act.
3.0 PHASE 3 ACTION PLAN COMMITMENTS
Tanzania’s Third OGP Action Plan focuses on seven priority areas. Five of these were partially implemented in the Second Action Plan and two have been added.
Ongoing Commitments:
(i) Enactment of the Access to Information Act
(ii) Open Budgets
(iii) Open Data
(iv) Land Transparency
(v) Extractive Industries Transparency
Additional Commitments:
(vi) Medical and Health Service Transparency
(vii) Performance Management Systems
For each of the seven (7) areas, the key principles and commitments are as detailed below.
3.1 Access to Information
Access of information is both a cornerstone of open government and a key democratic right. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 recognises this right, but at present there is no law that provides the means to put this right into practice. H.E. President Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete former president of the United Republic of Tanzania took cognisance and made a bold decision, and at OGP London Summit
in 2013, stated that as part of the country’s next OGP Action Plan, a Freedom of Information Act would be enacted.
Commitment:
To enact Access to Information Act by December 2016, and Regulations developed by June 2017. The legislation will be established in line with international best practice and shall include:-
(i) Recognition of a human right to information, along with a broad presumption of openness of information held by public bodies, including state-owned enterprises and bodies, and private bodies undertaking public functions or operating under public funding;
(ii) An obligation to publish a wide range of information on a proactive basis;
(iii) Robust procedures for making and processing requests which are simple, free and quick (with a clearly specified maximum response time).
(iv) A limited regime of exceptions based on preventing harm to protected and security related interests, a public interest override and severability where part of a record is exempt;
(v) A right of appeal.
(vi) Protection for good faith disclosures and sanctions for obstruction of access; and
(vii) Obligations to report on requests received backed up by sanctions for refusal to disclose information without reasonable cause.
(viii) Regulations for implementation of the Act will be developed in consultation with civil society and other stakeholders by June 2017.
3.2 Open Data
Open Data is part of the broader Tanzania Government commitment to Open Government Partnership (OGP). When data is made available freely for use, re use and other innovations it unlocks opportunities in social and economic spheres. Open Data has the potential to empower Citizens with informed decisions, advance research and enable improved investment decisions. This Third Action Plan commits to establish a strong Open Data system aimed at empowering the public to hold the government more accountable, transparent and accountable to its citizens.
Commitment:
To establish a strong open data system and practice by June 2018 Key steps to operationalizing this commitment include the following:
i) To formulate OpenData Policy and its Implementation Strategy that will provide a consistent approach to the implementation of Open Data initiatives including the release of government data, while providing clear guidance to the users on how the data can be used and re-used.
ii) To formulate Open Data Guidelines that will provide guidance on what data should be public, how to make data public, and how to implement the Open Data Policy.
iii) To prepare Open Data License that provides guidance on intellectual property rights in data that prevent third-parties from using, reusing and redistributing data without explicit permission. That means special attention should be applied to all government data and the ease of its legal re-use.
iv) To complete the development of Open Data Portal Phase II which focuses on improving it accessibility and functionality; Integrate CKAN portal with Geo code features in order to make the portal user friendly for maps and map data; install necessary application programming interfaces for large datasets; enable simple and automatic updates between information systems and provide reliable hosting environment for the portal.
v) To develop Open Data Portal mobile application that aims to empower citizens to get immediate access to certain government information and services anywhere, anytime and make informed decisions. The mobile apps which will be developed includes but is not limited to location based services and other user generated contents application
vi) To develop Open Data Portal feedback mechanism that will enable citizens to comment on valuable datasets and submit requests for additional datasets and provide input about what data should be a priority for publishing
vii) To update and publish approved data sets of high quality on the Open Data portalwww.opendata.go.tz . Approved data sets which will be uploaded are related to Education sector (primary, secondary, high education, examination results, education indicators such as teacher pupil ratios); Health sector(health facilities, health indicators); Water Sector (water points, dam drilling, water indicators),Agriculture Sector (crop market price, crop productivity, fertilizers, pests and diseases, and agricultural indicators); Transport Sector (Weather, Traffic and Public Transportation and transportation indicators); and NBS (census, survey data, GIS data on Village and Ward boundaries).
viii) To Develop Open Data Communication Strategy that aims to communicate key messages to internal and external stakeholders such as policy makers, data producers, Parliamentarians as well as external stakeholders such as citizens, media, companies, Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners on the meaning of Open Data and its benefits in Tanzania.
ix)To Build Capacity for Open Data producers and users to use and re-use Open Data opportunities for efficient and collaborative operations. These skills include Open Data interpretation, detailed explanation, guidance and clarification on how to extract and prepare data in machine-readable formats and other data users make the best use of the data.
3.3 Open Budgets
The Government is committed to publish online key budget documents in order to provide citizens with comprehensive information on the government’s plans and expenditure. In particular, online information in a user friendly and machine-readable format provides a useful platform
for budget stakeholders to analyze the budget using a wide range of techniques.
Commitment:
To make budget data (eight key budget reports), audit committee reports and tax exemptions publicly available each year. In line with internationally accepted good practices for open budgets, this includes:
(i) Publish, in a timely manner and machine-readable format (i.e. MS Excel or CSV format), the following eight key budget documents each budget year:
(a) Pre-budget statement
(b) Executive’s Budget proposal
(c) Enacted Budget(including Financial and Revenue Estimates, Vol. I; Estimates of Public Expenditure Consolidated Fund Services (Section 1) and Supply Votes (Ministerial) Vol. II; Estimates of Public Expenditure Supply Votes (regional) Vol. II; Public Expenditure Estimates Development Votes (Part A) Ministerial and Regional Development Programmes, Vol. IV)
(d) Citizens’ Budget
(e) In-year reports on revenues collected, expenditures made and debt incurred
(f) Mid-year review
(g) Year-end report
(h) Audit reports.
(ii) Publish on a Quarterly basis all tax exemptions.
(iii) Publish Budget data online, in machine-readable formats, as well as key information made available at LGA’s as far as possible at all education and health facilities.
(iv) Issue a directive to LGAs, schools and health facilities directing that detailed budget and expenditure information should be made available to any local resident on request and posted on a public notice board.
3.4 Land Transparency
Land transparency is an important component in the Government’s commitment to ensure fair, equitable and efficient governance of land matters, and to reduce the potential for land conflicts. Therefore the government has decided to commit some of the service delivered in land sector to be included in the OGP third national Action plan
Commitment:
Make land use plan, Land delivery Service System and demarcated areas for large scale land deals accessible online for public use by June, 2018.
This includes:
(i)Publish land use plans and make it accessible both at national and local levels
(ii)Make Land Delivery Service System available on line
(iii)Publish demarcated areas for large scale agricultural investment (farming and livestock keeping)
(iv)Publish a list of approved titles that need to be collected
3.5 Extractive Industries Transparency
Tanzania as a member of EITI has continued to fulfil EITI requirements as stated in the EITI Standard. To date Tanzania has produced six EITI
reports covering the Fiscal Years 2008/9 up to 2013/14.
Commitment:
Tanzania to fulfil its EITI commitments by December 2017
This Include:
i)To integrate Contract Disclosure portal on Online Transactional Mining Cadastre Portal (OTMCP). This commitments aims at incorporating an online, searchable and user friendly database for contract disclosure into OTMCP. Once established users will be able to search contracts and view summaries of key social, environmental, fiscal and operational provisions as well as download full contracts.
ii) Upload the MDAs and PSAs in OTMCP. This activity follows after the integration of contract Disclosure portal into OTMCP. This will be the
process of uploading contracts into the OTMCP.
iii) To make Regulations to implement TEITA Act, 2015. The TEITA Act, 2015 came into force on 25th September 2015. The regulations will provide details which will help to better implement the Act.
iv) Publish online registered areas for mining.The OTMCP allows online registration of Mining companies. Once registered, users can view their
portfolio of licenses, submit reports and update their personal and company contact details. Registered users are notified when they can apply for new tenements, undertake renewals, extensions, relinquishments and surrenders, as well as make online payments.
v) To integrate EITI dashboard module on Online Transaction Mining Cadastre Portal (OTMCP) and link to the Government open data portal. The dashboard module will improve EITI data visualization and presentation, enhance electronic data storage and connect TEITI data with other relevant data such as human development indicators. This will increase public accessibility to and use of TEITI data. Data will be available as visualization and downloadable openly licensed data sets(spread sheets, image downloadable, widgets and similar tool).
3.6 Medical and Health Service Transparency
1. The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children, has expanded its commitments in the OGP National Action Plan for the year 2016/18. The intention is to further apply the OGP principles of transparency, openness, accountability, and innovations for improvement of service delivery in the sector. In this regard, three important commitments have been earmarked as follows:
Commitments:
(i)Installation of mobile tool for monitoring client satisfaction on services offered
(ii)Post key Health Statistics on the Ministry Portal by December, 2018
(iii)Posting orders and receipts of medical supplies from the Medical Store Department (MSD) online by December, 2018
2. Installation of Mobile Tool for Monitoring Client Satisfaction on Services Offered.
This tool has been introduced this financial year 2016/17 by the Ministry so as to monitor satisfaction of clients on health services offered from health facilities. It is now piloted in four (4) Districts of Mwanza Region namely; Ilemela, Nyamagana, Magu and Misungwi. The aim is to test functionality of the tool. During the Pilot, Health Management Teams of the Region and Districts together with health facilities staff will be trained so that they orient clients on how to use the tool during their visits.
After the pilot, this tool will be advertised in media such as TVs and Radio so that it is used nationwide. The USSD code will be provided for users to dial and provide feedback. This activity is expected to be by the end of December 2016.
3. Post key Health Statistics on the Ministry web Portal by December, 2018
The Ministry of Health has a web based data base that is used for reporting and analyzing of health statistics. In order to access data from this system, one needs credentials. Under the open government operations, the Ministry created a web portal which is accessible to stakeholders even without credentials. Several indicators and data elements have been uploaded in the portal such as family planning, labour and delivery and OPD attendencies. Data is cleaned and updated on quarterly basis.
4. Posting Orders and Receipts of Medical Supplies from the Medical Stores Department (MSD) online by December, 2018
Ministry of Health through MSD is currently using electronic system whereby facilities make orders of medical supplies from the Medical Stores Department. Upon delivery of the medical supplies to the facility, the facility is required to put on notice boards the list of medical supplies received for public information.
3.7 Performance Management System.
The Government of Tanzania developed the Performance Improvement Model (PIM) in 2001 which is used as a tool for instituting Performance
Management Systems across the Public Service. PIM is a four stage interlinked process comprising a series of integrated tools, components
and approaches for planning, implementation, monitoring, performance reviews and evaluations to facilitate continuous improvement in
organizational performance and service delivery.
(i) At the planning stage we have service delivery surveys; Self Assessment; Strategic Plan; Medium Term Expenditure Framework; and Annual Plan
(ii) At implementation stage we have Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) and Client Service Charter (CSC)
(iii) At the monitoring stage we have M&E System; and
(iv) Performance reviews involves using PMS tools such as OPRAS, Service Delivery Surveys.
Despite installation of PMS tools since 2001, there are some challenges in the implementation across public service related to capacity of public servants, commitment, low awareness on some of the PMS tools, transfers of public servants which have led to low utilization of the tools. This calls for deliberate efforts to improve utilization of PMS tools to enhance performance and overall service delivery.
Commitment:
Monitor implementation of Performance Management Systems (PMS) in MDAs by June 2018.
Key steps to operationalizing this commitment include the following:
i. To prepare Performance Management System Monitoring tools
ii. To conduct monitoring visits to MDAs to asses PMS implementation status.
iii. To analyse data and prepare PMS implementation Report.
iv. To disseminate Report to MDAs (feedback)
4.0 CONCLUSION
Tanzania remains committed to the OGP principles of ensuring citizens participation, transparency and utilizing the available technology. More innovative ways of involving citizens especially in the rural areas will be employed to broaden participation. This will overcome the challenge and making OGP more practical and meaningful for the benefits and prosperity of the citizens.
