BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Private schools in Arusha could be forced to hike fees and other payments to meet the cost of excessive and in many respects arbitrary charges demanded by local authorities.
The Tanzania Association of Managers and Owners of Non-Government Schools and Colleges (TAMONGSCO) told The Arusha News that some private schools were now grappling with demands for multiple payments, including service levy, signboard charges, examination-related payments and contributions for inter-school competitions, which have almost become compulsory.
TAMONGSCO Chief Executive Officer, Mr Benjamin Nkonya, said the association supported lawful taxation, but opposed what he described as intimidating enforcement tactics allegedly used by some officials. Obviously, he added, the increased charges would be passed on parents, teachers and the learners themselves under what is already a high burden of the cost of living.
The association has queried the legal basis of some of the payments, saying a number of them were previously removed through government directives.
Mr Nkonya said taxation should be guided by dialogue, proper notice and taxpayer education, rather than taking actions that interfered with the smooth running of schools such as shutting their doors.
According to TAMONGSCO, Arusha City Council and Arusha District Council are among the authorities where school owners have reported their concerns.
The association warned that continued pressure could affect service delivery in private schools, with possible consequences for learners, parents and employment in the education sector.
Northern Zone Chairman, Mr Leonard Mao, said the matter has remained unresolved despite repeated attempts by private school operators to seek clarification from relevant offices.
He called for urgent engagement between the government, local authorities and school owners to clarify lawful charges and end disputed collections.
According to Basic Education Statistics in Tanzania (BEST), Arusha has 386 private and non-governmental schools while another 262 are in Kilimanjaro region.
Efforts to get comments from the Arusha City Council and the Arusha District Council were still ongoing as we went to press.
