By NATION Correspondent 

Members of the Shebwani Youth Group perform a Swahili dance during this year's Swahili cultural festival. The one-day fete, comprising shows and various Swahili dances, attracted nearly 3,000 people. It was held at Makadara grounds and Fort Jesus. where there were more shows and dances of the Swahili origin. Photo by Gideon Maundu

The Government is considering abolishing local authorities that have failed to raise revenue to sustain their activities. 

And Local Government minister Karisa Maitha yesterday warned that action would be taken against all local authority officers who failed to collect the required rates on time.

He said the Malindi county council was owed close to Sh50 million by business people who evaded taxes. 

"This county council has lost this money due to lack of collection of taxes while at the same time, some tycoons took part of this money in the name of imprest," he said and told tax collectors they faced dire consequences for not doing their job diligently.

He warned councillors who failed to deliver services in their respective wards that they would be demoted and their allowances reduced.

"I have seen how various places have been neglected and left with dirt all over. Let this be a warning," he said. 

Mr Maitha said his ministry would ensure that all pending salaries for council employees would be paid in two weeks. He at the same time warned workers' associations against unnecessarily calling workers on strikes.

The minister said he had halted the recent pay hikes for councillors until a committee recently set up came up with a formula on how they would get the salaries. 

The Kisauni legislator said every sub-location had been allocated Sh1 million for development, adding that locals never benefited from it in the previous government. 

He also said each constituency had been allocated Sh2 million as bursary for disadvantaged children. "Once this money is brought here, it should be used to construct two schools in Maweni."

He disclosed that the Government had repossessed 31 acres which had been allocated illegally, adding that close to 1,000 families in Shauri Yako, Mnazi Moja and Kisumu Ndogo would benefit from the land.

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