Bunda Urban MP Esther Bulaya has urged the Tanzanian government to establish a permanent funding mechanism for renovating dilapidated schools and constructing classrooms. She cited major challenges facing the country's education infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a stable funding source. According to research, approximately Sh3.9 trillion is required to restore deteriorating school facilities. Bulaya made these remarks on November 2, 2026, in Dodoma.
Bulaya also questioned the government's strategy for addressing classroom shortages in primary schools, noting that over three million new pupils are expected to enroll next year. She stressed that adequate preparations were needed to ensure that children have a conducive learning environment. The MP further suggested that the government introduce a policy requiring every annual budget to allocate funds for renovating ageing schools and maintaining the quality of newly constructed infrastructure.
In response, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) disclosed that the government had conducted an assessment and identified 42,785 classrooms and 18,813 teachers' houses that require reconstruction. The Deputy Minister assured that the government was committed to financing the rehabilitation of education infrastructure through various initiatives, including the BOOST programme.
The government has allocated Sh100 million to each local government authority in the current financial year to support the rehabilitation of education infrastructure. Furthermore, local government authorities have been directed to submit their requirements for classrooms and other infrastructure to enable the government to plan the construction of new classrooms and schools.
The Deputy Minister also revealed that the government had submitted a proposal to the President's Office for Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for school renovations. The proposal aims to address the critical issue of inadequate classrooms and other infrastructure in schools across the country.
Bulaya's call for a permanent school renovation fund highlights the pressing need for sustainable solutions to address the country's education infrastructure challenges. The government's efforts to address these challenges, including the BOOST programme, are expected to make a positive impact on the quality of education in Tanzania.
The issue of dilapidated schools and inadequate classrooms has been a longstanding concern in Tanzania, with many schools struggling to provide a conducive learning environment for students. The government's commitment to addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
Key points
- The government has identified 42,785 classrooms and 18,813 teachers' houses that require reconstruction.
- A total of Sh3.9 trillion is required to restore deteriorating school facilities in Tanzania.
- The government has allocated Sh100 million to each local government authority to support the rehabilitation of education infrastructure.
