GROUP NUMBER: 08 PARTICIPATORY MEMBERS. NAME REG.No SIGNATURE
FRED NKOME. T24-03-24490
DAUD ABDALLAH. T24-03-17141
ALLY OMARI. T24-03-24316
KERRY MASANURA. T24-03-20639
AUGUSTINO ERICK. T24-03-12043
ALLEN NGIRWA. T24-03-12072
LUCAS MSHAHILIZI. T24-03-23584
SAMSON NDAHANI. T24-03-20601
EUSEBIA PHILIBERT. T24-03-20213
IRENE LOWASA. T24-03-22598
QUESTION No.19 How do high debt levels influence government spending on education, health, and infrastructure?
High debts levels can significantly impact a government’s ability to allocate
resources to critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure. This is particularly evident in countries like Tanzania, where a growing debt burden has constrained fiscal space and forced difficult choices. The following key impacts of high debt levels on government spending: Reduced fiscal space; A significant portion of the government’s budget is allocated to debt servicing, leaving less room for discretionary spending on social services and infrastructure. For example, In recent years, Tanzania has been seen a rise in debt in its debt-to-GDP ratio, which has limited its ability to finance new projects and programs including those in education and healthcare. Prioritization of debt services; When debt levels are high, government may prioritize debt repayment over spending priorities, such as education and healthcare. For instances, the Tanzanian government may have to cut back on spending sectors, leading to reduced access to quality services. Limited investment potential; High debt levels can constrain public investment in infrastructure, which is essential for economical growth and social development. Likely the government may be forced to delay or scale back infrastructure projects, such as road construction and power plant development, which can hinder economical growth and job creation. Reduced tax revenue potential; High debt levels can lead to economical slowdown, which can reduce tax revenue and further exacerbate fiscal challenges. Example, a sluggish economy can lead to lower tax revenue, making it difficult for the government to fund essential services and repay its debts. Diminished Public Conference; High debt levels can erode investor confidence, making it more difficult for the government to borrow at favorable rates. Thus, a perception of high debt levels can deter foreign investors, leading to reduced foreign direct investment and capital flight. Impact on Interest Rates; High debt levels can increase the government’s borrowing cost, as lender may demand higher interest rates to compensate for increased risk. Therefore, higher interest rates can make it more expensive for the government to finance its debt, further straining its fiscal position. Lower Economic Growth Potential; High debt levels can crowd out private investment by increasing interest rates and reducing the availability of credit. Thus, a decline in private investment can hinder economic growth and job creation, ultimately affecting the government’s revenue base. Increased Debt-to-GDP Ratio; A high debt-to-GDP ratio can raise concerns about a country’s long term fiscal sustainability. Therefore, its rising can increase the risk of a debt crisis, could have severe consequences for the economy and social welfare. Potential for fiscal Crises; High debt levels can increase the risk of a sovereign debt default, which can lead to economic and social turmoil. Then, a debt crisis could trigger a financial crisis, leading to currency devaluation, inflation and unemployment. Shift in Spending Priorities; To meet debt obligations, government may have to divert funds from social programs and infrastructure projects. Therefore, this could lead to cuts in education and healthcare budgets, compromising the quality of public services. Impact on future generation; Future generation may face high taxes as government raise revenue to repay the debt ,reduced public services since more government budget had gone on servicing debt leaving less money available for essential services like education ,health care and infrastructure. Reduced spending on research and development; High debt levels can lead to decrease in funding for research and development ,limiting innovation and future economic competitiveness in health and education sector. Diminished social mobility; limited investment in education and health care Can increase social inequality and reduce opportunities for individuals from lower income back grounds. In conclusion,high government debt act as a significant constraint on spending in crucial areas such as education ,health, and infrastructure. The consequences of this constraint can ripple through society, impacting economic growth,social mobility, and the overall well-being of the nation .the prioritization of debt over other essential services can have a long term detrimental effects on the economy and citizens’ well being.