Ifakara.📍
Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, has issued a stern warning to the contractor responsible for the construction of the 62.5-kilometre Ifakara–Mbingu road in Morogoro Region, saying the contract could be terminated and the company blacklisted from future government projects if it fails to meet its contractual obligations.
The contractor, Henan Railway of China, has come under scrutiny for the slow pace of construction despite already receiving an advance payment from the Government.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, Ulega said the Government would no longer tolerate delays in implementing strategic infrastructure projects that are vital to the country's economic growth and the well-being of citizens.
"Don't you see the hardship people are facing because you have failed to fulfill your contractual obligations? Construction is progressing too slowly, the road is extremely dusty, and residents are suffering. We cannot continue to tolerate this. If this situation persists, we will take firm action," Ulega said.
The Minister directed officials from the Ministry of Works and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to meet with the contractor's senior management within one week to discuss the future of the project.
He noted that the project is significantly behind schedule, with only about five percent of the work completed despite the Government having already paid TSh 9.5 billion as an advance. He said the amount disbursed does not reflect the actual progress achieved on the ground.
"The Government will not allow public funds to be spent without delivering the intended results. The contractor must demonstrate both the capacity and commitment to complete this project, otherwise appropriate action will be taken," Ulega emphasized.
He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring the road is completed on time to ease transport challenges facing residents, improve connectivity, and reduce the high transport costs caused by poor road infrastructure.
The Minister also instructed the contractor to immediately begin temporary maintenance works by filling potholes and regularly sprinkling water along the road to reduce dust affecting nearby communities while construction continues.
In addition, Ulega ordered urgent repairs on the road section from Chita to the Njombe Regional border to ensure it remains passable throughout the year.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima highlighted the importance of the road in improving the transportation of goods, agricultural produce, and passengers, saying it is a critical infrastructure project that will boost the local economy and improve the lives of residents in Mlimba and Kilombero districts.
Meanwhile, Mlimba Member of Parliament Rose Rwakatare urged the Minister to take firm action against the contractor, arguing that the progress made does not match the amount of public funds already paid for the project.
No comments:
Post a Comment