Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega and all regional leaders to ensure that all projects implemented in their respective areas reflect the value for money allocated and paid for.
He issued the instruction on Friday while inspecting the stalled Muhalala Joint Inspection Centre project in Singida, part of his working tour to review development projects and address emerging implementation challenges.
Dr Mwigulu said the Muhalala project, implemented by Impresa di Costruzioni Ing. E. Mantovani S.p.A, has been dormant for more than eight years despite being a strategic undertaking awarded in 2016 and scheduled for completion in 2018.
He said the government had made several attempts to push the contractor to proceed but the company failed to cooperate and has since been declared bankrupt.
“The contractor has been declared bankrupt and is unable to continue with the project. As a result, he has been ordered to compensate Tanzania for the delays incurred,” he said.
He added: “This prolonged delay has not only deprived the public of the intended benefits of the centre but has also caused significant financial losses.”
To safeguard public interests, the Prime Minister directed the Police Force and Immigration Department to arrest the contractor and seize his passport until the matter is resolved.
“This is open sabotage and clear disrespect to our country. We hired him, we paid him, but he decided on his own whether to continue the work or not. He must be arrested until this matter is settled,” he insisted.
Dr Mwigulu said foreign contractors must respect the terms of engagement when working in Tanzania, emphasising that the country’s institutions hold authority over national projects.
“Contractors coming here should know Tanzania hires them. They should not see themselves as superior,” he said.
He also gave partners involved in the Muhalala project until the end of this month to confirm whether they will proceed with the project or not.
“If they will not continue, the Minister for Works should assign smaller local contractors to complete this work. This country is ours, and we have a duty to protect it,” he said.
He reminded officials of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s guidance that national interests must guide every decision.
The Prime Minister said the government will ensure the project is completed. “I want to assure you, this project will be built and completed,” he said, noting that the centre is expected to enhance trade efficiency and reduce logistical delays once operational.
The Prime Minister addressed residents of Singida Municipality yesterday afternoon, emphasising the importance of delivering value for money in government projects.
He assured the public that he plans to conduct a nationwide working tour to assess and evaluate all ongoing projects, ensuring they meet expected standards and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
According to the PM, the government spends a huge chunk of taxpayers’ money to finance projects, insisting that the state will not tolerate poor spending of the funds.
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