Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed contractors implementing government projects to ensure that public funds are used strictly for their intended purposes and that project implementation delivers value for money.
He issued the directive yesterday, while inspecting the construction of the Mkata Power Substation in Handeni District, Tanga Region.
During the visit, he laid the foundation stone for the substation and the 132-kilovolt power transmission line from Mkata to Kilindi. He also launched a 45-kilometre, 33-kilovolt distribution line from Mkata substation to Kwamsisi village.
Addressing residents, Dr Nchemba said that government funds must correspond with actual work completed. He warned contractors against diverting funds for other activities, saying such practices delay development and deny citizens essential services.
“We want to see value for money in every project. The amount of money received must match the work done,” he said.
The Prime Minister revealed that some contractors have been using funds meant for government projects to settle personal debts or finance activities abroad. He vowed strict action against those engaging in misconduct.
“The government has already taken action against some contractors. We will not tolerate misuse of public funds,” he stated.
Dr Nchemba said the government is closely monitoring energy, water, and other development projects to ensure timely completion and accountability. Regarding the newly launched projects, he instructed Minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi to follow up on a claim exceeding 1bn/- owed to contractors to avoid delays, stressing that citizens must benefit from these projects promptly. He said that reliable electricity is essential to support both existing and emerging industries nationwide.
Minister Ndejembi said the Mkata substation project is expected to cost 44bn/-, covering the facility and two transformers. He added that the government has allocated 73bn/- for the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to expand electricity to 559 hamlets, with 4,553 hamlets already connected, reaching 64 per cent of the government’s target.
During a public address, Dr Nchemba called on authorities in Handeni District to monitor projects closely, warning that negligence and complacency would no longer be tolerated.
He cited serious irregularities in several projects, including the construction of a maternal and child health building at Sindeni Health Centre, where 30 doors installed were substandard.
“You cannot spend nearly 300m/- and within two or three months the doors start falling apart,” he said.
He directed the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to investigate and ensure legal action are taken against those responsible. He added that deliberate use of substandard materials to misappropriate government funds must face strict prosecution.
Dr Nchemba also condemned stalled construction at the Handeni Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) centre, where 1,262 bags of cement hardened due to negligence. He ordered that the cost of the wasted cement be recovered from responsible officials’ salaries and disciplinary action taken without transfers.
“These are public funds. Citizens tighten their belts to pay taxes so that young people can get vocational training. How can cement be left to harden while officials collect salaries?” he asked.
He further urged the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to allocate additional funds for underfunded health projects to meet urgent community needs.
Earlier, Dr Nchemba inspected and officially opened an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Handeni Town Council Hospital, constructed at a cost of 426m/-. The ICU will reduce the hardship of residents who previously traveled 160 kilometres to Tanga Regional Referral Hospital for critical care.
