Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has issued a strong warning to public officials and contractors against the misuse of development funds, stressing that every shilling released by the government must deliver tangible results and direct benefits to citizens.
During his extensive working tour of Tanga Region, Dr Nchemba inspected and launched a series of strategic projects in health, energy, water, transport and higher education, repeatedly underscoring the need for accountability, quality assurance and value for money in project implementation.
Speaking after inaugurating a medical oxygen production plant at Lushoto District Hospital yesterday, the Prime Minister said the government will not tolerate negligence and weak supervision that result in substandard work and stalled projects.
“I want to see every single cent allocated for development projects used as intended. We cannot accept a situation where responsible officials fail to monitor expenditure and projects end up below standard,” he said.
The oxygen plant, constructed at a cost of 526.8m/-, has the capacity to fill 120 cylinders of 50 kilogrammes per day, significantly improving access to lifesaving oxygen services. The facility has reduced the need to transport cylinders over long distances for refilling.
To date, it has produced 1,440 large cylinders and 200 small cylinders. Dr Nchemba urged public servants to discharge their duties diligently, warning against complacency in addressing public concerns.
“Some officials receive citizens’ problems as if they were greetings and allow them to pile up. That is unacceptable. When funds are released, they must produce the intended results,” he stressed.
In Handeni and Kilindi districts, the Premier uncovered several irregularities, including poor construction standards, missing receipts, lack of tax compliance and the use of substandard materials in school and health projects.
He cited cases where newly installed building components deteriorated within months and where cement meant for public projects was left to harden due to poor supervision.
He directed that responsible officials face disciplinary action and that losses be recovered.
Dr Nchemba also instructed the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to investigate projects with unusual cost escalations and suspected misuse of funds.
“Hiding behind rising costs to justify incomplete projects is a tactic to conceal misuse of public funds. Follow up every detail and take legal action where necessary,” he said.
In Kilindi District, he laid the foundation stone for a 2.64bn/- District Hospital project, saying it will ease referral burdens and reduce treatment costs for residents who previously travelled long distances for healthcare services. He directed that the facility be strengthened to handle emergency cases locally.
The Prime Minister also inspected and launched major power infrastructure projects, including the Mkata power substation and transmission lines, stressing that reliable electricity is vital for industrial growth and improved service delivery.
He warned contractors against diverting project funds, insisting that payments must reflect actual work completed.
“We want to see value for money in every project. The amount paid must match the work done,” he said.
During the tour, he also inspected the Kwamaligwa water project, which is expected to serve more than 36,000 residents upon completion, calling for close monitoring to ensure timely delivery.
Dr Nchemba described the large-scale infrastructure investments in the region as evidence of the government’s commitment to people-centred development.
He further inspected the Pangani Bridge project, valued at over 100bn/-, saying it will unlock trade, transport and tourism by replacing ferry services and ensuring 24-hour connectivity.
He directed local authorities to develop supporting infrastructure, including a modern bus terminal and access roads, alongside the bridge.
At the Tanga Campus of Mzumbe University, he laid the foundation stone for higher education infrastructure worth more than 12bn/- under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) programme.
Construction has reached over 80 per cent and includes academic buildings, laboratories, hostels and a health centre.
The Prime Minister also toured the East African Crude Oil Pipeline facilities in Tanga and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the multi-billion-dollar project linking Tanzania and Uganda.
He described the pipeline as a strategic regional investment offering employment and local content opportunities for Tanzanians.
However, he warned against foreign firms attempting to misuse local registration arrangements to bypass local content regulations.
“This project reserves a significant share for Tanzanians. Anyone attempting to unlawfully take away that share will face strict action,” he said.
Dr Nchemba concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strict supervision, accountability and the timely completion of development projects to ensure citizens directly benefit from public investments.
