Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Controller and Auditor General (CAG), Charles Kichere, has uncovered significant discrepancies in cost estimates and procurement processes in the construction of the Arusha AFCON Stadium, raising concerns over value for money in the multi-billion shilling project.
According to the CAG’s report presented to the President at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Monday, the project valued at 338.54bn/- was marred by inaccurate initial cost projections and weaknesses in tender negotiations, which ultimately inflated the contract price far beyond original estimates.
Mr Kichere noted that the stadium had initially been projected to cost 187bn/-, but the final contract was signed at 338.54bn/-, representing an increase of 81 per cent. He said the sharp variance indicates serious shortcomings in the planning and budgeting process.
“I observed procurement weaknesses in the construction of the Arusha Football Stadium project, signalling a lack of value for money in the utilisation of public resources,” he said.
He further explained that the disparity between the estimated and contracted costs points to unreliable feasibility assessments, which affected both budgetary decisions and project implementation.
The stadium, named after President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is being constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group Limited (CRCEG).
The audit findings add to growing scrutiny over major public infrastructure projects, with the CAG calling for improved cost estimation practices and stronger oversight in procurement to safeguard public funds.
