AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE government has highlighted need for contractors implementing water projects to procure materials including pipes from local manufacturers.
“The government insists on transforming the country into an industrialized nation, we need to support our industries because their products meet the required standards,” said Water Minister Juma Aweso when speaking during a visit at a Dar es Salaam-based plastic pipes manufacturer—Plasco Limited on Monday.
The tour was aimed to inspect the industry operations as well as to discuss challenges facing local plastic manufacturers.
Minister Aweso asserted that there are no reasons for delaying water projects since most of the materials especially pipes can be procured locally. He underscored the need for Tanzanians to change their mindset against locally manufactured products as they are of good quality.
“I am impressed with the technology you apply in manufacturing the pipes. We don’t need to continue ordering materials from abroad. What you need is to assure us with the production capacity, timely delivery of materials and reasonable prices,” he said adding there are over 600 water projects implemented at different places across the country.
According to him the government is determined to improve the water sector to reach its target of ensuring 85 percent of rural dwellers and 95 percent of those living in urban areas get access to clean and safe water.
Aweso urged the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation and Agency (RUWASA) to ensure timely payment of contractors since the government funds the projects through the Water Fund.
The minister challenged local plastic pipes manufacturers to consider producing pipe fittings because they are currently procured outside the country.
He said ordering pipe fittings abroad have been contributing to delays in completing water projects since it takes up to five months for contractors to get them.
Responding, Plasco Limited Chief Operating Officer, Alimiya Osman said they have already started to invest for production of the water pipe fittings. Osman said the industry has a capacity to convert 28,000 tonnes of plastic per year.
He said they have invested over $ 8million for Weholite technology used to manufacture pipes which can be used in gas, irrigation and water projects.
“Our pipes can be used for water distribution, storage and sanitation projects,” said Osman noting the factory which was established in 1993, also exports its products to Rwanda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The factory’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Edith James informed the minister on the various challenges that plastic pipe manufacturers face including fear by Tanzanians to use proven technology in water projects the thing that result in higher running costs due to frequent maintenance and shorter lifetime.
She said delays in Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions contribute in project delays, suggesting for the government to fast-track its issuance.
RUWASA Director General, Clement Kivegelo said the minister’s decision to organize a water stakeholders forum in the coming days would help to discuss various challenges facing the sector and enhance good relations with local water pipe manufacturers.
“We are glad that the minister is keen to closely work and support local manufacturers, his determination to improve the water sector will unlock the various challenges you currently face,” he noted.