126bn/- to be spent on construction of communication towers

SINGIDA: A TOTAL of 126bn/- is set to be invested in the construction of 758 mobile communication towers across various areas of the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda, made the announcement while presenting a progress report on the project to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at Mbelekese village in Iramba District, Singida Region.

The committee visited Mbelekese village to inspect and inaugurate one of the towers constructed under the project.

In his report, Eng Mwasalyanda said that of the total funds allocated for the project, 70.34bn/- will be provided by UCSAF, while 55.73bn/- will come from the World Bank through its Digital Tanzania Programme (DTP).

“Since the signing of the contract on May 13, 2023, more than 71.5bn/- has already been spent on constructing 417 towers across the country, which represents 55 per cent of the project’s implementation,” the CEO explained.

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He further detailed that in Singida Region, a total of 32 towers will be built—14 under the DTP project and 18 by UCSAF.

The Vice-Chairperson of the PAC, Mr Joseph Kakunda, encouraged Tanzanians to use their mobile phones productively.

“Use your phones for business, such as checking the prices of your crops in other areas or the cost of goods you wish to order. This way, you can benefit economically. I also urge everyone to own a phone to take advantage of the new towers being built in your areas. Phones are available for as little as 15,000/-; there’s no reason for anyone to be without one,” he said.

Earlier, Singida’s Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Dr Fatuma Mganga said that the construction of mobile towers in rural areas presents a significant opportunity for residents, as communication networks have become an essential part of modern life.