Mpwapwa 4.5bn/- project to improve public services

DODOMA: CONSTRUCTION of the 4.5bn/- Mpwapwa District Council offices is expected to improve public service delivery, with the government insisting that the project be completed on time and to the required quality standards.

More than 1.8bn/- has already been spent on the project, which is aimed at bringing government services under one roof to improve efficiency and reduce the inconvenience faced by residents seeking services from different locations.

During an inspection of the project in Mpwapwa District, over the weekend, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki directed the council to ensure the headquarters is completed on time and in accordance with contractual specifications.

“No building will be accepted before it meets the quality we intended. Every shilling invested here must demonstrate value for money,” she said.

Ms Kairuki commended the council for the progress made and prudent management of project funds, saying the pace of construction reflected its commitment to improving service delivery.

She also pledged to submit a progress report to the government to facilitate the timely release of additional funds required to complete the remaining works.

“These are taxpayers’ funds and the people of Mpwapwa must see tangible results. Every shilling invested in this project must translate into quality infrastructure and improved public services,” she said.

The minister said completion of the headquarters would improve transparency, accountability and efficiency by enabling more government services to be offered from a single location.

ALSO READ: 2.7bn/- to improve water service in Mpwapwa District next year

She also directed the council to fully utilise the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) once the building is completed, saying digital connectivity would strengthen electronic government systems, improve service delivery and boost local revenue collection.

“The broadband backbone was not installed to remain idle. It must be used to improve efficiency, strengthen electronic systems and increase local revenue collection,” she said.

More than 928.5 kilometres of the National ICT Broadband Backbone have already been laid across Mpwapwa District, while 57 communication towers have been constructed. The remaining wards are expected to be connected by 2030.

Construction of the Mpwapwa District Council headquarters began in March last year and is being undertaken by Azhar Construction Company Ltd as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen administrative infrastructure and improve public service delivery.