TARURA calls on CRC to accelerate DMDP II projects
DAR ES SALAAM: The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), Engineer Victor Seff, said the agency has intensified monitoring of contractor CRC following delays in implementing some road construction projects under the Second Phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP II).
Engineer Seff said the increased monitoring followed an earlier inspection conducted on the 15th, during which TARURA observed a slow pace of work and instructed the contractor to speed up implementation and comply with the terms of the contract.
He said during today’s inspection in Dar es Salaam, TARURA observed improvements in some areas, including the Tegeta road, where more than 500 metres have been concreted. He said the work was part of the agreements reached during the previous meeting.
However, he said the remaining section of the road is still affected by compensation issues. TARURA was informed that compensation payments would begin after approval is obtained from the Chief Government Valuer.
Speaking about Binti Kaenga Road, Engineer Seff said implementation was progressing well, although the contractor was still facing challenges in securing sufficient equipment for each project package, as well as a shortage of experts at some work sites.
In Kinondoni, he said the pace of implementation had increased by approximately 10 percent compared with the situation during the previous inspection, although there was still a possibility that the contractor might not complete the works within the scheduled timeframe.
Engineer Seff said the contractor had already submitted a request for an extension of the implementation period, citing the availability of asphalt and areas where compensation had not yet been paid among the reasons for the delay.
He said the supervising consultant would assess the reasons provided and, if they are found to have contributed to the delays, the contractor could be granted an extension of time.
Engineer Seff said the projects being implemented by the contractor in Kinondoni and Ubungo comprise eight packages—four in Kinondoni and four in Ubungo—with a total value of approximately Sh164 billion.
He added that, across DMDP II, the contractor is implementing a total of 21 packages throughout the region.
He also instructed the contractor to ensure that all required equipment and key technical personnel are deployed to construction sites to accelerate implementation and ensure that the works are completed on time.
Engineer Seff said TARURA would continue closely monitoring the implementation of the projects and ensure that contractual requirements are followed, including taking contractual action where the contractor fails to fulfil its obligations on time.
Meanwhile, residents of Binti Kaenga in Dar es Salaam, Latifa Mrisho and Rajabu Ngalai, said the tarmacking of the road had improved their lives and businesses. They said the road previously generated a lot of dust, which affected their activities, while its poor condition also caused difficulties for residents.
