Biteko touts sense of ownership on govt projects

GEITA: DEPUTY Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko has urged Tanzanians to build a culture of inspecting and questioning the progress of various public projects to ensure they are implemented according to quality standards.

Dr Biteko said that recently after inaugurating electricity services in Ihanamilo and Bunegezi villages in Geita Town as part of the implementation of the Rural Electricity Agency Project Phase Three Round Two (REA3R2).

He said that Tanzanians can help the government to manage the implementation of the public projects and avoid projects that are below standards.

“When projects are implemented in your areas don’t leave them, you should visit the sites and inspect them and if there is something wrong you should tell them because these projects are yours, “he said.

“Don’t wait for regional and district commissioners or Members of Parliament, you should manage your projects, we want these projects to be owned by people,” Dr Biteko said.

He directed government employees to enhance accountability in the management of public projects, including electricity projects in order for the budget allocated for the purpose to be well utilised.

“Our President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan wants to see citizens are properly served, she wants to see mothers being treated in a good place, she wants to see youths are employed, let’s improve our accountability,” he insisted.

REA Director for Geita Region, Engineer Jones Olotu noted that Ihanamilo and Bunegezi villages are among the 13 villages of Geita Town Council which are yet to be connected to electricity noting that the project is underway.

He said REA is implementing a 2bn/-project in ten villages of Geita Town Council and to date about six villages have already been electrified and the project is underway to connect all the remaining villages.

Geita MP Costantine Kanyasu said that many villages in his area have been forgotten noting that to date there are 35 out of 65 streets without electricity.