Comply with Public Procurement Act, CRB tells local contractors

MOSHI:CHAIRMAN of the Contractors Registration Board (CRB), Engineer Joseph Nyamhanga, has called on public institutions to comply with the Public Procurement Act of 2023 and its 2024 regulations, which mandates all contracts under 50bn/- be awarded to local contractors.

Eng Nyamhanga made the remarks over the weekend as part of the ongoing inspection tour conducted by the CRB board of directors and management in four regions of Manyara, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. The visit aims to assess contractors’ performance and project execution.

“Adhering to this regulation will not only help build local capacity but also ensure that these funds stay within the country,” Eng Nyamhanga said.

During the visit, he also encouraged foreign companies working in Tanzania to award large subcontracts to local contractors in order to help develop their capacity.

Eng Nyamhanga’s comments came as the CRB board and management visited the Rural Electrification Project (REA) in Kilimanjaro Region.

The project, valued at 18.4bn/-, covers 270 kilometres and is being implemented by Ceylex Engineering (PVT) Ltd, a Sri Lankan contractor.

Project Manager, Engineer Sakina Mohammed, informed the board that the rural electrification project is a two-year initiative aimed at extending electricity to 135 villages in Kilimanjaro.

As of now, the project is 11.6 per cent complete. In another segment of the tour, the CRB board and management visited the construction of East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project valued at 1.4tri/-.

The project is being executed by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd (CPP) in Misino Village, Handeni District, Tanga Region. The board expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress.

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After inspecting the project, CRB Chairman Joseph Nyamhanga commended the contractor for employing over 70 per cent Tanzanian workers and for awarding subcontracts to three local contractors for the section of the project running from Singida to Tanga.

“It’s commendable to offer employment to locals, and I’m also pleased that subcontracts have been awarded to three local contractors for the section running from Singida to Tanga,” he said.

The Environmental Manager for the project, Mr Willhelm Kiria said that environmental conservation is a top priority. The project is designed to minimise disruption to existing infrastructure.

“At the road crossing here, we are drilling 48 metres below ground to allow the pipeline to pass through. Once we finish this section, we will move on to the next crossing,” Mr Kiria said.

The CRB board and management visited Camp 16 of China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering (CPP) in Muheza District, Tanga, where they witnessed preparations for laying the pipeline, which will run from Kabaale-Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga, Tanzania.

The CRB board and management will continue their inspection tour of various projects in the northern zone and are expected to complete their visit in Tanga city.