CRB calls for enhanced enforcement of laws

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Contractors Registration Board (CRB) has urged the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to ensure strict enforcement of laws and regulations that grant special preference to local contractors, empowering them to participate more effectively in construction projects across Tanzania.

This call was made over the weekend by Deputy Chairperson of CRB, Engineer Farida Mawenya, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Annual Consultative Meeting of the CRB and other construction sector stakeholders held in Dar es Salaam.

“We have reached several key resolutions aimed at improving the working environment for contractors. We call on PPRA to ensure the full implementation of the law’s special preference provisions for local contractors,” said Eng Mawenya.

The two-day meeting attracted over 1,300 stakeholders, including 830 contractors. Eng Mawenya said one of the key resolutions includes the proposal to create a joint forum between CRB, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Ministry of Finance to address taxation challenges facing contractors.

She also stressed the importance of procurement laws requiring advance payments to contractors before the commencement of construction projects to strengthen their financial position.

Eng Mawenya called for a review of registration class limits to align with current construction costs.

“The limits on registration classes should be updated to reflect the realities of today’s construction industry,” she said.

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Eng Mawenya further advocated for the creation of a robust payment framework, including the implementation of security payment acts and payment guarantees, to enable local contractors to take on largescale projects more effectively.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Ambassador Aisha Amour, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Engineer Muhamed Besta commended CRB for organising the forum and underscored the importance of continued dialogue between government and private sector stakeholders.

“Such forums are vital platforms for exchanging ideas and addressing challenges. Through this meeting, we have laid the groundwork for positive transformation in the construction sector,” said Eng Besta.

He also called on contractors to uphold integrity and adhere to ethical standards when executing construction projects, ensuring value for money in every project.

“All employers in the country must meet their obligations in accordance with construction contracts. Contractors are the final face the public sees, so their integrity is of utmost importance,” Eng Besta added.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of participants, including contractors, government representatives, construction experts and approximately 160 business exhibitors, generating positive recommendations aimed at strengthening the construction sector in Tanzania.