Dar’s 231.7bn/- BRT project on right track, says PCCB

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Ilala has assured the public that the ongoing 231.7bn/- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase 3 project in Dar es Salaam is progressing as planned.

However, the anti-corruption watchdog has issued a cautionary note to contractors involved in other projects worth 2.09bn/- in the city.

The update was provided in the PCCB’s latest quarterly report, where Ilala Regional Bureau Chief, Sosthenes Kibwengo, stated that the bureau monitored projects whose value totalled 240.36bn/- during the period under review.

“We have observed that the construction of the strategic BRT road project is proceeding well.

However, we have identified some challenges in other projects, particularly those related to buildings’ design, management and procurement,” Kibwengo said.

He added: “We urge those responsible for these projects to ensure thorough planning at the outset, as the saying goes, ‘Failure to plan means planning to fail.”

In addition to the BRT project, other projects in Ilala under PCCB’s oversight include the construction of Mchikichini Health Centre (5.3bn/- ), a conference hall and library at Benjamin Mkapa Secondary School (1.3bn/-) and paving and landscaping at Amana Referral Hospital (38.9m/-).

Road projects examined during the inspection include Tukuyu street road (0.62 km), Moshi road (0.2 km), Faru road (0.39 km) and Mtwara road (0.28 km).

Kibwengo also highlighted the bureau’s efforts to engage the public through the TAKUKURU Rafiki programme in five wards; Kivule, Majohe, Vingunguti, Kipawa and Buyuni.

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Through this initiative, stakeholders raised 52 concerns that, if left unaddressed, could lead to corruption.

“To address these issues, PCCB has actively engaged with stakeholders from various sectors, including water, roads, energy, transport, community development and finance, to find solutions,” Kibwengo explained.

He added: “This programme fosters greater participation and accountability and it is crucial that all stakeholders continue to use it to promote good governance and combat corruption.”

With local government elections approaching, PCCB in Ilala is also focusing on voter education through its “Know the Value of Your Vote” campaign.

The bureau has reached 5,163 youth through two major workshops and has engaged other community groups via media programmes, public meetings and discussions.

During the same period, PCCB partnered with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to raise awareness and address corruption in public procurement processes.

This collaboration follows findings from the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which highlighted several irregularities in public procurement.