Don’t be lenient on defaulters, VP tells TBA

VICE President, Dr Philip Mpango has directed Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) to collect all outstanding debts it owes tenants and those who procured houses from the state-owned housing entity, insisting that the latter should not compromise during the exercise even if the defaulters are top public leaders.

The VP issued the directive during the ceremony for laying a foundation stone for the construction of 3,500 houses for public servants at Nzuguni B area in the outskirts of the capital city.

According to Dr Mpango, there was loopholes in the follow-ups to those who were reluctant in clearing their outstanding debts, insisting: “Go and take punitive legal action to those who are yet to pay their debts and I want to insist that those who are yet to clear them should face the wrath of the law regardless of their titles.’’

The VP further underscored the need for TBA to look on all possible measures to strengthen themselves business wise so that they can get income to implement their projects, instead of only depending on subsidies from the central government.

In his speech, the VP insisted that the government would continue constructing houses in implementing the ruling party—CCM manifesto for 2020-2025 being implemented by TBA, which directs that the agency put up 10,000 houses for government leaders and public servants.

Speaking at the occasion, TBA Chief Executive, Daud Kandoro said the research conducted by his institution indicates that public servants residing in the capital city need over 2,000 houses.

According to him, the implementation of the first phase containing 150 quality houses, the government had provided 14.3bn/- and that during 2022/23 financial year, about 1bn/- had been increased for implementation of the second phase, whereas preparations had already started.

Mr Kandoro said that that his institution will implement the project at a higher pace by considering the lowest cost possible, value for money and delivering the best quality

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Selemani Kakoso said parliament will support various projects currently being implemented by the government as he called for an extra budget to support TBA, which he insisted was operating with a budget deficit of 50bn/- in helping it implement several projects countrywide.

“This project for the construction of 3,500 houses for public servants needs a lot of money, and unfortunately the budget for TBA is still meager, so I request that the government releases the money so that the project can be completed as per the contract period.

Earlier when inviting the VP, the Minister for Works and Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa said that the envisaged project would help local experts in the construction sector to receive capacity building and that it would equally help the Dodoma City to continue growing at a higher pace.