‘Expedite emergency bridge projects in Katavi’
KATAVI: DEPUTY Minister for Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya, has directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in Katavi Region to work around the clock to complete urgent infrastructure projects under its supervision.
The deputy minister underlined the need for contractors to complete the projects on time and ensure they meet required quality standards, in line with the allocated funding, to ensure value for money spent.
Katavi Region is benefitting from World Bank funding of over 17.28bn/- for the construction of three emergency bridge projects.
The projects involve the construction of Katumba, Mirumba and Kilida bridges, which are scheduled to be completed within 12 months.
Eng Kasekenya issued the directives during a site visit to the Mirumba Bridge construction site, noting that the three bridges would serve as vital links between Rukwa and Katavi, as part of the Western Corridor Road network. The emergency projects will be executed by local contractors, with the goal of completing them within a 12-month timeframe.
“These emergency projects must be prioritised and executed without delay,” said Eng Kasekenya.
“The government and the World Bank have agreed on the 12-month timeline for completion.”
He urged the contractors to work swiftly, day and night, especially on these urgent projects, to help citizens overcome the challenges caused by damaged infrastructure.
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Eng Kasekenya highlighted the significant disruption caused by heavy seasonal rains and the effects of El Niño, which have damaged road infrastructure, including bridges and halted economic activities in Katavi and surrounding areas.
“It is crucial to address these issues urgently,” he stressed.
“The contractors must complete the projects on time and ensure they meet the required standards, in line with the allocated funding.”
Katavi Regional TANROADS Manager, Engineer Martin Mwakabende, briefed the deputy minister on the progress of the World Bankfunded projects, which are in the early stages of execution at a cost of over 17.28bn/-.
“Currently, contractors are mobilising construction equipment to the project sites,” Eng Mwakabende said. He further explained that Ms Mselem Civil Engineering Co Ltd has been contracted to construct the 55-metre Katumba Bridge along the Sitalike-Lymba lya Mfipa road, at a cost of 9.1bn/-.
Ms Safari General Business Co Ltd, in partnership with Ms Mbuya Construction Co Ltd, has been contracted to build the 60-metre Mirumba Bridge along the Kitete-Kibaoni road, at a cost of 6.39bn/-.
She said Ms Fau Construction Company, in joint venture with Four Brothers and Sisters Co Ltd, is tasked with constructing the Kilinda Bridge along the Sitalike-Kibaoni-Kisesa road. This project will also include the construction of 16 box culverts along the Majimoto-Kisesa road, at a cost of 1.78bn/-.
