PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has been impressed with the progress in the construction of the government city in Dodoma second phase, insisting that value for money must be reflected.
He, however, directed leaders entrusted with the responsibility of managing and supervising the project to maintain integrity for the task to be completed on time and at required standards.
Equally, the Prime Minister called upon contractors working on the project at Mtumba Government Town, dubbed ‘Magufuli City’, to speed up work and complete it on time as stipulated in the construction agreement.
Premier Majaliwa also ordered Permanent Secretaries in all ministries, whose staff are still based in Dar es Salaam, to immediately relocate to Dodoma as directed by the government.
“Implement this order promptly and effectively,” directed Mr Majaliwa on Monday, when he was inspecting the progress of the project. He said the construction was progressing well, and encouraged the contractors to speed up pace.
Elaborating, he expressed his gratitude to the contractors assigned to execute the project, saying: “So far, so good.
The objective of the government under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is to see this project being executed as planned by observing all standards and value for money maintained. I’m impressed with what I’ve seen… it is a laudable job by our local experts.”
He further noted that the government city will be of its kind, adding that it will be a smart city fully equipped with digital technology.
“We have the funds to execute the project and let me assure you that everything will be completed as planned,” he pointed out.
Speaking to the workers and casual labourers hired to undertake the project, Premier Majaliwa asked them to work diligently, while observing professionalism and ethical conduct as directed by their supervisors. He said, doing so, will help them build their capacity in managing their daily tasks.
Mr Majaliwa also urged them to be vigilant and protect the equipment used in the execution of the project, especially by discoursing theft and vandalism.
Much as the project will transform the outlook of Dodoma City and become one of the landmarks in the capital, it is also in line with the ruling party CCM Election manifesto for 2020 to 2025.
It is also in line with the Third Five –Year Development Plan (FYDP III 2021/22 to 2025/26), which has placed top priority in developing the new capital. The document insists that key among the reasons for relocating the hub of government activities to Dodoma was the need to reposition public services closer to the people.
FYDP III for developing the new capital entailed the construction and strengthening of infrastructure for transport and travel, education, health, water, and government offices in response to increased demand from the increase in population.
According to the document, key interventions include to construct government town buildings and offices, strengthen infrastructure for sports, entertainment and arts, construct and strengthen travel and transport infrastructure, sustain efforts aimed at environmental conservation and green urban development of Dodoma City.
Other interventions include constructing business investment centres, strengthening the infrastructure for education, technical and vocational training and consolidating improvements to health infrastructure.
Briefing the Premier, Secretary of the National Committee to coordinate the government’s plan to relocate to Dodoma Mr Meshack Bandawe, noted that the ongoing construction is for 25 ministries buildings as well as two public institution buildings that have reached various stages of construction.
Mr Bandawe said the second phase of the construction of Mtumba city started in October 2021 and expected to be completed in October 2023.
Mr Bandawe said that the project is undertaken by nine contractors, including government and private contractors and has provided 2,149 employment opportunities adding that the project is expected to cost 675bn/- on its completion.
The buildings that have been inspected include the Prime Minister Office- Policy, Parliament and Coordination which is being built by Suma JKT at a cost of 22.8bn/-. The Premier was informed that its construction started on October 11, 2021 and expected to be completed on April 17, 2023. The structure covers six floors and its construction has reached 46 per cent.
Another building is the Office of the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment, Youth and People with Disabilities) which is being built by Suma JKT at a cost of 18.62bn/-. Its construction started on October 18, 2021 and expected to be completed on April 17, 2023. Its construction has reached 47 per cent.
He also inspected the construction of the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). The six-floor building is being built by M/S Corporation at a cost of 20.29bn/-. Its construction has reached 54 per cent and started on October 15, 2021. It is expected to be completed on October 14, 2023.
Another inspected building is that of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, which is being built by M/S Li Jun Development Construction Company Limited at a cost of 16.41bn/-. Its construction has reached 69 per cent. The construction work was started on November 23, 2021 and expected to be completed on November 22, 2023.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister has inspected the progress of the construction project of the Attorney General’s five floors building, being built by the SUMA JKT Company at a cost of 26.81bn/-. Its construction has reached 42 per cent. The construction work started on September 9, 2021 and expected to be completed on September 15, 2023.
Another project inspected is the construction of the building of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is being built by the National Housing Corporation (NHC) at a cost of 22.30bn/-. Its construction has reached 45.05 per cent. The contractor started the work on October 15, 2021 and its construction is expected to be completed on October 14, 2023.
The Prime Minister also inspected the construction of the six-floor building of the Office of the President, Public Service Management and Good Governance, which is being built by the Tanzania Real Estate Agency at a cost of 21.64bn/-. Its construction has reached 54 per cent. Its construction started on September 21, 2021 and expected to be completed on March 20, 2023.