GEITA: THE government has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and performance of the contractor executing road projects under the Tanzania Cities Transformation Initiative Project (TACTIC) in Geita Municipality Council.
The contractor in question is Sichuan Road Contractors & Bridge Group Corporation Limited, working under consulting firms M/s Luptan Consultants Ltd and SAFI Consultants Ltd.
Geita District Commissioner, Mr Hashimu Komba, made the remarks over the weekend during his visit to the project, which involves construction of 17 km roads at tarmac level at a cost of 22.2bn/- funded by the World Bank (WB).
He said that the contract duration is 15 and 13 months, both of which are nearly complete, with only one and a half months remaining before the contract expires on February 19, 2025.
“Since the project started in November 2023, the contractor has already received 4bn/-. However, the government has withheld further payments due to the contractor’s lack of commitment.
We have observed nine houses where people have lost their homes, and in some areas, roads have been dug, water stagnates, and residents have no access routes.
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We need this road to become a blessing for the people. We do not want it to become a punishment and bring tears to residents due to the contractor’s negligence, this is unacceptable,” Mr Komba stressed.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed the contractor is facing financial challenges and lacks the capacity to work effectively despite being paid. However, the government remains committed to adhering to contractual rules, regulations, and laws.
The Chairman of Geita Municipality Council, Mr Costantine Morandi, criticised the contractor for showing gross negligence despite being given ample time.
Nyankumbu Ward Councilor, Mr John Lunyaba, urged the government to evaluate the situation and bring in a competent contractor, capable of completing the road on time.
Uwanja street Chairman, Mr Joseph Msoma, said that his area was among the localities highly affected by delays in the road project, with drainage systems failing to function properly.
“Nine households in my area have been impacted by this project. Some residents currently have no place to stay and are being hosted by their neighbours,” he said.
Sichuan Road and Bridges Project Manager, Mr Xue Fei, attributed the project’s delays to prolonged rains during the short and long rainy seasons.
