Kijaji inspects TACTIC projects, calls for value for money

KAGERA: MINISTER for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji has directed government officials to closely monitor the implementation of development projects and urged contractors to complete them on schedule to ensure value for public money.

Dr Kijaji made the call during a four-day tour of Kagera Region, where she inspected development projects being implemented across the region’s eight councils: Bukoba DC, Muleba, Biharamulo, Ngara, Karagwe, Kyerwa, Missenyi and Bukoba Municipal.

The Minister inspected the construction of the Bukoba Central Market Complex and the new Kyakailabwa Bus Terminal, located about five kilometres from Bukoba town.

Construction of the Central Market has reached 50 per cent completion, while work on the Kyakailabwa Bus Terminal is 10 per cent complete.

The two World Bankfinanced projects, valued at 18bn/-, are expected to be completed by January 2027.

Dr Kijaji urged the contractor to meet the completion deadline while maintaining high construction standards and ensuring value for money.

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The projects are being implemented under the 410-million-US-dollar Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) Programme, whose contracts were signed on December 16, 2023, in Bukoba Municipality.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the then Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa.

Meanwhile, Kagera Regional Commissioner Col Ramadhan Kido commended the World Bank for financing the programme, saying it would transform Bukoba Municipality’s economy.

“The implementation of the TACTIC programme is a major milestone for the region. Residents should seize the opportunities created by these investments, including establishing modern hotels with conference facilities,” he said.