MOROGORO: MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, has directed all contractors assigned to construct 758 communication towers across the country to ensure the project is completed by May 2025.
Minister Silaa issued this directive yesterday in Msolokelo Village, Pemba Ward, Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, while addressing villagers who had expressed concerns over poor network coverage despite having communication tower in the area.
He explained that the sixth-phase government initiated the Tanzania Digital Project, which includes the construction of 758 communication towers.
The minister noted that 126bn/- has been allocated for implementing the project in 713 wards across the country.
Once completed, over 8.5 million Tanzanians currently without access to communication services will gain mobile connectivity.
Additionally, 304 existing towers using 2G technology for calls and SMS will be upgraded to 3G and 4G internet-capable networks.
In Morogoro Region, 69 towers will be built in 63 wards at a cost of 11.17bn/-.
“Billions of shillings have been invested in electricity, health, education and communication for Morogoro. President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has endorsed allocation of 11.17bn/- to construct 69 towers in 63 wards so everyone can access communication services,” said Mr Silaa.
He sympathised with Msolokelo villagers, assuring them that under President Samia’s leadership, they would no longer climb trees to find mobile network signals.
“From your village, I declare that the 758-tower project nationwide must be completed before May 2025,” he emphasised.
Since the project’s inception in May 2023, 306 towers have been completed and activated, with the remaining in various stages of construction.
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Silaa directed the Eastern Zone Manager of the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) to work with the Mvomero MP to assess other areas needing towers within the district and ensure the construction of 15 additional towers.
He also announced an agreement with Vodacom to build a communication tower in Msolokelo to address network issues.
Silaa urged all UCSAF regional managers to begin technical visits to all constituencies to inspect the progress of 568 towers under construction. He called for collaboration with MPs and local government officials to assess communication challenges in their regions.
He further revealed plans for an additional 636 towers to address network gaps in areas with environmental challenges, ensuring that all citizens have communication services by May 2025.
UCSAF CEO, Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda, reported that the contract for the 758-tower project was signed on May 13, 2023, with a completion deadline of May 12, 2025. So far, 40 per cent of the project has been completed.
In Morogoro, 19 of the 69 planned towers have been completed and activated as of December 2, 2024, while the rest are progressing.
