PM warns officials against project delays, conflict of interest
KILIMANJARO: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has warned government officials over delays in implementing development projects, describing the failure to utilise disbursed funds on time as an “unacceptable” denial of services to the public.
Addressing residents at a public rally in the Ndungu area of Same District in Kilimanjaro Region on Wednesday, he said while President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made significant efforts to mobilise resources for national development, public servants were responsible to ensure those funds are used with integrity and efficiency.
“It is unacceptable for public servants to receive project funds and fail to use them on time. This delays service delivery and development for the people,” the Prime Minister stated during his four-day working tour of the Kilimanjaro Region.
In a move to ensure transparency, Dr Nchemba directed the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) to conduct a thorough investigation into officials from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to establish whether some were using their own private companies to carry out public projects, leading to poor supervision and substandard work.
Dr Nchimbi also directed village governments to strengthen landuse planning, warning that land remains limited while the population continues to grow.
He emphasised that proper planning is essential to prevent future land conflicts and ensure sustainable settlement and investment. He said orderly land allocation and adherence to approved village plans are crucial in protecting community interests and supporting long-term economic growth.
He stressed the importance of respecting people’s work, protecting national unity and preserving social harmony.
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“We must respect each other, respect people’s work and safeguard our brotherhood and Tanzanian unity at all costs,” he said.
“Regional leaders have been instructed to take action against arrogant officials, as such conduct undermines unity, peace and love within our communities.” He stressed the need to uphold agreed plans and development priorities, noting that the upcoming national budget will increase infrastructure funding by five per cent to improve the business environment and economic activities.
“The goal is to ensure traders and entrepreneurs operate in decent and designated areas. Those responsible for enforcement must respect people’s businesses. Bodaboda riders, food vendors and small traders must be treated with dignity,” he said.
In another directive, Dr Nchemba said the President has instructed that no Tanzanian should be unlawfully deprived of legally owned land, describing land as a citizen’s heritage that must be protected.
During the visit, the PM also inspected progress of the 36-kilometre Ndungu–Mkomazi road being upgraded to tarmac level to improve transport infrastructure and stimulate economic activities in the area.
He reiterated his call for proper land-use practices at village level. “Everyone must observe proper land use. Those who act with arrogance and ignore agreed plans will be dealt with because they weaken unity and mutual respect in society,” he said.
