Prioritise quality in water projects, contractors told

KAGERA: DEPUTY Minister for Water, Engineer Kundo Mathew has called on contractors implementing water supply projects in 28 towns across Tanzania to prioritise quality and timely delivery.

He also instructed engineers under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to terminate contracts with contractors who fail to meet their contractual obligations. The remarks were made during a recent visit to Kagera Region, where he inspected the Kayanga-Rwakajunju Water Supply project in Karagwe District.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the delays in implementing the much-anticipated project. Karagwe District Commissioner, Mr Kalanga Laizer, told the deputy minister that the Kayanga-Rwakajunju project, which is funded at a cost of 64.32bn/-, is expected to supply clean water to 352,790 people across 38 villages.

However, the project’s progress currently stands at 70 per cent, falling short of the original completion deadline of December 10th last year. The water treatment plant is only 45 per cent complete, while the water intake system has reached just 32 per cent completion.

Eng Mathew directed the contractors, Afcons Infrastructures Company and JV Vijeta, to deploy additional manpower and work around the clock to ensure the project is completed within the newly approved ninemonth extension period.

ALSO READ: Sangu tasks WCF board to implement Vision 2050

“Despite being paid a substantial amount, the work completed so far is substandard. The project remains unfinished, and the contractor has shown a lack of seriousness. We must ensure value for money because these funds come from Tanzanian taxpayers,” Engineer Mathew said.

The Kayanga-Rwakajunju Water Supply project is funded by the Indian High Commission through a soft loan from the government of India via the Exim Bank of India. The 28-towns water project is one of the largest strategic water initiatives in the country, aimed at providing clean and safe water to Tanzanians.

Deputy Minister Mathew said that contractors must be diligent and uphold high standards in executing this crucial task, reminding them of the expectations of the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan and residents of these towns are eagerly waiting for these projects to provide clean and safe water. Each contractor must work day and night to complete the project on time and to the expected quality,” he said.

The implementation of the 28-towns water project began on April 12, 2022, following the completion of tax procedures and advance payments to the contractors, who are now operating across various towns.

The project will benefit Geita, Kayanga, Chato, Handeni, Korogwe, Muheza, Chamwino, Chunya, Wanging’ombe, Njombe, Makambako, Rujewa, Ifakara, Nanyumbu, Kilwa Masoko, Kaliua, Sikonge, Urambo, Kasulu, Mpanda, Pangani, Mafinga, Songea, Rorya/Tarime, Nakonde, Singida, Chemba, Manyoni and Mugumu.