DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has issued a stern warning to contractors lagging in the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, emphasising that delays will not be tolerated.
It has vowed to take decisive action against under-performers while rewarding those delivering quality and timely results.
The warning was delivered by the newly appointed Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, during an inspection of the BRT projects covering the stretch from Posta area in Dar es Salaam city centre to Gongo la Mboto and Kimara.
That marked his first visit to the project since being appointed as Minister for Works by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He stated that contractors who perform well will be prioritised for future projects, while those with poor track records will no longer be considered.
The Minister stressed his commitment to personally conducting frequent inspections to ensure that only competent contractors are engaged.
Mr Ulega acknowledged the difficulties residents face due to traffic congestion, which affects their ability to commute efficiently to work, markets, hospitals and other places. He urged contractors to expedite the opening of completed road sections to ease the burden on residents and minimise disruptions.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the residents of Dar es Salaam for their patience during the ongoing construction.
He reassured them that the completed projects will significantly transform the city, making daily commutes easier and improving the overall quality of life.
He praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment to national development and highlighted Dar es Salaam’s strategic importance as Tanzania’s primary gateway and a hub for economic activities.
He also emphasised the government’s efforts to clear debts owed to contractors, especially local ones, to ensure timely completion of projects.
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According to Eng Frank Mbilinyi, the BRT Project Manager from TANROADS, the third phase of the project, connecting the city centre to Gongo la Mboto, is 72 per cent complete and is expected to be finalised by March 2025.
This phase, valued at 230bn/-, is part of a broader initiative to improve the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Other phases are also underway. The first phase, covering Kimara, Posta, Gerezani, Magomeni and Morocco, is complete and operational. The fourth phase, connecting the city centre to Mwenge, Tegeta and Ubungo, is set to finish by April 2025, despite earlier delays caused by contractors.
Mr Ulega directed contractors to intensify their efforts, including working at night, to ensure projects are completed within the stipulated timelines. He vowed to return for inspections to ensure compliance with his directives.
The Minister also highlighted future phases of the BRT project, including Phase Five, which will connect Ubungo to the Port and Segerea to Tabata Relini and Phase Six, which will link Obama Road to Kawe, Kimara to Kibaha and Mbagala to Kongowe. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and provide a comprehensive solution to the city’s transportation challenges.
Additionally, he directed the installation of streetlights on all roads managed by TARURA to improve safety and enhance the city’s aesthetics.
He called for unity and patience from Dar es Salaam residents, assuring them that the temporary challenges caused by construction activities will soon pave the way for a modern and efficient transportation system.
Ukonga MP and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, commended the government’s efforts, highlighting the potential of the BRT system to reduce travel time from Gongo la Mboto to the city centre from two to three hours to just 30 minutes upon completion.
Mr Silaa praised Mr Ulega for his dedication, noting the Minister’s decision to inspect projects even during weekends as a reflection of his commitment to serving the nation.
