COASTAL REGION: THE government has seized infrastructure equipment belonging to various state institutions that had been stolen and stored in a construction materials factory located in Mkuranga District of Coast region.
The seizure followed the establishment of a special task force to investigate acts of vandalism targeting institutions such as Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Dar es Salaam Water Sewerage Authority (DAWASA) and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Coast Regional Commissioner, Mr Abubakar Kunenge, accompanied by regional and district leaders at the LN Feature Building Material factory where the stolen infrastructure was uncovered, expressed disappointment over actions of individuals sabotaging government’s efforts to improve infrastructure.
He said that despite the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, some individuals continue to undermine development through acts of vandalism.
“The government has invested substantial amount of funds, but some people, driven by greed, are sabotaging the country’s development. What we are witnessing is not only sabotage but also outright betrayal of national progress and economic growth,” said Mr Kunenge.
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He stressed that the government will not tolerate such acts and will continue to investigate and take strict action against those involved.
“We will thoroughly investigate this issue to put an end to it. When you destroy infrastructure, you deprive people of essential services. For those few engaging in this sabotage, we will not tolerate it.
“We will continue to monitor every clue until we identify those responsible. I also urge all institutions involved in law enforcement, investigations and prosecution to ensure justice is served for the nation’s benefit,” he said.
He reaffirmed that despite Coast Region leading in industrial investment, authorities would not allow investors to hinder national development by sabotaging infrastructure.
He also commended the task force for its professionalism in ensuring government’s infrastructure continues to benefit citizens.
He also praised citizens for their cooperation in providing vital information that led to seizure of the stolen infrastructure.
“We decided to establish a regional-level task force, consisting of members from various institutions and security agencies and they have done an excellent job. I also commend the public for working with the task force and providing crucial intelligence,” he said.
Earlier, Rufiji Special Police Zone Regional Police Commander, ACP Protus Mutayoba, revealed that the operation succeeded after receiving reports about the presence of government’s infrastructure equipment stored at the factory.
“Recently, we received intelligence indicating that this site, which specialises in aluminium production, was storing government’s equipment infrastructure. After obtaining this information, we conducted a search and discovered warehouses storing materials obtained by vandalising government’s infrastructure, including those under TANESCO, TTCL and DAWASA,” he said.
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He noted that the materials had been stolen from various locations and transported to the factory, emphasising the need for similar operations in other areas to curb illegal trade of government’s equipment.
Moreover, TANESCO’s Security Services Manager, Mr Lenin Kiobya, said that the illegal copper trade has significantly contributed to destruction of electrical infrastructure, noting that from June to December 2023, 33 transformers were vandalised, 21 of which were in Mkuranga District alone.
“The price of copper has increased from 10,000 to 30,000/- per kilogramme and at border areas, it has reached 100,000/- per kilogramme. This surge has escalated destruction of the electrical infrastructure,” said Mr Kiobya.
He noted that the operation has reduced transformer vandalism, recommending enactment of laws to prohibit businesses from purchasing government infrastructure materials.
“Such laws will help eliminate illegal trade and ensure uninterrupted service delivery to citizens,” he said.
