TRA tightens grip on Sengerema projecct contractor

MWANZA: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has given contractor C.F. Builders Ltd one month to complete construction of its office building in Sengerema District, stepping up pressure after missing the initial deadline.

Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda issued the directive during an inspection visit in Mwanza Region on Tuesday, citing delays that continue to disrupt service delivery.

The project had been scheduled for completion and handover by the end of 2024. Mr Mwenda warned that failure to meet the revised timeline would trigger decisive action and ordered an internal review to establish whether the contractor holds any additional TRA contracts.

“We cannot tolerate contractors who fail to meet their obligations. This project must be completed within one month, and a thorough review should confirm whether the contractor has any ongoing engagements with the Authority. Based on current performance, no additional work should be awarded,” he said.

He described the delays as a result of serious negligence and called for stronger oversight and accountability in the management of public projects. In response, Director of C.F. Builders Ltd, Fred Chacha, pledged to make every effort to complete the construction within the new timeframe.

During his visit, Mr Mwenda also met with TRA staff in Sengerema, urging them to maintain high standards of professionalism. He stressed the importance of taxpayer education, responsiveness to public concerns and support for business growth.

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Similarly, Commissioner for Domestic Revenue, Mr Michael Muhoja, underscored that tax collection is both a duty and a form of public service that must be carried out with integrity and commitment.

While in the Lake Zone, Mr Mwenda announced a firm crackdown on tax evasion, particularly smuggling, noting that such practices undermine compliant taxpayers and pose risks to public health.

“We will pursue tax evaders wherever they are. Their actions disadvantage honest taxpayers. Tax evasion is not sustainable you will eventually be caught. We urge the public to report such activities to TRA so that appropriate measures can be taken,” he said.

He also warned traders engaged in smuggling through the Sirari border and other entry points, affirming that TRA is intensifying efforts to curb illegal trade. On taxpayer relations, Mr Mwenda reaffirmed TRA’s commitment to strengthening engagement by listening to taxpayers, addressing their challenges and creating a more enabling business environment.

During a separate visit to Mara Region, Mr Mwenda toured the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Museum in Mwitongo Village, Butiama District and called on Tanzanians to honour the Father of the Nation by paying taxes voluntarily