DR. BITEKO: EMPOWER LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO GROW AND WIN MAJOR PROJECTS

By Alfred Zacharia

Dar es Salaam. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko has directed the Ministry of Works to set out a strategy that will see the respective Ministry, the Ministry of Finance and commercial banks are empowering the local contractors, financially.

Dr. Biteko made the directives on June 28, 2024 when closing the ‘Contractors Day’ organized by the Tanzania United Contractors and Allied Services Association (TUCASA) on behalf of the President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Prime Minister's Office, according to him, will direct other sectors including Energy, Water and Transport, to use local contractors when implementing development projects.

Dr. Biteko said that plans are in place to allocated at least 20 percent in every project implemented with loan funds from development partners for local contractors.

“The President's mission is to empower local contractors and she has instructed all government officials and staff at all levels to empower our local contractors to win and implement major projects,” he noted.

Dr. Biteko also reiterated the government’s actions against the corrupt public servants.

"I would like to assure you that the Government through the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) will continue to take legal action against the corrupt servants. My request to you, contractors, when you face corruption assaults, do not hesitate to report to the PCCB," Dr. Biteko said.

The Deputy Premier also urged the contractors to use of project funds with respect in order to make profits that will improve investment and sustain their companies.

Minister of Works, Mr. Innocent Bashungwa said President Samia recognizes the contribution of local contractors to the forefront of the country's construction and national development, insuring to trust them with public development projects in the country.

TUCASA Chairman Samwel Marwa asked the Government to be a guardian to the association to make it grow and stand up for themselves. He also urged the Government to continue fighting the corruption to see contractors are working professionally and generating profits.