Director of Forecasting Services at TMA Dr. Hamza Kabelwa engaged in a presentation at the 16th East African Procurement Forum, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) from September 9 to 12, 2024.Photo: Courtesy
By Charles Mkoka
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has called on procurement stakeholders to prioritize the use of weather services in construction projects across the country, emphasizing the role these services play in enhancing project value and safety.
This message was delivered by Dr. Hamza Kabelwa, Director of Forecasting Services at TMA, during a presentation at the 16th East African Procurement Forum, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) from September 9 to 12, 2024.
Dr. Kabelwa highlighted that a significant portion of project budgets is spent on procurement, and integrating weather services into the planning and execution phases of construction projects is crucial. He pointed out that poor weather conditions have halted numerous projects in recent years, underscoring the need for stakeholders to consider meteorological data from the design stage onwards.
"In recent times, we have witnessed many projects coming to a standstill due to adverse weather conditions. It is high time that stakeholders take advantage of these services, particularly during the design phase and before implementing their projects," Dr. Kabelwa emphasized.
Participants were informed that these specialized services come with minimal costs, as outlined in the 2024/25 budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance. Section 158 of the speech included proposals to amend the Tanzania Meteorological Authority Act (Cap 157) to introduce weather service fees aimed at ensuring the safety of construction projects. The objective is to enhance operational efficiency, safeguard lives and property, and improve overall project performance.
In addition to the presentation, TMA experts showcased their services at the ongoing AICC exhibition, explaining that modern weather services require substantial infrastructure investment and high operational costs to maintain quality standards. They urged stakeholders to utilize these services while contributing a small fee to ensure the sustainability of weather services crucial to national development projects.
The forum serves as a vital platform for highlighting the importance of incorporating weather data in public and private sector projects, ensuring safety and maximizing returns on investment.