By The Respondent reporter
Pwani – Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the construction of the 33.7 km Nyamwage-Utete road, which is being upgraded to tarmac.
During an inspection of the project today, October 24, 2024, in Rufiji District, Bashungwa instructed the Tanroads Regional Manager for Pwani, Eng. Baraka Mwambage, to ensure that the contractor, China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), brings in the necessary experts and equipment to accelerate the project.
With only 7% of the project completed, Bashungwa made it clear that he expected immediate improvements. "You must closely monitor the contractor according to the contract. I will return for inspection, and I want to see a fully equipped team on-site. If you cannot ensure this, you’ll be returning to Dodoma with me," Bashungwa warned.
The minister emphasized that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has already provided the necessary funds for the project, and there are no outstanding payments to the contractor. As such, he said there is no valid excuse for the sluggish progress.
Bashungwa also criticized CRSG’s performance across other regions, including Mara, Katavi, Ruvuma, Dar es Salaam, and Pwani, where delays have been reported in various road projects. He urged the company to reassess its performance and improve across the board.
He further called on local communities to cooperate with the construction efforts to ensure the road is completed on time.
In response, Pwani Regional Commissioner Abubakar Kunenge announced that President Samia had approved preparations for a new 354 km road linking Chalinze, Magindu, Mwalimu Nyerere Dam, and Utete.
Eng. Baraka Mwambage, the TANROADS Pwani Regional Manager, pledged to push CRSG to increase their work rate from 2.1% to 8% per month to meet the project deadlines.