Dar es salaam – Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, has directed a thorough investigation into the conduct of supervisors and the consulting engineer responsible for Phase Four of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure project, following serious concerns over mismanagement that is contributing to worsening traffic congestion in the city.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting construction progress along the route stretching from the city centre through Mwenge to Tegeta and from Mwenge to Ubungo Ulega expressed dismay over the apparent negligence of officials overseeing the project.
He was particularly disturbed by the situation at Palm Beach in Upanga, where he found a large trench dug by the contractor despite critical sections from Morocco to Mwenge and Kaunda remaining incomplete.
“I have come here personally to inspect this project. The responsibilities entrusted to me by Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan include roads and bridges. The President is extremely unhappy with the persistent traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam and other cities she has made her feelings very clear,” said Ulega.
He questioned the logic of commencing work on new sections while earlier segments remain unfinished, stating that the same contractor had yet to complete the initial phases.
“What urgency justified moving here while the earlier parts are still pending? This is the core of my concern,” he said.
The minister stressed that the problem goes beyond the contractor, pointing to failures by both the supervisors and the project’s consulting engineer.
“This is a public road, not the property of the contractor. He cannot dig wherever he pleases without proper oversight. The real issue lies with the supervisors and the consultant who have failed to enforce accountability,” Ulega stated.
In response to what he described as serious shortcomings, Ulega instructed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works to submit a comprehensive report on all supervisors and the consulting engineer involved, for immediate investigation.
“This cannot simply be dismissed as routine negligence. It may point to something deeper—perhaps something being deliberately concealed,” he warned.
Ulega, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Mkuranga, said he would not hesitate to strip the contractor of responsibilities for certain sections of the project if performance continues to lag behind government expectations.
“If those tasked with advising me with integrity have aligned themselves with the contractor, they are doing a disservice to this nation. Their job is to support progress, not to shield incompetence,” he said.
In response, the project’s consulting engineer, Rajabu Iddi, apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused and assured that efforts were underway to complete the project on schedule.
“We are working diligently to minimize disruption, including issuing public notices and identifying alternative routes,” said Rajabu.
Once completed, Phase Four of the BRT project will feature 18 dedicated stations and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion across Dar es Salaam, one of Tanzania’s busiest cities.