The Minister of State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has issued a strong directive to the contractor executing major road projects in Ukonga Constituency, demanding timely completion without excuses.
The projects under construction include the Banana–Kitunda–Kivule–Msongola and Kivule–Majohe Junction roads, as well as roads in Kiwalani and Migombani.
Mchengerwa made the remarks during a site inspection in Dar es Salaam, where he was accompanied by Ukonga Member of Parliament, Jerry Silaa.
He emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has already released the full project funds and is committed to ensuring that road infrastructure across the country is completed and accessible year-round.
He pointed out that once completed, the roads will improve access to essential services and stimulate local economic growth.
Mchengerwa praised President Samia for her dedication to investing heavily in infrastructure, calling on regional and district authorities to take a hands-on role in monitoring contractors and engineers to ensure quality and timely delivery.
He warned that any contractor who fails to meet contractual obligations should face appropriate action as stipulated in the agreements.
According to Engineer Geofrey Mkinga, the TARURA Regional Manager for Dar es Salaam, the project is being implemented in two phases by M/s JIANGXI GEO ENGINEERING, under the supervision of Mhandisi Consultancy Ltd and funded by the World Bank.
The first phase involves the construction of the Kitunda–Kivule–Msongola road (9.95 kilometers) and the Kivule–Majohe Junction road (2.79 kilometers), with a total budget of TSh 30.37 billion.
So far, TSh 4.55 billion has been disbursed as an advance payment. However, despite 32 percent of the contract time having elapsed, physical progress stands at just 10 percent.
Completed works include removal of unsuitable topsoil along 5 kilometers, construction of the roadbed over 4 kilometers, application of G3 gravel over 3 kilometers, and G7 gravel over 4 kilometers.
The second phase includes the construction of the Banana–Kitunda road (3.95 kilometers), the Migombani road (1.57 kilometers), and the Kiwalani roads covering 3.22 kilometers.
This phase is also being carried out by the same contractor and supervisor at a cost of TSh 28.51 billion. Surveying work, including boundary demarcation and measurements, has already been completed.
However, the project has encountered several challenges. Engineer Mkinga highlighted that heavy rainfall between February and June 2025 disrupted progress and delayed the start of key construction activities.
Additionally, compensation-related delays have affected project implementation, especially in the Kipunguni area along the Banana–Kitunda stretch, where some residents are yet to receive compensation.
These compensations fall under the responsibility of the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), as the area is part of the airport zone. Other sections of the project also face similar compensation delays.
Despite the setbacks, Mchengerwa maintained that there would be no tolerance for delays, urging responsible authorities to resolve outstanding compensation issues and speed up construction activities.
He reaffirmed the government's position that the project must be completed as scheduled to meet the needs of the growing Ukonga population.
Once completed, the roads are expected to significantly ease congestion, improve transportation efficiency, and support business operations in the area, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.