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The government, through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), has allocated a total of TZS 36,802,360,422.39 for the construction of modern laboratories in Dodoma and Mwanza regions.
The move aims to bring services closer to citizens and reduce the costs of sample testing.
Speaking at a working session with media editors, organized by the Office of the Registrar of the Treasury today, September 18, 2025, TBS Director General, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, said the new laboratories would revolutionize standards services in the country.
Dr. Katunzi explained that the laboratories in Dodoma will serve the Central Zone, covering Dodoma, Singida, and Tabora regions, while those in Mwanza will serve six regions including Kagera, Mara, Geita, Shinyanga, and Simiyu.
“The construction of these laboratories will bring services closer to the people, improving service delivery and enhancing efficiency in sample testing,” Dr. Katunzi said.
He added that, to date, TBS has 12 laboratories accredited internationally, meaning that results issued by these laboratories are recognized globally.
The government has also spent over TZS 12.9 billion to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for these laboratories, capable of delivering timely and highly accurate results.
Some of the advanced machines acquired include the Hydrostatic Pressure Test Machine, which tests water pipes ranging from 0.5 inches (12 mm) to 32 inches (800 mm) in diameter and can handle up to 120 samples simultaneously.
This machine is available in only five countries in Africa, including Tanzania.
Other equipment includes the Automatic Conductor Resistance Tester, which measures electrical cables of all types up to 40 mm in diameter or 1,200 square mm, and the Solar Simulator, which tests the quality of solar panels without relying on sunlight. In East and Central Africa, this machine is found only at TBS offices in Tanzania.
Dr. Katunzi further stated that TBS allocates TZS 350 million annually to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by helping their products gain quality certification.
He noted that this support is tailored to the needs of each local government and that TBS will continue collaborating with district authorities across the country to identify entrepreneurs whose products require quality certification but lack financial capacity.
“The goal is to ensure local products meet high standards so they can compete in both domestic and international markets,” he added.
Dr. Katunzi also urged manufacturers and importers to adhere to the procedures established by the government through TBS to ensure products are safe and of acceptable quality.
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), Neville Meena encouraged TBS to maintain close collaboration with journalists to educate the public on standards-related issues.
He said such engagement would enhance public awareness through media channels.