Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ruanda–Idiwili road project in Songwe Region, which is being implemented by women contractors following a special directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The project involves the construction of a road stretching approximately 20 kilometres at a cost of more than TZS 45.3 billion. The contract was awarded to women contractors through the Tanzania Women Contractors Association (TWCA) as part of government efforts to demonstrate women’s capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.
Upon successful completion, the contractors are expected to qualify for additional government-funded works.
Ulega said that for many years women were mainly involved in low-income activities such as road cleaning, but President Samia made a strategic decision to economically empower women by enabling them to undertake major and higher-value construction projects.
“I urge you to work hard, mothers. The President recognises your contribution, and wananchi want to see their road completed on time so that they can use it to support their development activities,” Ulega said.
During an inspection tour of the project, the minister said he was pleased with the pace of construction, adding that President Samia acknowledges the role of women contractors, which is why the government approved funding to enable them to implement the project.
The minister also emphasised the importance of prioritising employment opportunities for youths from the project area.
He commended the ongoing engagement of local youths and cautioned contractors against ignoring the government’s directive on youth employment.
“If there are youths who are capable of working, they must be given jobs. It is important that after completing their work they are issued with certificates showing the roles they performed, so that when other opportunities arise they can be recognised as experienced workers,” he said.
On youth empowerment in the construction sector, Ulega said the government’s focus is to ensure young people are not limited to casual labour but are also supported to participate through small and emerging companies that can be awarded construction works.
He further directed TANROADS Regional Managers in Songwe and Mbeya to closely supervise the contractors and ensure there are no minor shortcomings that could slow progress, so that the road is completed within the planned timeframe.
Meanwhile, Vwawa Member of Parliament Japhet Hasunga asked the minister to consider awarding the same contractors the remaining 79 kilometres of the road should they successfully complete the current 20-kilometre section by August 2026.
Providing an update on the project, Tanzania Women Contractors Association President, Engineer Judith Odunga, said the Ruanda–Idiwili road is fully financed by the Government of Tanzania at a cost of TZS 45.3 billion.