By Our Correspondent
Deputy Minister for Works Eng Godfrey Kasekenya has commended local contractors and project supervisors in Geita and Shinyanga regions for delivering road and bridge construction projects with speed and high quality, citing their performance as a boost to government confidence in Tanzanian firms.
He said the government is committed to empowering local contractors and engineers to build capacity, enhance technical skills, expand experience and create employment opportunities nationwide.
“It is a source of national pride that these emergency infrastructure projects are being implemented by local contractors and completed on time and to high standards. This strengthens the government’s trust in homegrown firms,” Eng Kasekenya said.
He added that the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expanded the contract value threshold for capable local contractors from TZS 10 billion to TZS 50 billion, allowing strong-performing firms to compete for and execute larger-scale projects.
During his visit to Geita Region, Eng Kasekenya inspected reconstruction works on the Wendele–Mlele trunk road and the Kashelo–Masumbwe–Mwabomba regional road, which had been damaged by El Niño rains and Cyclone Hidaya but have since been rebuilt.
TANROADS Geita Regional Manager, Eng Vedastus Maribe, assured the Deputy Minister that all emergency road and bridge projects in the region are on track for completion by January 31.
In Shinyanga Region, Eng Kasekenya inspected the key road linking Geita, Shinyanga and Tabora via Ushetu, where several bridges — including Kasenga (80 metres), Ubagwe (60 metres) and Ng’hwande — damaged by El Niño rains have now been completed.
TANROADS Shinyanga Regional Manager, Eng Ntuli Mwaikokesya, said plans are underway to install lighting on the bridges to enhance safety and improve the appearance of the Ushetu area.
Among the local contractors praised for their performance are Samota, Jonta Investment, Jossam and Mumangi, with project supervision provided by TECU in Geita and Shinyanga.
Eng Kasekenya is continuing his inspection tour across the Lake Zone, reviewing progress on emergency road and bridge projects aimed at restoring connectivity and strengthening regional transport networks.
