Works Minister Abdallah Ulega has directed contractors operating in the country to comply strictly with labour laws and pay workers what they are legally entitled to, warning that the government will not tolerate exploitation at construction sites.
Mr Ulega issued the directive during an inspection of the 100.5-kilometre Same–Kisiwani–Mkomazi road project in Kilimanjaro Region, which is being implemented by M/S China Communication Construction Company Ltd.
The minister said he received complaints from workers who alleged that they were being paid below the minimum rates prescribed by law, describing the practice as unacceptable.
“This cannot be tolerated. There are clear standards under our laws, and every contractor must adhere to them. There is no room for debate on this matter,” Mr Ulega said, drawing applause from workers at the site.
Although the contractor’s representative assured the minister that the issue would be addressed, Mr Ulega said he would escalate the matter to Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba to ensure the company’s owners are summoned and formally commit to complying with Tanzanian labour laws.
The minister also expressed concern over the slow pace of the project, which started in January last year but has so far reached only seven per cent completion.
“I personally handed over this project to the contractor last year. I have visited the site and what I see is that the pace is still slow. It is not satisfactory and it is not encouraging,” he said.
Mr Ulega stressed that the government wants the road completed on time and to the required quality, noting that it is expected to play a key role in boosting social and economic activities in the area.
He assured residents of Same District that the project would include the construction of bus stops and the installation of street lights, aimed at improving safety and stimulating business activities along the corridor.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu said residents of Same are eager to see the road completed, as it will ease transportation challenges and unlock economic opportunities in the district.
“The completion of this road will significantly improve economic activities in Same and contribute to development at both district and national levels,” Mr Babu said.
The Same–Kisiwani–Mkomazi road project is fully funded by the government.