Mbarali District Executive Director, Raymond Mweli, has ordered immediate corrective action following delays in the construction of the Rujewa Livestock Auction Market, insisting on strict adherence to contractual procedures to bring the project back on track.
The project, valued at over TZS58 million, was scheduled for completion on February 25, 2026, but has stalled due to a combination of implementation challenges, prompting concern from district authorities.
During an inspection visit, Mweli directed the Rujewa Ward Executive Officer to urgently prepare formal documentation for a contract extension to regularize ongoing works and allow lawful continuation of the project.
He stressed that all council projects must be executed within the framework of signed agreements, warning against any form of procedural negligence.
Mweli said failure to follow contractual obligations undermines accountability and project delivery, adding that neither contractors nor technical teams will be allowed to operate outside legal provisions.
Despite the delays, Mweli confirmed that the project is financially supported, with TZS29 million equivalent to more than half of the total cost already disbursed to the contractor.
However, he noted that further payments have been withheld due to the contractor’s failure to deliver construction materials on time, while still demanding additional funds.
Rujewa Ward Executive Officer, Emmanuel Mapunda, said the contractor has received 51.6 percent of the total payment, noting that the project has also faced complications related to Value Added Tax (VAT).
He explained that the contractor was not registered for VAT at the time of signing the contract, forcing adjustments to be made along the way.
Mapunda added that construction works began on October 25, 2025, but progress has been slower than expected.
Rujewa Ward Councillor, Jeremiah Makao, acknowledged that while the physical structures suggest notable progress, the project remains significantly behind schedule.
He revealed that he had earlier instructed project supervisors to prepare contract extension documents, but no steps had been taken until the Director’s intervention.
The district leadership now expects swift action to resolve administrative bottlenecks and accelerate completion of the livestock market, which is considered important for boosting trade and improving livestock infrastructure in the area.
