The Government has firmly ruled out any extension of time for the contractor implementing road and drainage works in Kahama Municipality under the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project, warning that delays will not be tolerated as it moves to resolve long-standing infrastructure challenges.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, issued the directive on May 27, 2026, during the signing of the completion contract for road and drainage works held at Phantom area in Kahama Municipality.
Prof. Shemdoe said the contractor, M/s China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, must deliver the project strictly within the agreed timeframe, stressing that the government will not entertain any requests for extension.
“I want to make it very clear: there will be no extension of time. The contractor must complete this project within the signed contract period. This is a binding commitment,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
He said the government was acting in response to persistent poor road conditions that have continued to affect residents and economic activities in Kahama.
“These roads have been a source of complaint for many years. The people of Kahama deserve better, and we are not going to allow further delays,” he added.
Prof. Shemdoe also directed the project consultant to work closely with the Kahama Municipal Director’s Office and the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to ensure strict compliance with the contract, including quality standards and timelines.
“The consultant and all supervising authorities must ensure that what has been signed is what is delivered. No shortcuts, no compromises on quality, and absolutely no delays,” he emphasized.
He said the signing of the contract marked a key milestone in the government’s efforts to transform urban infrastructure under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s development agenda.
“Today is a turning point for Kahama. This investment is part of the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that urban residents get reliable infrastructure that supports growth and livelihoods,” he said.
The project, valued at more than 25.5 billion shillings excluding VAT, is part of commitments made during the 2025 general election campaigns, he noted.
“We are implementing what we promised. Development is not about words; it is about delivery. That is what we are demanding from all implementers,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita said the TACTIC project in Kahama is being implemented in two phases.
The first phase includes 12.3 kilometres of central business district roads and three kilometres of roads in the Zongomela area, alongside major storm water drainage systems such as Chelsea–Lyazungu and Shunu–Magobeko channels.
“The first phase is critical because it addresses the core urban transport challenges that have affected the town for years,” Mhita said.
He added that the second phase will involve the construction of Mbulu Bus Terminal, Sango Market, and Zongomela Mini Bus Stand, which are expected to boost business activities and improve transport services.
“These facilities will completely change the face of Kahama’s transport and trading systems. We expect a significant boost in economic activity once completed,” he said.
TARURA World Bank Projects Coordinator Engineer Humprey Kanyenye said the contractor will execute the works at a cost of 25,547,162,432.04 shillings excluding VAT, with a completion period of eight months from June 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
“This is a tightly scheduled project, and every party involved must respect the timeline. The financing is clear, the contract is signed, and delivery is expected without excuses,” he said.
The government has expressed confidence that strong supervision and coordination among implementing agencies will ensure timely delivery of the project, which is expected to improve transport efficiency, reduce flooding, and enhance economic opportunities in Kahama Municipality.
