By The Respondents Reporter
Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega has warned TANROADS regional managers that road maintenance funds must be spent strictly on their intended purpose, announcing a tougher accountability regime that will see managers evaluated and potentially removed based on the quality of roads under their supervision.
The directive marks a shift towards performance-based oversight as the government intensifies efforts to improve the country's road infrastructure and ensure taxpayers receive value for money from public investments.
Speaking during an inspection tour of road projects in Manyara Region, Mr Ulega said delays in implementing road maintenance and construction projects would no longer be excused by bureaucratic procedures, stressing that deteriorating roads should be addressed immediately once funds are disbursed.
"These funds are allocated for the people's roads. I do not want to hear that money has reached a region while officials are still talking about procedures when roads remain in poor condition. I will not tolerate such a situation," he said.
The minister announced that beginning with the 2026/27 financial year, TANROADS regional managers will be assessed primarily on the quality of road construction and the effectiveness of maintenance works in their respective regions.
He said officials who fail to manage road funds efficiently or delay project implementation without justification would face disciplinary action, including removal from office.
The remarks were made during inspections of the Karatu–Mbulu–Hydom–Sibiti–Meatu–Lalago–Maswa (389km) highway, particularly the Mbulu–Garbabi and Labay–Hydom sections currently being upgraded to bitumen standard. Mr Ulega also inspected the concrete road connecting Mbuyu wa Mjerumani, Mlima Magara and Mbulu.
He said the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains committed to completing strategic infrastructure projects on schedule and to the required standards, adding that the government also plans to install street lighting along roads in Mbulu to support economic activity and improve public safety.
Describing the corridor as strategically important, Mr Ulega said it forms part of a major transport network linking the regions of Arusha, Manyara, Singida, Shinyanga and Simiyu, making timely completion essential for regional trade and connectivity.
"I have inspected the project from Mbulu to Garbabi through Tlawi and I am satisfied with the progress. The government will continue providing funds to ensure the contractor completes the works to the required standards," he said.
The minister also issued a strong warning to contractors and project supervisors, saying road projects must meet strict quality standards to ensure public investments deliver long-term benefits.
"We cannot accept a situation where a newly constructed road starts developing potholes after only one year. Tanzanians expect durable infrastructure and that is what they should receive," he said.
He further cautioned project supervisors against developing overly close relationships with contractors that could compromise impartial oversight, insisting that supervision must be guided by professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Mr Ulega also ordered the contractor responsible for the concrete road section at Mlima Magara to return to the site and complete outstanding works to the required standard.
In addition, he directed the contractor working on the Garbabi–Labay section to undertake routine maintenance to keep the road passable, reduce inconvenience to motorists and residents, and help prevent transport fare increases caused by poor road conditions.
TANROADS Manyara Regional Manager, Engineer Dutu Masele, said construction of the 25-kilometre Mbulu–Garbabi section has reached 45 percent completion, while the 25-kilometre Labay–Hydom section stands at 17 percent. Both projects are being implemented under a design-and-build contract by Jiangxi Geo-Engineering Group Corporation.
Members of Parliament for Mbulu Rural, Dr Emmanuel Nuwas, and Mbulu Urban, Issaay Zacharia Paulo, welcomed the progress, saying residents have long awaited the road upgrade because of its importance in supporting agriculture, livestock production and trade, while also improving access to health and education services.
