Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof. Palamaganda Kabudi, on Wednesday continued his inspection tour of development projects in Dar es Salaam, reaffirming the government's focus on infrastructure, healthcare and education as key pillars of public service delivery.
His itinerary included an inspection of the ongoing construction of Kilongawima Road in Kinondoni District, the inauguration of a new Mother and Child Health building at Vijibweni Hospital in Kigamboni District, and a review of progress on Vigoa Primary School and Kibondemajaji Secondary School in Temeke District.
At the Kilongawima Road project, which is being executed by local contractor Kings Builders, Prof. Kabudi praised the quality of work and called on Tanzanian contractors to uphold high professional standards as they take on an increasing share of public infrastructure projects.
He said the government's decision to award more contracts to local firms reflects confidence in their technical capacity and should be matched by timely delivery and quality workmanship.
"The opportunity given to local contractors is based on their capability. They must continue to demonstrate professionalism and deliver projects that meet the required standards," he said.
During the inauguration of the Mother and Child Health building at Vijibweni Hospital, Prof. Kabudi said expanding access to quality maternal and child healthcare remains among the government's priorities.
He noted that sustained investment in the health sector has strengthened specialised medical services, enabling Tanzania to improve treatment in areas including maternal health, kidney care and cardiac services while reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
On education, the minister highlighted the implementation of reforms under the new education policy, saying the country will begin rolling out the revised basic education structure in 2027.
Under the reforms, pupils will complete primary education at Standard Six before progressing through the restructured basic education system, which extends to Form Four.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila said the increased participation of local contractors in public projects is helping build domestic capacity while ensuring greater value from government investment.
Speaking at the Vijibweni Hospital project, he also underscored the need for strict financial discipline during project implementation to ensure timely completion and efficient use of public resources.
Meanwhile, Kilongawima Street Chairperson Emanuel Atanas Mkuchu said residents had endured years of poor transport due to the deteriorated state of the road, expressing optimism that the ongoing works would ease movement and improve access to social and economic services.
He appealed to the government to extend road construction to other parts of the neighbourhood to address remaining transport challenges.
The projects form part of the government's broader drive to improve public infrastructure and expand access to essential services across Dar es Salaam.
