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The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs has successfully mediated a payment dispute between a contractor and a subcontractor, enabling both parties to reach an amicable settlement without resorting to court proceedings.
The agreement was reached through the Ministry's legal aid services offered at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), where citizens are receiving free legal advice, dispute resolution support and legal education.
The dispute involved Colmat General Supplier and its subcontractor over payments related to a vehicle painting contract worth TZS 54 million.
Speaking after the mediation, Colmat General Supplier Managing Director Tanziru Mahamudu Mkakere said the Ministry provided both parties with an opportunity to present their positions before facilitating a mutually acceptable agreement.
He said the company had subcontracted the painting of about 200 vehicles at an agreed rate of TZS 270,000 per vehicle. Of the total contract value, more than TZS 48 million had already been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of TZS 6 million.
Mkakere explained that temporary financial difficulties delayed the final payment, prompting the subcontractor to seek legal assistance.
"We were given a fair hearing and an opportunity to explain our situation. Through constructive discussions, we reached an agreement that satisfied both parties. We appreciate the Government, through the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, for helping us resolve the matter peacefully," he said.
Under the settlement, the company will pay the remaining TZS 6 million in four monthly instalments of TZS 1.5 million each, with the debt expected to be cleared within four months.
The subcontractor, Sahewa Mwamba Chando, said he turned to the Ministry after waiting for an extended period to receive the outstanding payment.
He said the legal aid service enabled the parties to settle the dispute quickly and professionally without incurring the time and costs associated with litigation.
"We are satisfied with the service we received. We reached a fair agreement and signed a formal payment schedule. This has given us a peaceful and practical solution," he said.
The Ministry's legal aid desk at the Sabasaba exhibition is providing free legal advice, mediation and public legal education to help citizens resolve disputes efficiently while expanding access to justice across the country.
