Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa has ruled out any extension for the contractor building the 73-kilometre Kahama–Bulyanhulu Junction–Kakola road, warning that failure to complete the project by December 2026 could cost the firm future government contracts.
The warning comes as construction stands at 90.17 per cent, falling 6.85 percentage points behind the scheduled progress of 97.02 per cent, raising concerns over the contractor's ability to meet the contractual deadline.
Speaking during an inspection of the project in Msalala, Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, Mr Kadogosa directed the contractor to increase the number of machines, equipment and working hours to accelerate the remaining works.
He said the government would not entertain requests for additional time, insisting that the contractor must deliver the project within the agreed contractual period.
“I do not want to see negligence on this road. I want you to assure me that this contract will be completed within the agreed time. I will not grant an extension, and if you fail to finish on time, you will not secure other project tenders in the country,” he said.
The minister warned that failure to meet the deadline would attract contractual measures, including possible restrictions on the contractor's participation in other government projects, in accordance with the applicable procedures.
He also gave the contractor 30 days to return machinery that had been moved to Arusha from another project being implemented in Njombe Region.
Mr Kadogosa said he would inspect the equipment to establish whether it had been returned and deployed effectively to speed up construction.
The latest warning puts pressure on the contractor to close the performance gap within the remaining period, as delays could further postpone the road's expected benefits to residents and businesses.
The road is expected to improve transport and the movement of goods, while supporting economic activities in Msalala and other parts of Shinyanga Region.
However, the minister's inspection also focused on the protection of road infrastructure, with residents who have built structures within the road reserve being directed to remove them voluntarily.
He warned that the government would take legal action against those who failed to comply with regulations governing road reserves.
Msalala MP Mabula Magangila and Kahama Urban MP Benjamin Ngayiwa said residents were looking forward to the completion of the road, citing its importance in easing transport, expanding economic opportunities and accelerating regional development.
Providing an update on the project, Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) Regional Manager Engineer Ntuli Mwaikokesya said the works were being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
He said the project had reached 90.17 per cent completion against the planned 97.02 per cent, leaving it 6.85 percentage points behind schedule.
With December 2026 set as the completion deadline, the contractor now faces pressure to accelerate the remaining works and avoid contractual consequences.
The key test will be whether additional machinery, equipment and working hours can translate into faster progress and ensure the road is delivered within the agreed timeframe.