Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi has ordered an investigation into a contractor awarded a TZS3 billion advance payment for the construction of Manzese A and B markets in Songea, following delays that have pushed the project beyond its original completion deadline.
The directive has put the spotlight on the accountability of local government officials and the management of public funds, with questions emerging over why the contractor has failed to deliver despite receiving a substantial advance payment.
The project, which began in 2025 under an 18-month contract, was scheduled for completion in September 2026.
However, implementation delays have prompted authorities to extend the deadline to March 2027.
During his working visit to Ruvuma Region, Mr Ndejembi questioned Songea Municipal Council Director Bashir Muhoja over the reasons for granting the contractor additional time despite reported weaknesses in project management and shortages of construction equipment.
The Vice-President challenged officials to explain why they continued holding meetings with the contractor instead of taking decisive action to enforce contractual obligations.
"Let us change! We must be accountable for public funds. What does a high-level meeting help you achieve?" he asked.
His intervention exposed concerns over the effectiveness of project supervision and the willingness of public officials to hold contractors accountable when they fail to meet agreed targets.
Mr Ndejembi directed the minister responsible for the President's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to take action over negligence in supervising the project, stressing that officials entrusted with managing public investments must be held accountable.
He also ordered the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to investigate the company awarded the contract, particularly the utilisation of the TZS3 billion advance payment.
The investigation is expected to establish how the funds were spent and why the contractor has struggled to fulfil contractual obligations.
The delayed project raises questions about the safeguards used by local authorities to protect public money, particularly when contractors receive advance payments but fail to maintain the pace required to complete projects on schedule.
For traders in Songea, the delay means waiting longer for the market infrastructure intended to improve their working environment and trading conditions.
The TZS3 billion payment also underscores the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that public investments translate into completed infrastructure and tangible benefits for communities.
Mr Ndejembi said the Government would not tolerate negligence that forces citizens to continue experiencing difficulties while public funds have already been committed to development projects.
He is continuing his working tour of Ruvuma Region before proceeding to Mtwara, Lindi and Pwani regions.