editor
The condtruction Minister, Innocent Bashungwa, has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and management of the ongoing construction of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, which spans 112.3 kilometers.
The inspection focused on the section from Ihumwa Dry Port to Matumbulu and Nala, covering 60 kilometers of tarmac road. Bashungwa has directed the contractor, AVIC, to submit a comprehensive work plan that will ensure the completion of the project by March 2025.
During his visit on October 2, 2024, in Dodoma, Bashungwa emphasized the importance of accelerating the construction process, urging the contractor to increase manpower, deploy additional machinery, and work day and night to meet the project’s timeline as outlined in the contract.
“The Deputy Permanent Secretary must sit down with the contractor, AVIC, to review their work plan and ensure that the road is completed by March next year, as stipulated in the contract,” Bashungwa stated.
Furthermore, the minister instructed China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC), responsible for constructing the first section of the ring road from Nala to Veyula, Mtumba, and Ihumwa Dry Port (52.3 kilometers), to finalize their portion by December 2024. He made it clear that no extension would be granted for the project.
Bashungwa also tasked Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Charles Msonde from the Ministry of Works to closely monitor the progress of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road construction, conduct regular inspections, and ensure that any inefficient contractors are held accountable. Contractors who fail to meet their obligations will not be considered for future government projects.
Additionally, Bashungwa outlined the government’s strategic initiatives to alleviate congestion and improve transportation in Dodoma by expanding key roads entering the city. These include the roads from Dodoma City to the Chamwino State House, Dodoma City to Msalato, and Dodoma City to Mkonze (the Standard Gauge Railway Station), all of which will be upgraded to four lanes.
Read more; Government Ramps Up Efforts To Counter Marburg Virus Spread
Earlier, during the briefing, Herman Laswai, the project manager from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), indicated that the agency had already instructed AVIC to address the equipment shortages. A warning letter had also been issued to the contractor regarding delays, stressing that no further extensions would be granted.
The government remains committed to ensuring that the Dodoma Outer Ring Road project is completed on time, improving connectivity and transport services in the nation’s capital.
