MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister of Construction has directed security agencies to detain and question contractors responsible for prolonged delays in a major road project, accusing them of failing to honour their obligations despite the Government making timely payments.
The directive follows growing frustration over the slow pace of work on the second phase of the Ntyuka–Mvumi Hospital–Kikombo Road, a 53-kilometre stretch meant to improve connectivity in the Dodoma region.
Speaking during an inspection visit, the Minister said the Government has made partial payments as required under the contract, yet progress on the ground remains far below expectations. According to project assessments, the contractors have so far completed only two percent of the work, even after receiving an advance payment meant to support mobilisation and early construction activities.
He explained that repeated attempts to summon senior officials of the foreign construction firm to Tanzania for clarification have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about the company’s commitment to fulfilling the agreement. The Minister warned that the Government is prepared to take legal action, saying failure to meet contractual obligations constitutes a breach of the law.
“From today onward, we will not entertain contractors who show negligence or disregard for agreed timelines,” he said. “We will enforce strict contractual measures. We value contractors who respect their commitments, but those who receive our funds and fail to deliver will face consequences. The work must continue without further delay.”
The Minister said the contractor should have reached at least 13 percent completion at this stage and attributed the underperformance to poor management and lack of accountability. He directed the Police and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau to ensure that those responsible are detained and questioned regarding the delays and potential misuse of government funds.
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He also announced that the ministry will review all other projects being implemented by the same contractor. If similar delays or breaches are found, further action will be taken to protect public resources and ensure timely delivery of national infrastructure projects. The Deputy Secretary-General has been instructed to supervise the matter closely and report on compliance with the contract.
Infrastructure development remains a major pillar of Tanzania’s national agenda, with the Government allocating significant resources to road upgrades, rural access routes and strategic highways. Experts note that enforcing accountability among contractors is essential to preventing cost overruns, protecting taxpayers and ensuring that projects meet international construction standards.
The situation has also revived discussions around improving oversight in public works, including stricter evaluations of contractor capacity, clearer monitoring systems and stronger enforcement of performance agreements. Officials say delays not only disrupt government planning but also affect communities that depend on road connectivity for trade, transportation and access to essential services.
