Joseph Isangura
The Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, has strongly criticized delays in the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase IV project, blaming the Chinese contractor for failing to meet deadlines despite receiving a substantial payment of Sh36 billion.
During his site inspection on February 5, 2025, Ulega expressed frustration over the slow progress of construction, particularly the lack of concrete filling despite excavation being completed. The project, which aims to improve Dar es Salaam’s transportation network, covers 15.6 kilometers from Mwenge to Tegeta and 13.6 kilometers from Mwenge to Ubungo.
“You’ve dug up the entire road, but you’re not working on it. Why do you only have one concrete production machine when there’s just a month left on your contract?” he questioned sharply.
His concerns grew even stronger as he warned the contractor about the upcoming rainy season, which could wash away incomplete work and cause further disruptions.
“Why is there no concrete yet? Are you aware the coming rainy season will wash everything away?” he added.
Beyond the missed deadlines, Ulega also criticized the contractor’s overall approach, questioning their commitment to completing the project efficiently.
“You have our money, but you’re not working properly. Why are you relaxing? You’re behind schedule and still not working efficiently,” he said.
The delays have not only slowed down infrastructure development but have also worsened Dar es Salaam’s traffic congestion, making daily commutes even more challenging for residents. The minister warned that such inefficiencies could affect future collaborations, reminding the contractor that Tanzania values strong bilateral relations with China but will not tolerate poor performance.
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The Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, has strongly criticized delays in the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase IV project, blaming the Chinese contractor for failing to meet deadlines despite receiving a substantial payment of Sh36 billion.
During his site inspection on February 5, 2025, Ulega expressed frustration over the slow progress of construction, particularly the lack of concrete filling despite excavation being completed. The project, which aims to improve Dar es Salaam’s transportation network, covers 15.6 kilometers from Mwenge to Tegeta and 13.6 kilometers from Mwenge to Ubungo.
“You’ve dug up the entire road, but you’re not working on it. Why do you only have one concrete production machine when there’s just a month left on your contract?” he questioned sharply.
His concerns grew even stronger as he warned the contractor about the upcoming rainy season, which could wash away incomplete work and cause further disruptions.
“Why is there no concrete yet? Are you aware the coming rainy season will wash everything away?” he added.
Beyond the missed deadlines, Ulega also criticized the contractor’s overall approach, questioning their commitment to completing the project efficiently.
“You have our money, but you’re not working properly. Why are you relaxing? You’re behind schedule and still not working efficiently,” he said.
The delays have not only slowed down infrastructure development but have also worsened Dar es Salaam’s traffic congestion, making daily commutes even more challenging for residents. The minister warned that such inefficiencies could affect future collaborations, reminding the contractor that Tanzania values strong bilateral relations with China but will not tolerate poor performance.
He also directed his criticism toward the project consultants, accusing them of failing to hold the contractor accountable. According to him, there was little to no oversight from the consultants, and he had not received any reports from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) regarding their efforts to ensure progress.
This is not the first time the government has raised concerns about the slow pace of BRT projects. In December 2024, Ulega had already cautioned contractors against unnecessary delays, emphasizing that those who failed to meet deadlines or deliver quality work would be excluded from future projects.
The BRT Phase IV project is a crucial part of efforts to modernize Dar es Salaam’s public transport system and reduce chronic traffic congestion. However, the ongoing setbacks have left many questioning whether the project will be completed on time.
With only a short time left on the contract, all eyes are now on the contractor to see whether they will respond to the government’s concerns and accelerate their work before further consequences arise.
He also directed his criticism toward the project consultants, accusing them of failing to hold the contractor accountable. According to him, there was little to no oversight from the consultants, and he had not received any reports from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) regarding their efforts to ensure progress.
This is not the first time the government has raised concerns about the slow pace of BRT projects. In December 2024, Ulega had already cautioned contractors against unnecessary delays, emphasizing that those who failed to meet deadlines or deliver quality work would be excluded from future projects.
The BRT Phase IV project is a crucial part of efforts to modernize Dar es Salaam’s public transport system and reduce chronic traffic congestion. However, the ongoing setbacks have left many questioning whether the project will be completed on time.
