MWE Correspondent
The Tanzanian government has stepped up pressure to ensure the long-delayed Kitai–Ruanda road in Ruvuma Region is completed without further setbacks, sending a strong message on accountability and the proper use of public funds.
The renewed directive was issued on December 16, 2025, by Prime Minister Dkt. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, who instructed the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, to immediately summon the contractor responsible for the project and demand the immediate resumption of construction works. The Prime Minister emphasized that the contractor had already received the full advance payment for the project, leaving no justification for continued delays.
He issued the order while addressing mourners during the burial of former Peramiho Member of Parliament Jenista Mhagama, held in the Ruanda area of Mbinga District. Speaking firmly, the Prime Minister said government-funded projects must show tangible results on the ground, especially when public money has already been released. He directed that the contractor be compelled to work at the required pace and warned that serious action would be taken if it emerged that the funds had been diverted for other purposes.
Among the measures mentioned was the restriction of the contractor’s travel documents should misuse of funds be established. The Prime Minister said such steps are necessary to protect public resources and restore confidence in government projects, particularly those that directly affect people’s daily lives.
The Kitai–Ruanda road is regarded as a vital link for communities in Mbinga and surrounding areas, supporting the movement of goods, access to health and education services, and overall social and economic interaction. Residents have for years expressed frustration over delays, saying the poor state of the road has continued to hinder development and increase the cost of living.
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In a further sign of the government’s seriousness, the Prime Minister also directed the Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, to visit the project area and personally assess the progress of construction. The move is expected to bring closer supervision and faster decision-making, as part of broader efforts to improve the delivery of public projects.
Vice President Dkt. Emmanuel Nchimbi, who also attended the burial ceremony, praised the Prime Minister’s decisive leadership. He said the immediate and firm instructions reflected the kind of leadership citizens expect when problems are presented. According to him, addressing infrastructure challenges decisively strengthens public trust and reinforces the importance of strong oversight in national development efforts.
Road development remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s broader transport infrastructure agenda, particularly in rural and regional areas where reliable roads are essential for economic activity. Analysts say effective road networks also support agriculture, trade and access to social services, making them central to inclusive growth.
The government’s tough stance on the Kitai–Ruanda road also reflects a wider push to strengthen good governance by ensuring accountability and value for money in public spending. Such measures, experts note, are critical in sustaining public confidence and accelerating development outcomes.
As the situation continues to unfold, attention will be on how quickly construction resumes and whether the renewed pressure delivers results. For local residents, the hope is that the intervention from top leadership will finally turn years of promises into visible progress, reinforcing the role of infrastructure development in advancing economic and social transformation in Tanzania.
