The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has asked the leaders in charge of development projects to stop flirting with contractors who fail to fulfill their obligations, expressing his annoyance with the delay in the construction of Manzese Market A and B, in Songea.
The project, whose contract started in 2025 for a period of 18 months and was expected to be completed in September 2026, has been delayed despite the contractor being paid 3 billion shillings as an initial payment.
Speaking to the people of Songea, during his visit to Ruvuma region, the Vice President has questioned the Director of the Songea Municipal Council, Lawyer Bashir Muhoja, wanting to know the reasons for the extension of the contractor’s implementation period until March 2027, when it has already been found that he is facing weak management and lack of work equipment.
“Let’s change! Let’s be accountable with public funds. What does a high-level meeting help you with?” has questioned Ndejembi, opposing the process of leaders continuing to hold meetings to flatter the contractor instead of taking steps that ensure the project is completed on time.
The Vice President has asked the Minister responsible for TAMISEMI to take action against negligence in the management of the project, stressing that leaders must be responsible for the guarantees given to them.
In addition, he has instructed the PCC to investigate the company assigned to the project, including the use of pre-payment funds, to determine the reasons for the contractor’s failure to fulfill its obligations despite receiving taxpayers’ funds.
The Vice President has emphasized that the Government cannot tolerate negligence that causes citizens to continue to suffer, while a lot of public money has been spent without projects being completed on time.
The Vice President’s statement carries a strong message for the leaders and government officials: The people’s money is not to be pampered by contractors; everyone responsible for managing development projects must be responsible.
The Vice President is continuing his working visit to Ruvuma Region, expected to go to Mtwara, Lindi and Pwani regions.
Issued by
Office of the Vice President
10 November 2026
Move – Rumuma.
