The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has urged officials overseeing development projects to stop coddling contractors who fail to fulfill their obligations. He expressed his frustration regarding delays in the construction of the Manzese A and B markets in the town of Songea.
The project, which commenced in 2025 with an 18-month timeline and was expected to be completed by September 2026, has faced delays—despite the contractor having already received an initial payment of 3 billion shillings.
Addressing the residents of Songea during his visit to the Ruvuma Region, the Vice President pressed the Director of the Songea Municipal Council, Bashir Muhoja, for answers. He questioned why the contractor was granted an extension until March 2027, given that it has already been established that the contractor suffers from poor management and a shortage of work equipment.
“We need to change! We must be accountable for public funds. What good are these ‘high-level meetings’ doing for you?” Ndejembi asked, criticizing the practice of officials holding repeated meetings to coax or coddle a contractor, rather than taking decisive action to ensure the project is completed on time.
