Chinese contractors on a road in Kenya. A Chinese firm is building a road to the Kenya-Tanzania border from the Tanzania side. AFRICA REVIEW
Tanzania expects to take delivery of a major road artery by July 14 next year, the country's minister for Works Dr John Magufuli has said.
The 105 kilometre Arusha-Namanga road is being constructed by Chinese firm Geo Engineering at a cost of TSh82 billion ($56 million). The money is a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The road works started at the end of 2008. Dr Magufuli was speaking during an inspection tour of the project and asked the constructors to speed up the pace of construction.
However the minister was on the warpath over the possibility of bad work.
Accompanied by senior officials of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), Dr Magufuli warned that he would not tolerate substandard
work and that badly done patches should be re-done.
He stated that the government would always honour contracts with firms involved in road construction but would not condone poor workmanship
or delays in completing the projects.
The minister further warned that he would not hesitate to take measures against companies which use old and dilapidated machinery in major road projects.
According to him, road construction contracts required the government to pay 15 per cent as advance payment to enable the contractor to buy new machinery before actual work commences.
Surprised
Dr Magufuli said he was surprised by the state of plant and equipment used by the Chinese firm, hinting that up to 90 per cent of the machinery was worn out or too old for the project.
The Arusha-Namanga road is important link between Tanzania and her neighbours and is envisioned enhancing regional integration through the movement of goods, people and services.
The minister said that the government is not obliged to pay compensation to people who built their houses within the road reserves.
Several houses were demolished to pave way for the recarpeting of the Arusha-Namanga road. They include some in the Namanga township where a modern 'One Stop Centre' is to be built at the Tanzania/Kenya border.
He ordered Tanroads regional managers across the country not only to ensure no structures are built on road reserves but also those flouting the rules are not compensated when the structures are pulled down.
Among those few to be compensated are owners of buildings within the Namanga township. Construction of the 'One stop Border' at the border
town is expected to start January next year.
By WALLACA MHANDO in Arusha (Africa review)
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