The Tanzanian government is set to hold a high-level meeting to address the challenges delaying the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway's (SGR) Lot Three and ensure its completion by 2028. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, will bring together key stakeholders, including Ministers for Finance and Transport, and contractors. This move aims to closely monitor the project's progress and find solutions to obstacles affecting its construction.
During an inspection of construction works on the section at Tura in Tabora Region, Minister for Finance Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar stated that progress was becoming visible despite challenges encountered during implementation. He emphasized that the meeting was part of the government's efforts to address obstacles affecting construction. The section was initially scheduled for completion this year, but challenges facing the contractor have pushed the completion date to 2028.
Ambassador Omar stressed that contractors must comply with environmental protection requirements and provide services to communities surrounding project areas, as stipulated in their contracts. The government is working to ensure that contractors adhere to these requirements while accelerating construction. The SGR's Lot Three covers the 294-kilometre main line from Makutupora in Singida Region to Tabora, forming Phase 3 of the central corridor connecting Dar es Salaam to Mwanza.
Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa stated that the main contractor for the section has received an advance payment to ensure the project takes off. However, the contractor has encountered various challenges, prompting the government to intervene to ensure construction continues. The government has advised the main contractor to subcontract some of the works to other companies to strengthen implementation capacity.
Currently, five companies are involved in constructing the section. Prof Mbarawa said the government plans to establish a mechanism to ensure payments made to the main contractor reach subcontractors undertaking work on the project. This move aims to prevent delays in payments to subcontractors, which could hinder their ability to continue working on the project.
The government's intervention aims to ensure that the project is completed on schedule. The SGR is a critical infrastructure project that will boost Tanzania's transportation network and economy. The project has faced several challenges, including delays and funding issues, but the government is working to address these obstacles and ensure its completion.
The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister will discuss progress in the construction of the SGR and find solutions to the challenges affecting the project. Key issues to be addressed include ensuring that payments made to the main contractor reach subcontractors and accelerating construction to meet the 2028 deadline. The government's efforts to closely monitor the project and address obstacles will be crucial in ensuring the project's successful completion.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government will hold a high-level meeting to address challenges delaying the construction of the SGR's Lot Three.
- The meeting aims to find solutions to obstacles affecting the project and ensure its completion by 2028.
- The government plans to establish a mechanism to ensure payments made to the main contractor reach subcontractors undertaking work on the project.
