Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi has expressed concern over the slow implementation of development projects worth Sh27 billion in Mtwara, Tanzania. During an inspection of the projects on November 13, 2026, he noted delays in completing some works despite the allocation and availability of government funds. The projects, being implemented by Serengeti Company under the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project, include a modern market for small-scale traders, a stormwater drainage channel, roads, and other infrastructure.
Ndejembi questioned the Sh4 billion advance payment made to the contractor, demanding to know whether the value of work completed corresponded with the amount paid. He also expressed concern about delays in constructing the stormwater drainage channel, which is intended to control flooding, despite the agreed completion period having elapsed. The Vice-President emphasized that the drainage project was not intended to beautify the town but to protect lives and property by reducing the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
The Vice-President also questioned the contractor's capacity to undertake the assigned works after the project consultant disclosed that the available equipment fell below the required standard. He challenged project supervisors to explain how the contractor had won the tender despite having equipment classified as Grade Seven, when the project required Grade One equipment. Ndejembi stressed that negligence in managing public projects would not be tolerated, warning that public funds should not be mishandled while citizens waited for the services the projects were intended to deliver.
Mtwara Regional Commissioner Colonel Donald Msengi had previously summoned project supervisors to his office to explain the delays. However, he was surprised by their technical explanations, which failed to provide clear answers about the actual progress of the projects. The regional administration had prioritized the construction of the drainage channel due to the approaching rainy season and the anticipated risk of El Niño-related rainfall.
Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said implementation challenges affecting TACTIC projects in Mtwara were similar to those identified in Lindi and Songea in Ruvuma Region. He had encountered the challenges after assuming office and decided to visit regions implementing the projects to establish the problems and devise strategies to accelerate progress.
Prof Shemdoe convened a meeting in Dar es Salaam on October 3, 2026, with leaders from all regions implementing TACTIC projects, issued directives, and established a special team known as the Minister's Advisory Team to monitor implementation. The overall implementation rate stood at 19 percent when the team began its work but had since increased to 27 percent following intensified supervision. However, progress remained unsatisfactory despite earlier instructions for those responsible to work day and night to accelerate implementation.
Ndejembi directed that the projects be completed within the contractual timelines without extensions, with implementation reports submitted to the Prime Minister for follow-up. He emphasized that the government expected tangible progress rather than endless meetings to discuss implementation challenges. The Vice-President's directives aim to ensure that the projects are completed on time and that public funds are utilized efficiently.
Key points
- The Vice-President's inspection and directives aim to accelerate the implementation of the Sh27 billion projects in Mtwara.
- The projects, being implemented by Serengeti Company under the TACTIC project, include a modern market, stormwater drainage channel, roads, and other infrastructure.
- The implementation challenges affecting TACTIC projects in Mtwara are similar to those identified in other regions, including Lindi and Songea.
