DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has warned public officials against delays in implementing state-funded development projects, describing the failure to utilise disbursed funds on time as an “unacceptable” denial of services to citizens in an economy positioning itself as a regional infrastructure hub.
Speaking at a public rally in Ndungu area of Same District in Kilimanjaro Region during a four-day tour, Nchemba said that while President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has mobilised significant financial resources for national development, public servants bear responsibility for ensuring the funds are used efficiently and with integrity.
“It is unacceptable for public servants to receive project funds and fail to use them on time. This delays service delivery and development for the people,” he said.
Tanzania’s 2024/25 national budget stands at about 44.4 trillion shillings (roughly $17 billion), with development spending accounting for close to one-third of total expenditure, according to official figures.
The government has prioritised transport, energy and water infrastructure as part of its ambition to transform the country into a middle-income, industrialised economy.
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In a move aimed at reinforcing governance standards, Nchemba directed the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) to investigate officials from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) following allegations that some may have used private companies to execute public contracts, potentially weakening oversight and quality control.
Tanzania has in recent years strengthened procurement monitoring and anti-corruption mechanisms through institutions such as the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), amid broader efforts to improve transparency in public finance management.
The prime minister also instructed village governments to enhance land-use planning, warning that population growth in a country of more than 65 million people is increasing pressure on finite land resources. He said orderly land allocation and adherence to approved plans are essential to preventing future land conflicts and supporting sustainable settlement and investment.
“Everyone must observe proper land use. Those who act with arrogance and ignore agreed plans will be dealt with because they weaken unity and mutual respect in society,” he said.
He stressed the importance of protecting national unity and social cohesion, instructing regional leaders to take action against officials whose conduct undermines public trust.
Nchemba added that the upcoming national budget will increase infrastructure funding by 5 per cent to improve the business environment. He said traders, motorbike taxi operators and small-scale vendors must be treated with dignity during enforcement operations.
During the visit, he inspected the 36-kilometre Ndungu–Mkomazi road, currently being upgraded to tarmac standard to improve transport connectivity and stimulate economic activity near the Kenyan border and the Mkomazi National Park corridor.