High costs of materials delay Sh20bn Dar housing project
President John Magufuli listens to Tanzania Building Agency chief executive officer Elius Mwakalinga (left) after the Head of State laid the foundation stone of the Magomeni housing project in Da res Salaam. With them are Works, Transport and Communications minister Makame Mbarawa (right), Lands, Housing and Human Settlements minister William Lukuvi and other officials. PHOTO | FILE
Dar es Salaam. The completion of the Magomeni housing project has been delayed due to high costs of construction materials and the shortage of equipment, the Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) says.
The Sh20-billion project was scheduled for completion in September, but now is expected to end in March 2018, TBA’s projects coordinator, Mr Anthony Ndendya, said. To tackle the challenges, Mr Ndendya said a supplier of low-cost materials had been identified and that TBA bought its own equipment to speed up the work.
The construction of the 644 housing units in the high density area was launched by President John Magufuli in April 2016.
President Magufuli directed TBA to ensure the project was completed as scheduled, but yesterday it came to light that it was to be completed.
However, Works, Transport and Communications deputy minister Elias Kwandikwa, during his tour of the project site, said he was impressed by the progress despite the delay.
He said it was encouraging to hear of plans to ensure more local participation in the project that will accommodate 644 families. Some 600 sub-contractors are working on the project.
TBA chief executive officer Elius Mwakalinga said: “The agency will ensure the project is accomplished by March 2018. “
