Special Seats MP Halima Mdee. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzania MPs Frustrated Over Unfulfilled Road Construction Promises
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a fervent display of discontent, MPs unleashed a torrent of grievances in Parliament on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, over a series of unfulfilled road construction promises.
Tempers flared as lawmakers demanded accountability and transparency from the Ministry of Works, accusing it of failing to deliver on critical infrastructure projects that were expected to transform the nation’s road network.
The session reached a dramatic peak when one MP presented audio evidence implicating high-ranking officials, amplifying the urgency for answers and action.
One MP presented audio evidence of a speech by Speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson and then-Minister of Works and Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, confirming plans for tarmacking a road in Mbulu, Manyara region.
During the budget debate for the Ministry of Works, presented by Minister Innocent Bashungwa, Special Seats MP Halima Mdee questioned the lack of progress on the seven road projects totaling 2,035 kilometers, which were promised to be completed within a year using the EPC+F method.
“We expected you to come and apologize, admitting that you were unprepared and misled the Parliament. Instead, you write a single sentence hoping we’ve forgotten, and life goes on,” Mdee demanded accountability.
The EPC+F project was initially presented to Parliament by Professor Mbarawa during the 2023/24 financial year budget speech. Mbarawa had assured that the seven road projects would stimulate economic opportunities across the nation.
However, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee, Selemani Kakoso, reported that as of their last review, no funds had been released for the project and advised the government to reassess the efficacy of the EPC+F approach.
Minister Bashungwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “The government is negotiating with financiers to secure funds for the seven road projects.
I assure MPs that the government remains dedicated to these EPC+F projects.” Halima Mdee highlighted numerous issues identified by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), including significant deficiencies in project planning and contract management by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads). “Tanroads incurred a cost of Sh130.5 billion on six projects due to major flaws in feasibility studies, design, and contract management,” she noted.
Mdee further challenged the Ministry’s financial management, pointing out a debt burden of Sh913 billion with no clear source of repayment in the current budget. Korogwe Rural MP, Timotheo Mzava, brought budget books from 2019 to 2024, showcasing the consistent allocation of funds for the construction of the Soni-Bumbuli to Dindila road, a project yet to commence.
Mzava referenced CCM election manifestos from 2010, 2015, and 2020, all promising this road’s construction, expressing skepticism towards the latest budget.
Mbulu Rural MP, Flatei Massay, provided additional evidence of unfulfilled promises, playing an audio clip of Dr. Tulia Ackson and Professor Mbarawa’s pledge to tarmac the Mbulu to Haydom road, a commitment still unmet.
Reactions to Halima Mdee’s contributions on social media have been mixed. Some users praised her for her steadfastness in holding the Ministry accountable, while others questioned her audacity to criticize the government, considering her controversial entry into Parliament.
Mdee, along with 18 other Special Seats MPs, was installed against the laws after being rejected by the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) during the 2020 General Elections.
Social media reactions to Mdee’s bold stance were mixed, reflecting her polarizing role in Parliament. Critics like Kitigo Kahimba, Rukuna Ntimba, and Ishaya Alyoce accused her of hypocrisy, questioned her legitimacy, and emphasized the perceived betrayal of democratic principles.
Despite the backlash, Mdee’s remarks continue to spark significant debate on the accountability of government projects.
These fervent debates in Parliament underscore the urgent need for transparency in government infrastructure projects. MPs’ persistent questioning reflects the broader public’s demand for tangible progress and honest communication regarding national development initiatives.
Tanzania boasts one of Africa’s lengthiest road networks, stretching 86,472 km across the expansive 947,300 square kilometers of East Africa’s largest country. However, it falls short of being among the top-performing nations in the continent.
The road network, comprising 12,786 km of trunk roads, 21,105 km of regional roads, and 52,581 km of district, urban, and feeder roads, fails to position Tanzania among the top ten nations known for having superior road systems in Africa.
Leading the pack are South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Botswana, Libya, Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Egypt, as highlighted by the International Monetary Fund.
This underlines the significance of well-constructed roads as a symbol of a nation’s dedication to progress, providing smoother travel experiences for both citizens and visitors.
The World Bank describes roads as the arteries through which an economy pulses, connecting producers with markets, facilitating workers’ commutes, enabling students to reach schools, and transporting the sick to hospitals.
In the global pursuit of growth, roads stand out as critical infrastructure. Many African nations are investing substantially in their road networks, recognizing the pivotal role of well-developed roads in fostering economic growth, job creation, and interconnected communities. Beyond mere physical connectivity, high-quality roads symbolize a nation’s steadfast commitment to advancement.
The Tanzanian government faces mounting criticism and it remains to be seen whether they will fulfill their promises or continue to face growing scrutiny from both Parliament and the public. The call for action is clear: transparency, accountability, and progress in infrastructure development are paramount for the nation’s growth and prosperity.
