Works minister removes Tanroads Songwe boss over stalled Sh6.8 billion road project

Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa has removed the acting Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) regional manager for Songwe, Mr Fredrick Mande, over delays in the construction of the Forodha–One Stop Border Post (OSBP)–Tunduma road. Mr Mande has been ordered to return to the agency’s headquarters following the minister’s dissatisfaction with the management and pace of the project, despite the government having released a substantial portion of the contract sum. The 1,675-metre road, located at the Tanzania-Zambia border, is intended to improve access to the border facilities and ease the movement of people and goods. Mr Kadogosa’s decision followed an inspection of the project on the night of October 15, 2026. He was acting on directives from Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who had expressed concern over the slow pace of construction. The minister has given the contractor two weeks to complete the outstanding works and said he would return to the site within seven days to assess progress and ensure his directives were being implemented. He also directed all Tanroads regional managers across the country to ensure road projects are managed transparently and with accountability. “I want to emphasise the importance of having three parties with distinct responsibilities in project implementation: the project supervisor, the contractor and the government representative overseeing the works. Each must fulfil their responsibilities effectively,” Mr Kadogosa said. The measures are intended to strengthen project supervision, ensure public funds are used efficiently and enable citizens to receive the intended services on time. Sh4.4 billion paid Earlier, Vice-President Ndejembi said information available to him showed that the contractor had received Sh4.4 billion out of the Sh6.8 billion contract sum, representing more than 60 percent of the total value. However, the level of construction progress did not correspond with the amount paid, raising questions about project supervision and accountability. Mr Ndejembi stressed that the government allocates funds to infrastructure projects to improve people's lives, making it the responsibility of public officials and contractors to ensure the works are completed on time and deliver the intended benefits.