THE government is making efforts to contact heads of Chinese companies contracted to execute the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.

Abdallah Ulega, the Works minister, made this affirmation in Dar es Salaam yesterday after inspecting ongoing projects in various parts of the city, expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress and acknowledging specific challenges occasioning delays.

The minister expects to see the corporate executives in the country before the end of March to review their work, given the slow pace of construction despite the government providing the necessary funds.

A major issue highlighted was delayed transfer of funds from Chinese bank accounts as hindering the timely completion of projects, with experts saying the funds were deposited directly to supervisory authorities of the firms in the country of origin rather than in accounts domiciled in Dar es Salaam.

The minister said the delays contravene the terms set out in the contracts, affirming that all projects are behind schedule, with negligence on the part of contractors. The government is demanding contractors at the sites to ask their heads of company to come to Dar es Salaam for direct consultations on the projects.

“We are aware that there are issues that aren’t right,” the minister underlined, stressing that while China is a long-time ally, actions of these companies raise public disaffection, as it is the companies who owe the government and not the other way around.

“Traffic jams in Dar es Salaam are a huge challenge. Before the end of this month, we want them here,” he stressed, demanding that the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) outline other steps should the contractors fail to meet the set deadlines.

The minister is also seeking out his Foreign Affairs counterpart to coordinate holding such consultations with the company heads especially by having them come to Dar es Salaam, he stated, pointing out that one of the projects, expected to be more than 60-percent complete, is currently at 23 percent of anticipated works.

The contractors need to work day and night while Tanroads, the consultants and contractors move to improve traffic management on all roads under construction, including Sam Nujoma, Mwenge–Tegeta, Gongolamboto and Post Office, to reduce congestion, he directed.

In some areas, heavy traffic is being caused because contractors have blocked all routes without leaving space for vehicles to pass, he said, highlighting conversations with site employees, where he received extensive complaints.

“I’ve instructed my Tanroads team and labour officers to review the contracts to ensure improvements are made and that the workers receive proper compensation as per contractual terms,” he added.