WORKS minister Abdallah Ulega at the weekend conducted a surprise inspection of the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure projects in Dar es Salaam, issuing instructions for speeding up the work.

He told the contractors that the projects must be completed before the onset of the heavy rains in two months or thereabouts, to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

He reiterated instructions that work be conducted day and night to ensure that the projects are completed on time, underlining that the rainy season brings its own challenges, “and we do not want to see the public suffering.”

He said it is vital to speed up the project as part of implementing directives by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the polls manifesto for 2020-2025, targeting easing urban traffic congestion.

He inspected expansion work on BRT Route 1 from Ubungo to Kimara, and the Mwenge to Tegeta road which is part of BRT Route 4.

Expressing satisfaction with the speed of work being carried out by the contractors after starting to implement the 24 hour work directive.

He praised efforts by the Tanroads management for doing a good job, demanding that contractors work around the clock without wasting time. Tanzanians are eager to see these projects completed, and the government wants it done, he said.

Mohamed Besta, the Tanroads CEO, assured the minister of close monitoring of the contractors to ensure the projects are completed on time.

The roads agency will see to it that work is done day and night, pursued at full speed to achieve the goal of reducing traffic congestion in the city, he stated.

Allen Natai, the BRT project manager, also reported that the construction of the bus rapid transit infrastructure is progressing well.

The minister visit was part of wider government efforts to ensure major development projects are completed on time and meet the required standards.

This wish has provided a new momentum for implementing bus rapid transit infrastructure projects in the city, observers noted.