NJOMBE: The Njombe Regional Commissioner, Anthony Mtaka, has called on public and private institutions to support local contractors, emphasizing that doing so strengthens the national economy and boosts youth employment.
Speaking during a visit to a University of Dodoma (UDOM) project in Njombe, Mr Mtaka said Tanzanians should stop prioritizing foreign firms over capable local contractors.
“We must begin to praise our own whenever we perform well, instead of elevating foreigners while suppressing Tanzanian companies,” he said.
The remarks came after he learned that Dimetoclasa Real Hope Ltd, a Tanzanian-owned company, is constructing six buildings at the UDOM Njombe campus.
Mr Mtaka highlighted that ongoing Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) projects in universities are being executed efficiently by local contractors.
He warned against judging all local contractors by the mistakes of a few.
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“If one fish goes bad, the rest are still eaten. One contractor’s failure is individual, not collective,” he said.
He also noted that the construction sector circulates substantial funds, and prioritizing local firms ensures money remains in Tanzania, increases citizens’ incomes, and boosts government revenue through taxes.
“When local contractors get work, our youth and project staff benefit. When foreigners bring their own workers, local opportunities are lost. Supporting locals grows both individual and national economies,” he emphasized.
RC pointed out that many local contractors started as casual laborers or subcontractors but now have the capacity to manage major projects if given trust and opportunities.
He acknowledged that both local and foreign contractors sometimes make mistakes, but action is taken regardless of nationality.
Furthermore, he urged financial institutions to continue supporting local contractors with loans, guarantees, mentorship, and training to strengthen their capacity.
Referring to strategic projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), he said local experience should empower Tanzanians to fully participate in future large-scale projects.
“We should not depend on foreigners for everything, we have the capability,” he said.
Mr Mtaka said national confidence and recognition of local professionals’ abilities are crucial for a strong and sustainable economy. “Let us be proud to be locals and believe in our ability.”
UDOM Vice Chancellor, Prof Lughano Kusiluka, confirmed that the contractor is performing well and pledged to complete the work on time.
He noted that the HEET project, supported by the World Bank with a 20bn/- benefits from strong local backing, including 110 acres allocated for campus expansion.
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Prof Kusiluka emphasized that improved facilities will help produce skilled graduates capable of driving economic and social transformation.
Dimetoclasa Real Hope Ltd Managing Director, Mr Dickson Mwipopo, affirmed that all six buildings will be completed on schedule, demonstrating the capability of local contractors.
“As local contractors, we have the skills, but some institutions trust foreigners more. We are asking institutions to have confidence in local talent when they deliver high-quality work,” he said.