SINGIDA: RURAL Energy Board (REB) Chairman, Ambassador Major General (Retired) Jacob Kingu, has urged local companies implementing rural electrification projects to carry out their work efficiently and professionally in order to build the capacity to compete in international markets and secure projects beyond Tanzania.
Speaking during a meeting with contractors implementing rural electrification projects in Singida Region, Ambassador Kingu said the government has given local firms a significant opportunity to participate in projects under the Rural Energy Agency (REA), alongside a number of foreign companies. He said local contractors should use the opportunity to establish a strong track record of quality performance.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that people living in rural hamlets gain access to electricity on schedule, and therefore all contractors must complete their assigned projects within the agreed timelines and according to the required standards.
Ambassador Kingu stressed that the government will not tolerate any contractor who fails to fulfil contractual obligations efficiently, urging all contractors to adhere to their agreements and ensure projects are completed on time.
He also called on REA project supervisors to work closely with local authorities and other relevant institutions in project implementation areas to facilitate smooth execution and safeguard electricity infrastructure.
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In addition, he directed project supervisors to regularly submit progress reports to District Security and Defence Committees at every stage of implementation to ensure that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly and do not delay project completion.
Meanwhile, contractors implementing the projects in Singida pledged to comply with the government’s directives and ensure all projects are completed within the agreed timeframe.
Baraka Mhagama, Project Engineer at China Railway Group Engineering Ltd, said the company is currently implementing the HEP IIB rural electrification project across all five districts of Singida Region and is committed to completing the work to the required standards.
Shaibu Kizee, Project Engineer at local contractor Transpower Ltd, said the company has received the government’s directives and will continue executing the projects with professionalism and efficiency. He added that strong performance will enable Tanzanian companies to build a solid reputation, compete internationally, and secure infrastructure projects in other countries.