DAR ES SALAAM: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has advanced its on-going modernisation efforts after signing 12 contracts valued at 8bn/- for the installation of furniture and ICT infrastructure across its campuses, under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.
HEET Project Deputy Coordinator, Professor Liberato Haule, said the agreements mark a major step towards strengthening learning and research facilities nationwide. He noted that although the total value of contracts initially prepared for signing stood at 10.3bn/-, the agreements formally concluded yesterday amounted to 8.6bn/-. “However, due to reasons beyond our control, two companies were unable to attend this event; contracts will be sent to them for signing,” Prof Haule explained.
According to him, four of the contracts are for the installation of furniture in 21 newly constructed buildings located in Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Kagera and Zanzibar. The contracts, valued at 4.7bn/-, will be implemented by Jaffery Ind. Saini Limited.
Prof Haule further noted that 5.5bn/- has been set aside for installing ICT infrastructure across the colleges. The work will be undertaken by a consortium of companies, including Dolphin Professional Services Limited, Aplite Consulting Company Ltd, Derm Group Company, Trinity Manufacturing Services Ltd, PLV Digital Investment Limited, Wisjane Smart Systems Company Limited and Engineering Communication Company Ltd.
UDSM Council Chairperson, Ambassador Mwanaidi Maajar, underscored the importance of the project in advancing the university’s development.
“I am hopeful that within 120 days from today, the UDSM community will have access to and be using the internet across all areas of the Mlimani campus,” she said.
She noted that connecting all UDSM campuses is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Amb Maajar stressed that the University Council continues to closely monitor implementation of the project, which is expected to deliver significant gains in academics, research and public service.
“Through its various bodies, the Council has ensured that the project is implemented professionally and with integrity. We emphasise that everyone involved in this project must fulfill their responsibilities efficiently,” she added.
On his part, UDSM ViceChancellor, Prof William Anangisye, said implementation of the HEET Project has progressed well and reached a critical stage.
“Overall, the project has reached 81 per cent of implementation. The excellent progress in construction is what has enabled the installation of furniture to begin in these new buildings,” he said.
He further noted that the signed contracts demonstrate UDSM’s commitment to strengthening ICT systems to support modern teaching and learning.
Prof Anangisye stated that the HEET Project aligns with national and institutional strategic development agendas, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, UDSM Vision 2061, the University’s Strategic Plan 2020/21–2024/25, and the UDSM Smart Campus Roadmap (2022–2032).
He noted, however, that the HEET Project addresses only 60 per cent of the requirements of the Smart Campus initiative.
Prof Anangisye added that all companies signing the contracts had participated in tenders advertised in accordance with government procurement laws and World Bank guidelines and tender evaluations recommended them as the winning bidders.
Jaffery Ind. Saini Ltd Director, Mr Vishal Saini, and Aplite Consulting Managing Director, Ms Catherine Mbuya both assured UDSM of timely and high-quality delivery of the work.
They also pledged close cooperation to ensure successful execution of the project.