Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, yesterday wrapped off her tour to the Mwanza Region by checking on the progress of critical projects, including the building of the JPM bridge, also known as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge.
She denounced the practice of certain dishonest Tanzanians who steal building supplies from significant development projects being carried out in the nation.
Along with the JPM bridge project, the President also went to and inspected the building sites of the new MV Mwanza, also known as Hapa Kazi Tu, and a contemporary hotel, both of which are being built in the Capri-Point neighborhood of the City of Mwanza by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
She expressed her happiness with the phases of the project's construction on many occasions after obtaining information on their implementation.
However, she also challenged Tanzanians who were given opportunities for skilled and manual labor in the development projects to act with professionalism, honesty, and patriotism for the good of the country.
“Those who steal cement and other building materials should stop immediately because these projects belong to all of us; their completion is beneficial to all of us,” the president warned.
She also encouraged the Tanzanian professionals working on the projects to take advantage of the chance to study with and pick up new skills from their international counterparts so they might aid their country in carrying out initiatives of a similar nature in the future.
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the JPM Bridge are two large construction projects that have been the target of thefts of cement, oil, and other building supplies, according to sources. President Samia has issued a warning to anyone who commits such thefts.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), Mr. Mohamed Besta, stated in a report on the status of the construction of the JPM bridge that the project's implementation had already reached 75% despite obstacles like the Covid-19 outbreak, the rise in Lake Victoria's water levels, and the different geological conditions that caused a 14% delay.
The JPM bridge, which would cost more than Sh716 billion to build, will be 3.2 kilometers long and is scheduled to be finished in February 2024.