Demolition of Tanesco building kicks off in Dar

MAUREEN ODUNGA

THE Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) in collaboration with the Tanzania Building Agency (TBA), has embarked on the demolition of the company’s building in a more professional manner so that the exercise can go smoothly.

According to TANESCO Acting Communications Manager, Ms Leila Muhaji, the demolition will involve Wing B which later will be followed by Wing A.

“The exercise began on Monday, and already our staff have started moving things to our other branches by using trucks that have been prepared by the offices... up to now most of the things in Wing B have been moved,” said Ms Muhaji.

She pointed out that the decision to consult TBA was made by the management so that the work can be done professionally to ensure that no harm is done in the process.

“Our technicians started demolishing the wall on Monday, and right through the process TBA was here to offer consultation and other technical support,” she observed. She further noted that TANESCO is in support of President Magufuli’s order to move the building, which is the reason why the implementation has begun with immediate effect.

Elaborating on whether they needed more time to be able to move the office equipment among other things, Ms Muhaji said the directive was made and all they were doing is to act accordingly, taking into consideration that the move is paving way for development purposes.

Ms Muhaji trashed all reports that the state utility firm will cease its operations during the time when demolition is taking place. She cautioned the general public against false information that was being spread through various social media platforms, stressing that all official announcements will be delivered by the Managing Director or the communications unit of TANESCO.

Early this month, President Magufuli directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to tear down the Tanesco and water ministry’s buildings in Dar es Salaam ahead of the ambitious Ubungo interchange construction project scheduled to start next month.

The pulling down of the imposing structure at Ubungo along Morogoro road will pave way for construction works on the expansion of Morogoro highway. The president made the directive when he visited the construction site for the project upon his arrival from his home village of Chato in Geita region.

As he inspected development of the project, the president told TANROADS Dar es Salaam Zonal Manager Ndyamukama Julius to demolish part of the building that has encroached into the road reserve to pave way for the interchange construction works.

“The law must be respected to speed up construction works of the interchange... the law is a double-edged sword, which even the government itself should adhere to,” he maintained.

A Dar es Salaam resident, Santos Ponsian, backed the ongoing exercise, saying it is implemented in accordance to the law, noting that the goal is for development purpose and should not be hampered.