TBS wants construction of headquarters expedited

 Katare Mbashiru and Nelly Mtema

DODOMA: TANZANIA Bureau of Standards (TBS) Board of Directors has instructed contractors that are building the bureau’s headquarters in Dodoma to make sure they

complete the job on time.

Speaking during the inspection tour of the ongoing construction work of the headquarters to be known as Viwango House, The TBS Board Chairman, Prof Othman Chande Othman said they were not satisfied with the work progress which has reached 53 per cent while it was supposed to be completed by the end of this month.

“We have not been satisfied with the construction pace and we have instructed the engineer, Nandhra Engineering and Construction Company to increase human resources and materials,” said Prof Othmani He added that the construction started in 2021 and according to the contract the contractor is behind schedule.

“We have instructed the contractor for the building to be completed as we want to relocate the headquarters to Dodoma as per the government directives, there are some areas that are in good shape, but the finishing work is progressing well,” said Prof Othman.

“With the remaining time and the contract signed and the job done, he must increase resources, especially human and building materials”. On his part, the project Consultant, Dr Johnson Malisa from DIT Institute Consultancy Bureau said the contractor has been facing several challenges in completing the job.

“The remaining days cannot make it to complete the two-year project which has reached 53 per cent of construction and the remaining task is the finishing stage,” he said.

He said the contractor has run short of financial resources to purchase the finishing materials thus they have requested to board to accord the company an 80-day contract extension. Dr Malisa explained to the board that they have conducted several site meetings to see how best to support the contractor to have the work done within the extended time.

However, he said, the support has taken into account the Attorney General’s recommendation and procurement rules and regulations to ensure value for money.

Speaking after the visit, TBS Director General, Dr Athuman Ngenya said they have paid the contractor 8bn/- and the money is disbursed after submission of the relevant documents.