THE National Assembly has issued five directives to the Ministry of Works, including safeguarding areas designated for strategic projects from encroachment to prevent the government from incurring high costs for removing squatters.

Selemani Kakoso, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, issued the directives yesterday during a tour to inspect the progress of strategic projects at Msalato Airport and the 112.3-kilometer ring road.

Kakoso stated that the committee is satisfied with the progress of the projects and has instructed the ministry to protect the reserved areas to prevent unauthorized occupation.

“Ensure that areas designated for strategic developments are not encroached upon. According to our laws, if someone resides in an area for 12 years, they are considered to be there legally. Protect these areas to prevent unauthorized settlement and avoid unnecessary government compensation costs,” Kakoso said.

He also directed that the project areas be connected to transportation infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), to facilitate the movement of passengers and goods.

“Additionally, the areas must include cold storage facilities to preserve and transport various products globally, such as vegetables and fruits from neighboring regions like Iringa and Njombe, where avocados are grown,” he added.

Kakoso further emphasized the need for close monitoring of the contractor to ensure that the airport project is completed on time, as stipulated in the contract, with the handover scheduled for July this year.

“The contractor must be supervised to complete the project on time. Delays would increase project costs, placing a greater financial burden on the government,” he warned.

Works Deputy Minister Godfrey Kasekenya assured that the ministry, along with the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), which is overseeing the projects, will implement all directives issued by the committee.

“Chairman, I assure you that we, as the ministry, along with TANROADS, will ensure all instructions are followed. This airport will be completed on time and will be of higher quality than any other airport in the country,” he said.

He further stated that the airport is expected to be completed by the end of July and will begin operations in August this year. Currently, over 84 percent of the runway and more than 51 percent of the buildings have been completed.