WOMEN local contractors have been advised to participate tendering road construction projects particularly those projects which are funded by the Tanzanian government.

Minister for Transport Innocent Bashungwa made the call on Friday last week when speaking to contractors, graduates, financial institutions, The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)’s management,   architects, engineering consultants, and insurance firms and other professionals who attended   two- day’s symposium for Contractors and Allied Services providers.

“We encourage women-owned firms in the construction industry to participate in road construction activities because in 2024/2025 financial year, the government has announced to build 120km of tarmac road network, among those 20 kilometers has been set-aside for women local contractors that’s why we invite them to utilize this opportunity,” he said

According to him, since 2014, the local contractors have constructed a total of 102 kilometers of tarmac roads that bring economic and social benefits within the country.

The event was organized by Tanzania United Contractors and Allied Services Association (TUCASA) with funding from different stakeholders engaged in construction industry and financial institutions.

“You have your own construction companies that can built high quality road, show your expertise and knowledge you have to  build best road that in turn  will inspire many women and girls who are pursuing careers in construction,” Bashungwa  said

Elaborating on construction projects undertaken by local contractors, he said   since 2006 to June this year, a total of 36,105 construction projects worth 30 trillion that is equivalent to 96.2 percent were registered at Contractors Registration Board (CRB) .

Among those, a total of 1435 construction projects   worth 37tr/- that is equal to 3.8 percent were implemented.

Also a total of 355 construction projects that is equal to 2.8 percent were implemented by foreign contractors.