Tanzania develops standardised contract guide for road works
Members of the technical team from the National Construction Council (NCC) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) who are preparing the new construction administration manual to be used to manage and administer road works in Tanzania. PHOTO|COURTESY
What you need to know:
- It seeks to standardise procedures, processes, tools, and practices related to planning, inspection, communication, documentation, and reporting during the supervision of road works, according to a statement issued on Tuesday March 25, 2025.
Arusha. Tanzania is developing a comprehensive contract administration manual which is expected to enhance the management of road projects and ensuring value for money in the sector.
The guide is being developed jointly by the National Construction Council (NCC) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads).
The manual is designed to guide Tanroads through the entire contract management cycle of road projects, covering both pre-contract and post-contract aspects.
It seeks to standardise procedures, processes, tools, and practices related to planning, inspection, communication, documentation, and reporting during the supervision of road works, according to a statement issued on Tuesday March 25, 2025.
Speaking on the initiative, Tanroads director of projects, Mr Japherson Nnko, stated that the manual, which is being developed in stages, would focus on several key areas, including contract formation, contract management planning, effective communication, risk management, cost management, quality assurance, scheduling, dispute resolution, environmental considerations, stakeholder engagement, safety and health management, mobilisation, and final inspection.
“Through these topics, we aim to streamline standard procedures, such as site inspection protocols, progress reporting formats, statutory compliance requirements, claims management tools, and payment administration. This will help to mitigate challenges such as project delays, cost overruns, and substandard work,” said Mr Nnko.
He further noted that the manual would lay the foundation for future improvements in contract administration practices.
NCC chief executive officer, Dr Matiko Mturi, emphasised that the manual would provide detailed guidelines and best practices to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality in road project management.
He described it as a crucial tool for improving the execution of road works in a manner that maximises value for money while upholding the highest performance and accountability standards.
“If implemented effectively, the manual will enhance operational capabilities, ultimately improving the overall quality of road construction and maintenance projects,” said Dr Mturi.
He added that a training programme would be introduced to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to utilise the manual efficiently.
Dr Mturi stressed that the government would benefit significantly from optimised resource utilisation and increased accountability in road project management.
Meanwhile, members of the NCC expert team involved in drafting the manual revealed that they have assessed existing contract administration guidelines for road works and identified several gaps requiring permanent solutions.
“We have conducted extensive research, identified shortcomings, and are working on comprehensive solutions to address contract administration challenges in road works,” said the leader of the expert team, Mr Tumaini Lemunge.
According to the team, the manual will empower road sector agencies to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects that align with public and stakeholder expectations.
The NCC, among other responsibilities, is mandated to advise the government on matters related to the development of Tanzania’s construction industry, including preparing and customising manuals and guidelines for the effective implementation of construction projects.
