Selecting modern construction equipment and their role

WHILE selecting the type of construction equipment to employ, one must consider the nature of work involved. For instance in Dam construction, the required machines would be dozers, excavators and wheel loaders, while in road construction one would require compactors motor graders and backhoe loaders among others. I addition, the size of the project must be put into consideration. For instance incase of a new road construction, one would require a powerful 140H Motor grader because it can rip more virgin ground compared to 120h which is more suitable for maintenance work. In the highly competitive demolition field, a contractor is most concerned with machine versatility, durability and dependability. All machines working at site are often needed to perform multiple tasks. Various work tools properly applied are the key to success. According to one automobile technician, James Kasmir, as far as durability and reliability is concerned, machines and work tool designs must afford the maximum time when utilized in har5sh environments. With this information in mind, selecting among the variety of wheel loaders, skid steers and backhoe loaders available, should be a bit easier though each machine offers different strength that may be more suitable for a given job.

Motor graders are construction equipment used for clearing weeds wherever it's has been proposed for a roiad construction. Hence they are specialized in road construction purposes.

Designed diesel engine module is the latest technological invention in the construction sector. This provides engine response and fuel efficiency and also helps in reducing emission in the environment. According to one Sales Engineer Mr. Praveen of the Hyundai East Africa limited, a leading supplier of modern construction equipment in the country, this technology is only found in caterpillar products and have earned the company the highest environmental order in Europe and developed countries. According to him, on the inception of these technologies, customers were hesitant to buy machines with many electronics as they were afraid of the maintenance of the machines, but with time they have come to appreciate the benefit of these new technologies. Some food handling companies are meeting some emission standards as a requirement. Trouble shooting of electronic machines is much faster compared to manual equipments which have made customers prefer equipment with the current technological inventions. Electronic technician is one of the equipments used in maintenance which is able to troubleshoot any technicalities in the engine. The manufacturer recommends maintenance of equipments after the recommended period is reached for service. For instance, after 250 hours it’s recommended to service equipment through inspection that determines the state of the machine. Following regular inspection, one is advised on prevention actions to take to prevent future breakdowns.

Caterpillars are also powerful construction equipment

Failure to adhere with proper maintenance intervals and procedures may result in diminished performance of the product and or accelerated wear of components. Some of the challenges facing the sector includes the high initial cost especially when the economy is not good, hence most companies or individuals cannot afford to purchase the right equipment. Unfair competitions from inferior products being sold at throw away prices without support. To deal with the above challenges, respective governments should set standards for the type of equipment to be used by contractors undertaking funded government projects. Creating awareness of the range of equipments and support available in the region and what value they bring.

Mobile phone technology services, a wonderful experience

The trends of the mobile phone industry in the world is growing so rapidly with highly sophisticated scientific technological make on handsets which are modified in numerous innovations to come up with many other things such as picture messaging, games and access to the favourite music. The ever-changing mobile communications industry is again transforming consumer perception of telephony on-the-move. In fact, mobile phones today serve a completely new purpose. No longer is it solely about the need to contact a friend, colleague or family member at any time or place. What reaches out to the majority of consumers today is the uniqueness of a handset; as mobile technology becomes fashion accessory. Constant advancements in technologies ensure for choice, with the capacity to personalize almost every aspect of a mobile phone. Consumers have been groomed to demand an increasingly high standard of functionality in their mobile phones. The good news for mobile phone suppliers is that this ensures handset replacement is rapid, as research and development evolves the phone into a personal organizer, music player, camera and mobile entertainment centre. People wants to enjoy games, video clips and music from our phones and the mobile music industry in particular is going from strength to strength. As a result mobile phone giants, such as Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Sumsung, Nokia, Motorola are exploiting demand with the imminent release of the W800 in advance. It will be interesting to see how such sophisticated phone models will compete against the competitive and fashion-conscious portable MP3 player market. Although products such as the Apple’s high profile MP3 player have taken off significantly and seem to be in everyone’s pocket, three years since the launch. Image is a crucial factor that mobile phone providers should take into consideration. Consumers are concerned with the way in which a product can reflect their personal identity. Therefore the design of a mobile phone is important. Phones that look the part are highly favoured. As a result, mobile phones now come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Some companies, who want to encourage consumer engagement at an early age, have extended their marketing campaigns to include targeting children with brightly coloured mobiles featuring
As if this was not enough, many consumers go to extensive lengths to find the most up-to-date ring tones and screensavers. Consequently, a myriad of websites now exist specifically to cater for this growing market.
Modern consumers are no longer satisfied with the traditional downloadable tones which can range from classical music to the latest chart toppers. The public have generally responded positively to such a vast selection, with the exception of the "crazy frog" which is the first ringtone. But the kids apparently love it, but not everyone is happy.
The much awaited third generation (3G) mobile technology will enable users to experience a whole new dimension of mobile services and subscribers will be able to access a wide range of new applications such as video telephony which allows two people to speak on their mobile phones while watching one another live, on the handset.
Such an application is a new scientific approach which can be extremely useful while consulting an important person in case of an emergency or chatting to dear ones. Users would also be able to avail of video messaging and video mailbox including streaming live and recorded breaking news and sports events as well as video based alerts. These will be particularly useful for sports fans as they can quickly share results. For example, when a goal is scored, a video clip can be sent to a customer.
The existing mobile service subscribers would not have to do anything to migrate to the 3G platform since their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and mobile phone numbers will remain the same. Only the additional service would be marketed and charged for.
When a 3G user is unable to take a call, the caller can leave a video message in the video mail box that can be viewed later. 3G services, would also allow users to listen, watch, compose and create music by downloading it from content providers at high speeds.
Subscribers would also be able to get true-tones or clips of real music as their ring-tones. "With 3G people will be able to get the latest film and video trailers on their mobile phones with a superb audio and video quality and wallpapers.
Video game addicts will be able to play thousands of such games on their mobile phones while TV addicts can watch their favourite channels on their handsets. "With Mobile TV, a mobile phone will become a portable television set with all top programmes right in the palm of hands.
The 3G 3rd Generation is the generic term used for the new generation of mobile communications systems. It will also enable users to connect faster to the Internet and allow laptops to be connected to the Internet through the mobile phone, with speeds as fast as 384kbps or seven times higher than a standard dial-up connection.
The mobile phone industry is certain to continue evolving, with some research suggesting that one day phones will take the place of credit cards and the remote control. The innovation and level of competition in the mobile music and mobile phone markets can only mean greater choice and lower competitive prices.
The vision for 3G was based on the previous generations 2G system of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, but evolved, extended and enhanced to include an additional radio air interface, better suited for high speed and multimedia data services. This system enables users of current 2nd Generation GSM wireless networks to migrate easily to the new 3rd Generation services, with minimal disruption.
People can now talk to each other face-to-face on their mobile terminals using the latest 3G technology which currently is available from, Orange and Vodafone companies in Europe, the rest will follow soon.
The 3G mobile phone systems will enable users to experience a whole new dimension which enables one to log onto the office network, surf the Internet, order and pay for goods, manage the investments on the stock markets, check the weather or find the nearest Italian restaurant. The list of potential uses for wireless communications in the future is endless. Access to them all will be from wherever someone happen to find himself or herself at the time.

Apply ICTs for African rural sustainability

THE Provision of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to rural people is a key towards accelerating social-economic development. But it is very sad to note that rural people continues to suffer from the disadvantages in the access to these superhighways. The ICT services and the accessibility of the relevant communication components such as computers connected with the internet, fixed and mobile telephones, faxes etc, are less established in most rural communities in Africa. People need channels of communication in rural areas for a variety of reasons including access to agricultural commodities and prices, education, livelihood and healthcare in order to maintain social networks as well as participating in democratic process. In broader terms, ICTs refers to any technique or knowledge used to create, store, manage and disseminate information in the society and about 95 percent of the global economic activities are integrated by the use of the ICTs And to have these ideas workable, governments have to give priorities in their national budgets to effectively build communication links such as roads for a smooth accessibility of both telephones and electricity. Reliable ICT facilities and services requires a reliable energy supply, the standard approach by operators and mobile phone system in rural areas has been successful following the installation of diesel operated generators.

Computers connected with the internet is a good resourceful tool for African development goals.

In Tanzania for example, it is vivid to note that due to poor infrastructural facilities, coupled with illiteracy and extreme poverty, these are among the most critical persistent elements that constrains access of ICTs in rural areas. Economic analysts say that this is due to the fact that the investments in the sector is more focused on corporate customers in urban areas and not individuals in rural areas where the majority lives. To some extent, the problem is more aggravated by investors who wants to make quick money rather than take the trouble to develop technologies suitable for the local market. As the situation persists, the ICT’s application deteriorates an aspect that cause the services rendered to be expensive. Though Tanzanian government removed tariffs in all imported computers and accessories in past national budgets about six yeas ago, this fiscal push has not so far turned out to become a powerful incentive for attracting ICT investors in rural areas. Among the most cited reasons by the private sector is lack of reliable electricity and the high cost of establishing infrastructure and expensive bandwidth services.
The ICT stakeholders have observed the situation saying that, due to the insufficiency about the awareness on the use of the ICTs tools among the poor people in rural community in the country, who covers 90 percent of the country’s population lack experience to spearhead national development. Instead most people tend to make use of other ICTs such as television for luxury. The government through its various initiatives towards the digital divide has recognized the most crucial role the sector play for the national development and has taken steps to address the issue from the grassroots level. As from 2007, the fourth phase government has made a tremendous progress towards democratizing accessibility and support the applications of ICT when it formed a separate ministry of Information and Technology to deal with ICT matters as well as other areas related to it in the country. A new Universal Communication Access Fund (UCAF) would be established with a view to supporting indigenous Tanzanians who wish to set up ICT projects and other communication facilities in rural areas. Once the existence of the fund is realized, it would facilitate the provision of efficient ICT infrastructure and communication services at low and affordable costs to the remote areas in the country from the district level. The trend of government in regard to ICT has been to connect their network up to the regional scale for both internet and data. To realize these ICT benefits, a number of issues need to be adequately addressed such as the development of efficient and sustainable national ICT infrastructure networks.

Computer accessibility is a way through to curb with the impending social problems existing in societies. Unlike in African countries, the access to these superhighways is limited mostly due to the growing poverty stricken situation.

ICT is good for the poor as well for big business and few years ago it was difficult to convince investors that it was a good business to introduce mobile phone services to urban Tanzania. With the persisting problem of rural ICT access, people are faced with a number of difficulties of reaching these markets, but these could be overcome by new wireless ICT infrastructures that are affordable and user friendly, says an ICT consultant Engineer Ronald Kisuka a Kenyan national working in the country. According to him, the current Tanzanian ICT situation requires urgent steps to enable Tanzanians to participate meaningfully in the knowledge economy, recognizing that the country has low levels of humans capital development, local content creation, poor infrastructure and access which together lead to high costs of participation. The dangers posed by the digital divide and the risk of being excluded further from the knowledge and special development has propelled the government to put in place a new framework through which coordinating mechanism and harmonized strategies might be nurtured.

With CCTV cameras, security is tightened

CLOSED Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) devices designed to monitor moving objects e.g people and vehicles when installed in buildings or along the streets for security purposes.
They are useful as they keep pictures of the recorded images and later can be retrieved for memories. Research works has been made for the innovative developing concepts in today’s era of science and technology which has enabled the CCTV Camera devices to reveal the truth of a hidden incident.
There is no doubt that, CCTV cameras provides adequate security and protection of the properties kept in a room or in a house. Incase of any loss that might occur, the tool can be used for research to reveal the truth of the matter and the people involved.
CCTV cameras are essentially electronic security devices that use television technology capable of monitoring movements of people or vehicles and other mobile objects within and around a building complex.
The system deploys digital cameras and recording systems and is malleable enough to suit the specifications of any organizations. Its operations are interpolated to a network system and monitored from a remote location hence making it an ultimate and effective solution for the security needs of a wide radius.
Due to unpredictable criminal intentions and maneuvers, security measures at times demand application of multiple security systems, hence the need to adopt a concentric ring of security measures is important to discourage or deter intruders into a secured premise.
Banks and other financial institutions such as the Bureau de Change shops, supermarkets etc, have reasons to ensure that the IT systems on CCTV are properly integrated in their business premises.
Sometimes you might hear from people asking how far can a CCTV camera be able to see. This is the question every one would like to have an answer. The truth is, to every CCTV camera, it is only the lens which will determine how powerful a camera can be.
According to the Managing Director of the SSTL Group, the designers and suppliers of the equipment in the country, Mr. John Kusaga, the systems are able to monitor from one point to 254 points depending on the number of cameras installed per site.
According to him, the system can have a local monitoring centre as a main monitoring and controlling centre for the installed cameras at a site. Likewise, you can have a remote monitoring centre far from the controlling centre.
For instance, he says that, with remote monitoring centre, an operator at Head offices in Dar es Salaam can monitor, control and record images captured by CCTV cameras installed at Bukoba to one of their offices.
Describing their technical ability he says that, there are different applications of CCTV systems. These are not made to be installed in buildings only, these can also be installed in public areas such as in vehicles parking areas, Bus terminals, Airports and along the streets. In developed countries, they install CCTV cameras in buses and in passenger trains.
It can be remembered that, in the morning of the February 3rd 2006, a daring gang of armed robbers raided the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) branch at Ubungo in the city of Dar es Salaam and successfully managed to run away with a substantial amount of money.
The heist that took about few minutes is close to the city’s busy main bus terminal along the Morogoro Highway. According to witnesses there were about 10 bandits under the command of a woman who was welding a sub-machine gun and clad in long robes.
People mostly petty traders outside the busy bus terminal fled in every direction to seek for refuge, while others took to their heels in a far distant scene without knowing what was going on when a bullet was fired threatening them not to come close.
One bandit blocked traffic on one side of the main highway to effectively control the area from any possible attacks from either direction. On accomplishing their mission, the bandits escaped from the scene by using three Saloon cars.
Sales and Advertising Manager of a city based publishing company Mr. Marukam Zakharia, who was hijacked together with other few clients at the banking hall and ordered to lie down, described the incident as inhumane.
Mr. Zakharia (49) who had encountered with such a thing for the first time in his life remembered how clients and staff inside the bank including himself were ordered to lie face down while the bandits ransacked the bank taking away money and cellular phones from them.
Describing the whole episode, Mr. Zakharia said that the incident traumatized his brain. He had encountered with such a phenomenon that morning unexpectedly when he went there as a bank customer.
He suffered minor injuries on his left arm and sustained little bruises in some other parts of his body as they hurriedly struggled to get a space on the floor when ordered to lie down by bandits. On the course of this mishaps, without his knowledge he knocked himself on a hard object that he couldn’t remember.
It’s very absurd to see that, no arrests had ever been made in connection with the robbery up to now. But if the CCTV surveillance cameras would have been installed at the bank and its surroundings the arrest of the culprits could be much easier
Security advisors says that, it had become a difficult task to trace on the whereabouts of the suspected robbers as the incident occurred at such unlikely time when nobody ever dreamt of such an occurrence.
A rising wave of armed banditry targeting banks and large companies, including Bureau de Change shops hit the country three years ago leading to public outcry over heightened insecurity. Dar es Salaam city has been the leading with the high spiraling wave.
The armed robbery incidents which had been common resulted into loss of lives and huge sums of money. In the city of Dar es Salaam residents accused the police force of not doing enough to get rid of the situation.

AJAAT awards 15 journalists for excellent reporting

FIFTEEN Journalists from different media organizations in the country have been awarded prizes after they have emerged winners of a three month long media writing competition on National HIV/AIDS Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VCT) campaign popularly known as “Tanzania Bila UKIMWI Inawezekana Media Competition” The competition which was prepared by the Association of Journalists Against IDS in Tanzania (AJAAT) in collaboration with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) included journalists working in both print and electronic media organizations in the country. The five top winners received cash Tsh. 300,000 each, while the second batch of other five winners received Tshs. 150,000 each. The third group of another five winning journalists was awarded each with cash Tshs. 120,0000. Apart from cash, all winning journalists were also presented with the certificates of their participation to the competition in a colorful ceremony which was held on 22nd of October last year (2008) at Tanzania Information Services, known by many as MAELEZO House.

I emerged among the top five winners and was proud to have been presented with cash and a certificate of participation in this prestigious annual media competition. In the photo above, I am being presented with the awards by the Executive Chairperson of the TACAIDS in the country Dr. Fatma Mrisho. On her left is the Chairman of the AJAAT Association Mr. Simon Kivamwo.

The five top winners who scooped the bigger token of money from the guest of Honour, the Executive Chairperson of the Tanzania Commission of AIDS (TACAIDS) Dr. Fatma Mrisho were, Emmanuel Onyango who writes for the Business Times, a weekly newspaper, Agatha Mshanga from Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC one), Reuben Kagaruki of Majira newspaper, Alfa Nuhu from This Day newspaper and Jacqueline Mosha of Nipashe newspaper. The second top winners were Rosina John who writes for the Citizen newspaper, Lilian Timbuka and Dolphina Rubyema who writes for Kiongozi, Phillip Mwihacva of Clouds FM and Sara Mossi who writes for Mtanzania.

Some of the journalists outside Tanzania Information Services building shortly before the award presenting ceremony started. The building is located along Samora Avenue in the heart of Dar es Salaam city.

The third group category of winners included Eckland Mwafissi of Majira, Victor Muhanika from Hoja, Benjamin Sawe and Mwirabi Sise of Tanzania Information Services (MAELEZO) whose joint article appeared in the Kulikoni newspaper, Jackson Kalindimya of Nipashe and Selemani Msuya from Changamoto. Apart from the above, two other journalists who participated in the competition were only given certificates of participation and NOT cash. These were Japhari Mwipi and Shabaan Matutu of Wasaa and Tanzania Daima newspapers respectively.


Mr. Charles Kayoka an official from TACVAIDS in his introductory remarks while introducing to the audience other officials from the High table.

According to the organizers, the aim of the competition was to mobilize journalists in print and in electronic media to write more emphatically about the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS to t6he nation with the view to encourage more people so as to see the importance of VCT services in the country. The National VCT campaigns in Tanzania was kick-started by His Excellency President Jakaya Kikwete on 14th July 2007 and was followed by a national wide response in different regions in the country. Statistics shows that more than 4 million Tanzanians have undergone HIV testing since then. According to the organizers, the competition required journalists to write not only about the magnitude of the problem of HIV/AIDS affecting people in the country, but also to highlight together with other things HIV/AIDS testing as a principal strategy towards prevention. This also included preventing mothers from infecting their new born babies as well as enabling those people already living with the HIV access treatment and care services that are currently provided freely by the government of Tanzania.

Journalists at work during the function, they are seen taking photos from the high table while others with their shooting cameras.


Under the slogan “Tanzania without AIDS disease is possible by all means” which literally is expressed by Swahili words, “Tanzania bila UKIMWI Inawezekana.” was launched in July 15th 2008 to October 30th 2008, attracted more than 45 entries countrywide with some participants sending more than three entries on different themes. “The competition was opened to all practiced journalists/columnists from both print and electronic media based in the country, says AJAAT Chairman, Mr Simon Kivamwo, adding that, it was made possible because of the support AJAAT had received from TACAIDS. During his speech, Mr. Kivamwo thanked the organization and that AJAAT was so excited with the results particularly the big number of entries that signified increased awareness among journalists over the matter. However, he said AJAAT’s philosophy was to complement government’s efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS by looking for current issues brought-up by the former and used the time to make fresh stories for public awareness through such competitions.

A cross section of journalists seated in the hall. In the middle an awardee walking along the corridor with a grin of happiness in his eyes to the high table to receive his award.

He reiterated AJAAT’s system of awarding many journalists at a time instead of one or two winners as this provided competitors with wider chances of winning and thus encouraged wider participation. Mr. Kivamwo who is the founder member of AJAAT association since 2004, is always in the forefront to see his organization is growing. Explaining the procedures used to select winners, he disclosed the names of four judges who took part in the selection. These were Mr. Baraka Mpora-BCC Officer from National AIDS Control program (NACP), Mr. Benjamin Thompson, Media Manager from the Executive Solution Ltd, Gloria Mziray Public Relations Manager from TACAIDS, and Mr. Perege Gumbo Senior Business News Reporter from Guardian Limited. Mr. Gumbo is also Health and HIV/AIDS Media specialist. According to him, each judge read the entries separately and awarded marks basing on a marking scheme provided without having seen each other or consulted one another and the marks were afterwards added together and divided by four to get an average. This system ensured fairness and reflected true results of all participants’ work and their scores.

Linking sustainable energy development to poverty eradication

HOW to link poverty with sustainable energy utilization is a key concept that many people have not come to fully comprehend. Now that it is known that Tanzania is endowed with significant energy resources which are hydro, biomass, natural gas, coal, wind and solar. However, so far, the most usable of all these types of energies is the biomass which accounts for the largest share of the total energy consumption for the household sector in the country, and this needs to be readdressed in more comprehensive details. A Dar es Salaam based energy resource development organization, the Tanzania Traditional; Energy Development and Environment (TaTEDO is determined to increase access to energy technologies for the people especially in rural areas.
The firm has been working out on the effective new energy technologies as a way of reducing poverty and dependence on environmentally unclean energies for 16 years now, under which it been playing a leading role in energy development issues in Tanzania. Being a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the firm is spearheading development of sustainable development of energy technologies and services mostly in rural areas and thus, aiming at conserving the environment in the country.
The firm’s experiences over the years has indicated a significant market potential for modern energy technologies and services being promoted in rural areas with the aim of improving the quality of life of the people by contributing to availability of modern energy services through its rural programs. Experiences have also indicated that the uncertainties faced by the technologies business developers, the required level of marketing and the risks faced by entrepreneurs are high.
Capacity of potential entrepreneurs to see and capture opportunities in the sustainable energy sector and risks involved in developing the market for modern energy technology products and services has been a prohibitive by potential entrepreneurs at the district or village level. According to the firm’s Executive Director, Mr. Estomith Sawe, in order to accomplish its major tasks, TaTEDO is currently actively applying its experiences in ten different regions in the country namely, Arusha, Coast, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Rukwa, Shinyanga, Tanga, Lindi and Mtwara. The technologies earmarked for up-scaling program in these regions includes efficient wood fuels stoves, charcoal and firewood baking ovens, improved charcoal production kilns, solar PV, dryers and multi-chargers. According to him, the time-scale of the program is three years (2008-2010) and is supported by Norway ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), EU/HIVOS and TaTEDO The overall program is to contribute to sustainable development and poverty eradication by enhancing access to modern energy technologies and services to consumptive and productive needs in households, SMEs and social service centers.
The program target groups/beneficiaries are in three categories such as, users of the technologies of which includes households and social services centers such as schools, health centers and dispensaries.
Other beneficiary groups includes service providers comprising of entrepreneurs such as stove/oven producers, solar technicians, seedling enterprises, dealers, tree nursery vendors, charcoal producers and Micro-Financing Institutions (MFIs) Wide scale commercial market penetration of these technologies into the rural areas is usually constrained by a number of barriers including the lack of technical know how and absence of information and awareness on the potential uses of the different stakeholders.
This is also aggregated by the lack of suitable financing mechanisms for consumers as well as for the dealers and the whole supply chain involved. These barriers are also limiting the involvement or success of the rural modern energy businesses in supply and provision of the associated services.
It is estimated that, over 90 percent of bio-mass fuel which involves the use of firewood and charcoal constitute the principal source of energy for the Tanzanian population. This is derived from natural forests and woodlands whose essential end uses are heating including cooking, brewing, smoking, firing, boiling, ironing and lighting. All these chores are performed by women and men at different proportionality and yet their production and use in the country is still based on accelerated deforestation which will ultimately herald in a new vicious cycle of poverty.
The remaining 10 percent of energy consumption in the country is met through the use of other sources such as fossils fuels, grid and non-grid electricity which also serves at the households sectors, small and medium, enterprises and institutional levels in both urban and rural areas.
Statistics shows that, most of charcoal producers use traditional earth moulds kilns which have low conversion efficiency of less than 20 percent. TaTEDO’s experience in working with the local communities shows that approaches to poverty reduction should reflect diversity in social, economic and local environment of the community.
Having acknowledged this therefore, the organization shifted its focus from traditional energy technologies to conceptualizing a holistic development framework by integrating energy issues and technologies.
The overall process of sustainable development as a result which involve helps the community to identify and address their social, economic and environmental needs, is an approach being used in areas where TaTEDO is working with villagers. The involved partners and local communities have commended the understanding by all stakeholders, thus enhancing good relationship with social, technical and financing institutions.

An economic investment project kicks off in Dar

DIRECT Foreign Investment (DFI) in Tanzania is rapidly expanding with newly commercial centers being constructed in most parts of the country, and Dar es Salaam city is taking the lead in real estate development. For the last five years, a number of buildings within Dar es Salaam city have been constructed for commercial purposes to signify the development of the sector in the country that seems to be booming in the wake of trade liberalization. Within the period under review, the city residents have witnessed the development of the sector which is coming up with more skyline buildings within the city and its environs. But the most fascinating is the establishment of shopping malls, supermarkets etc. An example of such buildings is the largest shopping and entertainment complex, the so-called “Dar es Salaam village commercial retail complex” at Kijitonyama suburb on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city. The project is currently under its preliminary stage of the intensive construction work which is being carried out by a team of architectural experts from the Dar es Salaam based Archplan International Limited. This is a multi-billion worth of an economic investment complex owned by an International company, a Dar es Salaam based ZEG group International Limited, which on its completion would be the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the city of Dar es Salaam whereby prospective investors would run their businesses and later earns the company with money. The site on which the building is under construction lies on the plot “No. 717/5 that belonged to the former Tanzania Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (TP&TC). The company bought the land for this extensive investment development which was long privatized under the national privatization program.

Workers at work on a proposed site for the so-called “Dar es Salaam Village Complex” which is currently under preliminary stage of intensive construction at Kijitonyama suburb on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city. Demolition takes place in the background.

The main contractor, the Six group International Ltd keeps abreast with the work in progress in collaboration with other sub-contractors to ensure it finishes the project work at the set time. The project which has up to now consumed a period of three and a half months since it started is moving on in a rapid pace with the main civil works still going on. A spot check at the site recently shows that the demolition exercise of the former TP&TC buildings is still going on and workers were busy with the work.
The main civil works on the stage includes construction of the foundation and the designed underground water tank reservoir capable of preserving over 100,000 liters of water is underway. This has been selected in order to keep water supply intact in the area during water blues, a common situation in the city of Dar es Salaam. According to one site engineer (a Chinese origin) of the construction company who preferred anonymity, the construction is set to be finished by December 2009.
However, an official from ZEG group International who was not in a position to give more details of the company’s project said, the project was established with the objectives to contribute to the acceleration of the growth of Tanzania’s economy and is expected to create several job opportunities for Tanzanians on its completion, and between 2,000 and 3,000 people are expected to be employed. According to him, the area had been selected as the most convenient site for the allocation of the project so as to attract local and international investors to enjoy the benefits and privileges of the shopping activities. The facilities to be found at the site apart from water tanks reservoirs would include, a cafeteria, parking areas and a standby generator of a highly KVA volts, this would cater for the need incase of electricity power blues. All these facilities would be made available.

Construction at JNIA Airport in Dar es Salaam kicks off

TANZANIA Airport Authority (TAA) is currently undergoing a sensitive project for the second phase rehabilitation and upgrading of pavement on its biggest airport in the country in Dar es Salaam, known as “Julius Nyerere International Airport” (JNIA. The project which is a continuation of a successful implementation of the first phase concluded in October 2006, aims at installation of modern facilities to enable safe landing and departure of planes at the airport’s main runways.
According to the status report by TAA, the scope of phase two rehabilitation work includes Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) which includes the replacement of taxiway edge lighting, precision approach path indicator, windsocks, illuminated signs, control and monitoring apron floodlighting. Earthworks and paving works which includes construction of new taxiway from U to W and from Z to the 23-side of the main runway 05-23. The work, would involve the rehabilitation and extension of runway 14-32 and the rehabilitation of apron terminal one. In apron terminal two, the work involves the rehabilitation of perimeter service road along the apron of terminal two, and a drainage solution for runway 05-23 and apron north terminal two. Another scope of work includes the Environmental work that will consist of civil works in order to improve the environmental situation around the airport territories. The work is linked to the fruits of TANZAVIA project whose objectives is to improve safety. TANZAVIA project means “the functional entity established to consolidate and develop the mutual co-operation known as “Twin Relations” that exists between the governments of the Netherlands and the United Republic of Tanzania. The rehabilitation and the upgrading work is being undertaken by a Netherlands based company, the Interbeton Bv (Tanzania Branch), and the K.B.R company of South Africa, and the Sub-contractor for apron concrete works, A/S Noremco Construction Ltd. All these companies work in collaboration with the local Howard Humphrey Ltd, a consulting engineering firm in the country. All the engineers from clients, consultant, contractor and sub-contractor are cooperatively working hard to accomplish the works by September 2010.
According to TAA’s Manager for Designing and Planning, Engineer George Sambali, the project is expected to be completed within 24 months, and on its completion it will have cost EURO 26 Million, the amount includes total project cost for both consultancy and supervision and works for rehabilitation and up-grading. This is co-financed by 52 percent from an ORET grant from the government of Netherlands, and the remaining 48 percent from Tanzania being a loan by the ING Bank of Netherlands. The rehabilitation and upgrading of pavements and other facilities at JNIA project had been called for due to ageing (about 27 years ago ) of the existing ones. The pavements became operational in 1982 and are currently in poor condition due to physical weathering. Their poor state is linked to undulations, cracking and pavement deformations, says Engineer Sambali added that a good result out of the rehabilitation would bring in compliance with the internationally applicable and acceptable conditions that would conform to the international standards set for airports. According to him, TAA decided to undergo such a massive rehabilitation work due to deterioration of pavements that causes inconveniences resulting into frequent failures of aircrafts during taking off and landing. Airports needs to have modern facilities to enable safety landing of planes. Regular check-ups of the safety materials installed at the airports is of vital importance, and the outdated ones needs to be removed and replaced by new ones. The main contractors, engineers and the designers ensures used materials most of which are imported do conform to the standards set. The distance of the runway which measures 3 km away is capable of landing any type of an aircraft, be it an airbus, heavy cargo planes, Boeings 747 & 767. Apart from the foreign materials, contractors also use gravel, sand and cement which are locally obtained. But for the Apron, they are using the anti-kerosene types of cement that resist jet fuel. Other materials used such as fixtures and fittings for lumps and associated accessories have all been imported as they are not locally manufactured. Plants and machineries have also been imported, these includes, compactors and rollers. Julius Nyerere International airport has been in operation now for about 27 years since its first inaugural in 1982 serving International, domestic as well as regional flight schedules. The life span for airport pavement and power supply ranges from ten to fifteen (10-15) years of which the pavement and power supply system has overlapped. From the above point of view, the need for modernization arose for rehabilitating the infrastructure whose work is currently in progress. In its completion, the work would enable proper visual aids with the use of the ground lighting mechanism which have been designed to work for 30-50 years, but the normal cable would work for less than 20-30 years prior to the replacement. Julius Nyerere International Airport was built in 1954 in the currently called “terminal one” serving unscheduled general aviation flights with about 13 operators

RADI Services Limited receives international construction award

A Locally registered Tanzanian company known as Radi Services Limited has won an international golden construction award for its trajectory and business excellence. It was among the 35 companies from 23 countries in the world to be selected for the distinction of this award. The company was awarded with a fine trophy in a colourful ceremony which took place in October last year in Madrid-Spain. It will be the first Tanzanian local company to have won the award ever since the inaugural handing over of this prestigious award celebrations which took place in Paris-France in 1989. This is an annual occasion organized by the Editorial Office in collaboration with Trade Leaders’ Club, a European association that recognizes local companies worldwide that executes their businesses that is acceptable to the international level standards. Going on its 20th anniversary year, the international construction award is, without any doubt one of the most prestigious ones granted on international and commercial levels held by some 900 companies all over the world, says President of Editorial Office and Secretary General of the Trade Leaders’ Club Mr. Arsenio Pardo Rodriguez.

The Managing Director of Radi Services Limited, Engineer Abdallah .Hashim Abdallah standing in the middle holding a trophy his company had just received for the International Golden Construction Award in a ceremony held in Madrid, Spain in mid of October this year. He is flanked on his right by Mr. Arbon Constantine, the commercial artisan to the Embassy of Romania in Spain, and on his left by Mr,. Arsenio Pardo, the President of Editorial Office and the Secretary General of the Trade Leader’s Club based in Madrid Spain.

Describing on this achievement, the Managing Director of Radi Services Ltd, Engineer Abdallah .H. Abdallah said in an interview that, to be considered for this prestigious award, a local company must be working in collaboration with the international companies listed in the club’s database which has over 7,000 registered international companies worldwide. According to him, upon joining with the club, the company has its business activities monitored by experts in the field of construction to see the trend of its business if it conforms to an international level standards. The advantages attained is to get an international business communication in terms of getting foreign customers to work with. However, he said, already his company is working with more than 15 international companies accredited in the country which deals in construction and transport that targets mostly the economic development of the country.

The headquarter building of Radi Services Ltd, located along Mbezi Beach Industrial area on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city.

Radi Services Ltd, being registered as the electrical contractor, also does maintenance work on electrical machines as well as industrial machine repair, therefore it falls under this category and in view of this fact, it was credited to be the leading in the country. Other countries with the number of companies in brackets that won the same award are as follows, Morocco (1), Tunisia (1), Spain (1), Kenya (2), Malaysia (3), Mexico (3), Turkey (1), Brazil (2) Senegal (4) and Burundi (1). Others were China (1), Montenegro (2), Mongolia (1), Romania (1), Peru (1), Burkina Faso (1), Cape Verde (1), Algeria (3), Russia (1), Albania (1), Greece (1) and Ivory Coast (1). from the respective countries.
Radi Services Ltd was established in 2002 with a view of carrying out repair and services of nearly all kinds of electrical motors, generators and transformers. The firm is also an electrical contractors and does pro-active maintenance and contract services. The establishment of Radi Services came into being after the former company by the name of ABB Pemaco Ltd which was doing the same job closed down its service industry business and entered into other business ventures. The company inherited the core activities as well as its premises located along Bagamoyo Road in Mbezi light industrial area about 22 kilometers away from the Dar es Salaam city center. The ABB started their businesses in 1999 after the former Pemaco-Bevi, a Swedish based company faced with eminent closure, allowed its management team to acquire its shares which were later bought by Radi Services Ltd. The company kicked off with a newly formed team of locally trained Tanzanian graduates of Mechanical and Automobile engineering who decided to re-employ the existing staff and continued to retain the top cream professionals in the field who have enough experience on repair and service industry. The firm has the best workshop of its kind within East Africa which has excellent expertise, providing quality job at affordable rates, quality management and assurance and it’s virtually proud of its good services if offers to their customers. From its inception, the firm started with a single repair workshop and later increased the number to include three more department which are workshop, contracting and service department. The essence of this endeavor was to bring services closer to the customers. The company has net been left behind in implementation of National Strategic Development Goals. By doing this, the firm carries various forms of social responsibilities aimed at environmental protection and conservation within the area of its operation as these are the country’s major strategic goals for economic recovery. In relation to its market potentials, the firm believes that embracing service is ultimately the key to accelerate economic growth and development in third world countries. In view of this, the company recognizes that their business existence and continued success is dependent on how well they meet their responsibilities to various important stakeholders whom they strive to put at the center of business.

The Managing Director is standing with other awardees during the award giving ceremony in Spain.

Due to lack of local sources materials for work at the firm’s workshop, Radi Services Ltd has the obligation to import some products for use to run with their industrial services. Some of the materials are for the insulation, vanishes, winding and enamel copper wire. In Tanzania, the company provides its services to many companies as follows:- With cement companies the firm works with Tanzania Portland Cement Company (TPCC) run by Heidelberg International, Tanga Cement which is owned by a South African based firm, and Mbeya Cement Company. In sugar companies, there is Kilombero Sugar Co. (Ilovo Sugar), Mtibwa sugar Co. Ltd, TPC Ltd in Moshi and Kagera sugar. The firm also provides services to National Power Utility (TANESCO) firm for its transformers, DAWASCO and the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). Others are Independent Power (T) Ltd, International Container Terminal services (TICS), and Swiss port (T) Ltd. With mining companies, the company works with Kahama mines, Buhemba and Geita Gold mines and Williamson Diamond mines.With the Railways companies, the firm works with Tanzania Railways Company Ltd, Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). With beverages and cigarette companies, the works with Tanzania Breweries Ltd, Coca-Cola Kwanza and Tanzania Cigarette company. With metal and plastic companies, the firm works with ALAF Co. Ltd, Cortex, Simba plastic and Sunchack Plastic, whereas with Site works and Service contract, the firm works with PPF House, Barclays House, 50 Mirambo House and Diplomatic International House

Reliable energy supply is a crucial input to national development

PRODUCTIVE sustainable energy is a crucial input to development and hence, the reduction of poverty and improvement in the living standards for both rural and urban dwellers. However, few people in Tanzania have access to energy services that can foster development and reduce poverty. According to a principal official of the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development (TaTEDO), Mr. Thomas Mkunda, energy in rural areas is used for cooking, heating and lighting, baking and roasting at domestic, commercial and institutional levels. The livelihood standards of Tanzanians vary from one place to another depending on opportunities of income generation available for social services, ability and willingness of the people to seize opportunities for the sake of gaining development by making the best use of the available resources. TaTEDO is promoting the use of appropriate modern energy technologies for poverty reduction and environmental conservation in three zones in Tanzania namely Northern, Lake and Eastern zones. The promotion of such technologies is through implementation of various projects. The modern energy technologies promoted includes Solar PV, improved charcoal ovens, multi-functional platforms and improved firewood stores. Although there are opportunities in the energy sector for income generation, the local people lack the necessary capacity to make use of the available opportunities. Hence the implementation of TaTEDO’s activities comes in as a driving force in planning with the targeted groups and later creates awareness and capacity building of the rural people. In addition, the respective people can continue to produce, install, supply and access modern energy services for income generation, improvements of the living standards and environmental conservation.

Tanzania's Minister for Eneergy and Minerals Hon William Ngeleja

According to the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Mr. William Ngeleja, currently about 890 percent of the energy consumed in the country is in form of traditional biomass, eight percent is from imported petroleum products. 1.5 percent is in form of electricity generated by hydro-power machines and other thermal power plants. In achieving the objectives of Tanzania, pro-sustainable development of bio-energy policies, institutional, legal and regulatory framework need to be in place to property guide the industry. For Tanzania, the subject of discussion should not be whether to promote bio-fuel or not, but how to develop bio-fuels to ensure a win-win situation to all parties. According to TaTEDO, rural electrification in Tanzania has been receiving much attention without much action according, and if no serious action is taken , Tanzania’s economic development plans will remain a dream. TaTEDO attributes this to lack of commitment on the part of government , which it says has been addressing the issue more verbally than practically. It adds that this has been the trend since independence time and there is little hope that any serious step will be taken to solve the problem in the near future. According to the Commissioner for Energy and Minerals, Mr. Bashir Mrindoko, rural electrification in the country is a continuous process that requires a lot of investments.
The public demand for enough electricity at a very low costs which make it difficult for investors to put their money into the sector. According to him, only 10 percent of the population in the country has access to electricity, while 2 percent of the rural population which accounts for over 80 percent of the total population continues to stay in darkness. It has been the responsibility of the government through the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) not only to generate and distribute electricity to extend the grid networks to rural areas. Rural electrification in Tanzania has for a long time been through grid extension or the use of off-grid diesel power plants. In some few cases, local micro hydro power plants have been the only possible options. It’s further reported that access to modern energy services particularly electricity, is not only a pre-requisite for agreeable living standards, but it is also an indispensable input for productive, economic and improved social services. The positive impact of electricity for the poor in rural areas and basic activities such as pumping water for drinking and irrigation purposes, lighting for extending working studying hours and powering small-scale rural industries. However, in spite of these obvious socio-economic benefits, the percentage of the people accessing electricity in rural Tanzania remains very low at 2 percent. In addition to the few rural areas with electricity supply, frequent power cuts, erratic voltage levels and fluctuations negatively affect the frequency of supply. TaTEDO reports that if rural electrification in Tanzania becomes a reality, it can substitute the use of kerosene and batteries, which are the main rural energy sources for lighting, powering radios, televisions, machines and other appliances. There were unsuccessful efforts in the 1970s to establish the Tanzania Rural Electrification. This lowered the pace of developing rural electrification and as a result there has been a slow progress. 36 million out of a population of over 40 million Tanzanians, mostly in rural areas are living without electricity. Access to electricity for the rural people has increased from below one percent in 1961 to two percent today.