"This is the beginning of bigger things for the benefit of the Tanzania people in terms of poverty reduction and towards a sustainable economic growth." Bernard Mchomvu, CEO, MCA-Tanzania
Often, the biggest roadblocks to development are the most basic of all: transporting goods from one place to another or producing enough energy to power factories and homes. Securing reliable access to basic necessities, such as water, is another common stumbling block. In Tanzania, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and MCA-Tanzania (MCA-T) have been working to address these challenges in order to foster sustainable and effective development.
Since 2008, MCA-T has been applying a $698 million grant from the MCC to invest in transportation, energy, and water projects. In order for the projects to be successful and have a measurable positive impact on the lives of Tanzanians, it is imperative to secure the provision of necessary materials and services. As Procurement Oversight Advisor and Procurement Agent, Crown Agents USA (CA-USA) has been able to do just that, and as a result, has helped increase the efficient and effective use of the funds dedicated to the MCC Compact for Tanzania.
CA-USA's relationship with MCA-T has contributed positively to the implementation process of the programs addressing transportation infrastructure, commercial and residential access to clean water, and the reliability and reach of the electricity network. MCA-T and CA-USA developed a comprehensive system of procedures to standardise the procurement process and ensure transparency. The standardised process and procedures have helped the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA), Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), and Dar Es Salaam Water & Sewage Authority (DAWASA) to move their projects forward with expediency and efficiency. Additionally, CA-USA is implementing a capacity enhancement program that provides training to MCA-T procurement agents and staff on MCC Program Procurement Guidelines.
The Mainland Trunk Roads Activity, the Zanzibar Interconnector Activity, and the Lower Ruvu Plant Expansion Activity are examples of the major projects underway. The infrastructure projects are undoubtedly imperative for the development of the Tanzanian economy. However, MCA-T is also involved in protecting Tanzania's interest with regards to the potentially negative damage that the infrastructure projects can have. To address this concern, it proposed the development of two Wildlife Management Areas. This is an incentive-based conservation tool that looks to provide rural communities with the ability to promote wildlife and tourism competitively and legitimately. With assistance from CA-USA, MCA-T contracted with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help run this program.
Moving forward, CA-USA is committed to continue working with MCA-T and MCC in building a sustainable path to Tanzanian development.