Mpanda, Katavi | 16 March 2026 — The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, has directed that the construction of the Service Building (Wing B) at Katavi Regional Referral Hospital be completed on schedule and to the required standards of quality, stressing that workers involved in the project must be paid promptly.
During an inspection of the project in Mpanda Municipality, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to specialized medical services in the region.
“Our expectation is to see this project completed on time and with the required quality. The Government has already released funds for this project, therefore I do not expect to see any outstanding payments for those who have worked on it,” he stated.
Praise for Health Workers
Dr. Nchemba also commended health workers at Katavi Regional Referral Hospital for their professionalism and dedication to serving the public, urging them to continue working with integrity and commitment.
He emphasized that Tanzania remains among the countries with highly skilled health professionals in East Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while warning that negligence in public service will not be tolerated.
The Prime Minister further noted that for nearly six decades after independence, districts in Katavi Region lacked district hospitals, adding that the construction of health facilities has accelerated under the Sixth Phase Government led by President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Project Progress
According to Dr. Deogratias Banuba, Medical Officer-in-Charge at Katavi Regional Referral Hospital, the Wing B project is valued at approximately TZS 13.28 billion and has reached 59 percent completion.
Construction began on 14 February 2023 and is expected to be completed by 13 December 2026. Once finished, the facility will include maternity wards, operating theatres, and a pediatric ward, which are currently unavailable at the hospital.
The hospital currently employs 475 staff members, representing 61.5 percent of its required workforce, including 13 medical specialists across various disciplines. The hospital aims to increase the number of specialists to 17 by 2030.
Specialized services currently offered include maternal and child health, surgery, orthopedics and trauma care, ear–nose–throat (ENT), anesthesia, mental health, ophthalmology, radiology, and dialysis services.
Plans for Additional Facilities
During the visit, Katavi Special Seats Member of Parliament Hon. Tasker Mbogo requested additional government support for the construction of a patient waiting bay, mortuary facility, and hospital perimeter fence.
Responding to the request, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Hon. Reuben Kwagila, announced that the Government plans to allocate approximately TZS 2 billion to support additional ward buildings, mortuary construction, procurement of medical equipment, and fencing of the hospital.
Once completed, the Wing B expansion is expected to significantly enhance maternal, child, and specialized healthcare services for residents of Katavi Region and surrounding areas.
