Dodoma — The government is planning to spend at least 320bn/- for the installation of communication towers in all regions in the country, Parliament was told on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister for Science and Technology, Mr January Makamba, told MPs that the amount was needed to instal communication towers in various areas in the country, where mobile phone companies have not managed to set communication towers.

He said in a bid to strengthen communication and ensure projects are implemented as planned, the government has requested $154 million from the government of India.

He said the government was looking forward to ensuring communication to all areas regardless whether they attract business or not.

"We understand that all areas in this country need communication regardless of whether they attract business or not, our focus is to ensure reliable communication among 'wananchi'," he said.

Mr Makamba was responding to Mr Selemani Zedi (Bukene-CCM), who wanted to know when the government will be able to bring communication to some wards in his constituency.

He added that the government will put up communication towers in remote areas where telecommunication companies do not have investment interests.

"It is quite clear that mobile phones companies are reluctant to set these towers in areas, which do not attract business. The government has therefore decided to intervene and set these towers by using its own expenses," he said.

He assured the public that the government will set communication towers in various areas of the country before the coming 2015 general elections.

"We understand that there are many challenges facing 'wananchi' in various areas of this country. The government will make sure all areas including those at borders are connected. This is also important for national security," said Mr Makamba.

He added that some projects were delayed to be implemented due to conditions under World Bank procurement procedures.

"Some projects are funded by the World Bank, so it always take time to get funds because of procurement procedures," he said.