Tanzania, May 10 -- PLANS to finalise the long-awaited Engaruka Soda Ash Project are progressing with the government currently vetting two companies that submitted bids to partner with the National Development Corporation (NDC).

This was revealed in the National Assembly by the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Exaud Kigahe, in response to a question from Special Seats MP, Zaytun Swai (CCM) who sought to understand the government's strategy for ensuring the project's completion.

According to Deputy Minister Kigahe, the government initiated its project implementation strategy with a public announcement on December 30, 2024, which attracted interest from 28 local and international companies.

"By the bid closing date of February...