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| The Minister of Works and Transport, Innocent Bashungwa. Photo: Courtesy |
By Charles Mkoka
The Minister of Works and Transport, Innocent Bashungwa, has announced the government’s commitment to decongesting Songea town by constructing a 16-kilometer bypass. This project will run alongside the construction of the Songea-Njombe road, stretching 100 kilometers.
Speaking on September 24, 2024, during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Peramiho, Bashungwa revealed that the government plans to sign a contract for the bypass construction by October 2024.
"Honorable President Dr. Samia, as per your directive, by next month, the Ministry will have signed a contract with a contractor for the construction of the 16-kilometer bypass to alleviate traffic congestion in Songea, along with the 100 kilometers heading towards Njombe Region," Bashungwa affirmed.
Additionally, he highlighted that by October 2024, the government would also ink an agreement to commence the construction of the 60-kilometer Lukuyufusi-Lipapasi-Mkenda road, which will connect Ruvuma Region to neighboring Mozambique. This road, long requested by residents, will be upgraded to tarmac.
"The government is moving forward with the construction of the Lukuyufusi-Mkenda road, a project you have been waiting for. Now, under President Samia’s leadership, it will be built to tarmac standard," Bashungwa assured.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Works is in the final stages of selecting a contractor for the construction of the 80-meter Mitomoni Bridge, which will link Songea Rural District with Nyasa District.