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| The Dar es Salaam manager Tanroads, Engineer John Mkumbo. Photo: Courtesy |
The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) has today September 26, 2024, presented a detailed report highlighting its achievements over the past three years. The report showcases the completion of 38 projects across 17 regions in Tanzania, covering an impressive 1,198 kilometers of road infrastructure. This includes the construction of nine bridges, various asphalt roads, and significant upgrades to airports.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of TANROADS Engineer Efathar Mlavi announced exciting plans to construct an additional 19 bridges in various locations nationwide. In the aviation sector, Tanroads is currently overseeing 11 airport projects, with seven already completed and the remaining ones in progress.
A remarkable achievement noted in the report is the engagement of 1,067 local contractors, resulting in an investment of over Sh 467 billion in various projects. This initiative not only supports the local construction industry but also prioritizes training opportunities for various groups, including marginalized communities and students through hands-on training programs.
In urban infrastructure developments, Tanroads has secured government funding to install traffic lights in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Njombe, Dodoma, and Mbeya. The government remains committed to alleviating urban congestion in Dar es Salaam by advancing the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors.
The report also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance road safety through the development of flyovers in areas such as Changombe and Uhasibu. Furthermore, the agency is making strides in constructing bypass roads, including the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, Iringa Bypass, Songwe, and Songea Bypass, aimed at reducing unnecessary traffic from trucks entering urban centers.
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TANROADS has also been proactive in repairing infrastructure damaged by El Niño rains and Cyclone Hidaya, with the government allocating $325 million for these repair efforts. The CEO revealed that designs for the Jangwani Bridge have been finalized, and the construction contract is expected to be signed shortly, likely in October, with a duration of 24 months.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Tanzania as a transit hub for landlocked neighboring countries, making infrastructure development vital for facilitating trade and commerce.
In response to journalists’ questions, the acting CEO reassured that the preparations for the Jangwani Bridge contract are complete and awaiting signature, reinforcing the government's commitment to accelerating development projects.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by local contractors, particularly in securing financing for capital-intensive projects, he stressed the need for capacity building and skill enhancement to improve local expertise in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
TANROADS is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals involved in vandalizing infrastructure. The agency encourages the public to protect these national assets for the greater good of the country.
Additionally, TANROADS is implementing various educational initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of maintaining infrastructure and adhering to road safety regulations.
According to the report, all these projects are part of the Sh 1.5 trillion budget allocated by the government for the Ministry of Works. Future plans include the construction of an expressway from Kibaha to Chalinze, designed for high-speed traffic with controlled access, similar to the Kimara-Mbezi Road.
As the global community faces the challenges of climate change, the acting CEO acknowledged the significant impact of extreme weather on infrastructure. TANROADS is conducting feasibility studies and collaborating with other institutions to prevent commercial activities on road pavements, as such activities are prohibited by law.
This report underscores Tanroads' unwavering commitment to enhancing the country's infrastructure, ultimately improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.
