By Charles Mkoka
The Tanzanian government has signed a contract for the construction of the Jangwani Bridge, which will span 390 meters and include 700 meters of connecting roads along the Fire-Ubungo route. The project, set to cost Sh 97.1 billion, is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The contract was signed on October 22, 2024, in Dar es Salaam between the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) and China Communications Construction Company Limited, in a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, along with other key government officials.
Minister Bashungwa emphasized the importance of the bridge in alleviating the long-standing transportation challenges in the Jangwani area, which frequently suffers from road closures during the rainy season due to flooding. He directed the contractor to mobilize equipment and begin work within three months, urging that the construction follow the agreed timeline and standards.
In addition to the bridge, the government will simultaneously undertake the construction of Msimbazi River banks as part of the Msimbazi Basin development program, overseen by the President’s Office (PO-RALG)
Bashungwa highlighted that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated Sh 125 billion for the restoration of critical infrastructure in Dar es Salaam affected by El-Nino rains. This includes several bridges such as Kigogo, Mpiji Chini, Mtongani, Mkwajuni, Mzinga, Nguva, and many more, as well as improvements to key drainage channels.
Tanroads Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Mohamed Besta, confirmed that China Communications Construction Company Limited was the winning bidder for the project. The construction will be supervised by South Africa's Leporogo Specialist Engineers, in collaboration with Tanzania’s Afrisa Consulting Ltd and South Korea’s Dong Myeong Engineering Consultants & Architecture Co. Ltd.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Ilala MP, Mussa Hassan Zungu, credited the successful initiation of the Jangwani Bridge project to the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly her reform policies known as the 4Rs.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, praised the President for her commitment to improving the city's infrastructure, stating that the Jangwani Bridge project will mark a historic milestone for the region.
The construction of the Jangwani Bridge is a key part of the government’s plan to enhance economic and social development in Dar es Salaam by improving the city's transport infrastructure and boosting efficiency in the sector.