The Tanzanian government, through the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), has signed 93 contracts totaling TZS 868.56 billion to repair and construct roads and bridges damaged by heavy rains from the El Nino phenomenon and Cyclone Hidaya.
The projects, spanning various regions across the country, aim to address critical infrastructure needs.
Speaking today in Dodoma at the signing event, Minister for Works Innocent Bashungwa emphasized the importance of adherence to contractual standards, urging contractors to carry out their duties diligently.
He warned that the government would take action against any contractor who fails to fulfill their obligations, underscoring the urgency and importance of the work.
Bashungwa also dismissed recent claims suggesting that government construction projects had been halted.
“TANROADS, in partnership with the government, is actively engaged in the construction of 87 projects covering 3,140.7 kilometers of roads, bridges, and airports,” he said.
So far, TZS 53.9 billion has been allocated as initial payments to contractors to kick-start these essential projects.”
“These funds, totaling TZS 53.9 billion, arrived from the Treasury just a month ago, following the relentless efforts of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. This allowed us to launch eight road projects, including the 50-kilometer Kyerwa - Omurushaka road. For those who doubt this progress, they can see evidence on YouTube,” he stated. “TANROADS is far from struggling, so let’s ignore misinformation,” he added.
The Minister noted that, in line with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to strengthen local capacity, 90% of these contracts will be awarded to Tanzanian contractors.
Bashungwa highlighted that this approach would enhance skills within the local construction industry and boost economic growth.
Projects funded under the new contracts will be implemented in the regions of Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Geita, Kagera, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mwanza, Njombe, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Singida, Songwe, Shinyanga, Tanga, and Kigoma.
TANROADS Executive Director, Engineer Mohamed Besta, expressed gratitude to the government for the substantial funding, pledging to uphold quality standards and ensure timely completion of the projects.
In Dodoma, District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri highlighted several ongoing projects in the region, including the Dodoma outer ring road and Msalato International Airport.
He assured the public that construction work continues, with no projects stalled.
Ushetu MP, Emmanuel Cherehani, also thanked the government for prioritizing emergency road and bridge projects in his constituency, where approximately TZS 13 billion will be spent on building permanent bridges and culverts.
Cherehani praised TANROADS for expanding the local road network from 45 kilometers to 309 kilometers over the past four years, significantly improving access for economic and social activities.
Following the damage caused by the El Nino rains and Cyclone Hidaya from September 2023 to May 2024, an estimated 520 kilometers of roads and 189 bridges and culverts across the country were affected.
The government initially released TZS 130 billion for emergency repairs to restore this vital infrastructure.