The Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Manyara Region is set to launch 109 kilometers of new roads in Mbulu, Simanjiro, and Babati districts during the 2024/2025 fiscal year. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to personally inaugurate the projects.
According to Engineer Salim Bwaya, the Acting TARURA Regional Manager for Manyara, these road expansions are expected to bring considerable economic and social benefits to the local communities by improving access to vital services and enhancing mobility.
“This year, our goal is to open 46 kilometers in Mbulu, 41 kilometers in Simanjiro, and 22 kilometers in Babati. The project involves constructing paved roads (11.7 km), gravel roads (251.4 km), maintaining dirt roads (385 km), and building 104 new crossings,” he explained.
Bwaya noted that despite new road constructions, the existing network remains in good condition and is passable year-round. He also highlighted the significant budget increase from TZS 6.788 billion in 2021 to TZS 19.7 billion in 2024/2025, which has enabled TARURA to improve road quality across the region.
The budget increase has led to infrastructure growth, including paved road expansions from 17 km in 2021 to 33.03 km today, and gravel roads from 950 km to 1980 km. Small, medium, and large bridges have also seen substantial increases, further facilitating transport and commerce.
In addition, TARURA is working with local communities to educate them on infrastructure conservation, especially regarding the protection of drainage systems, road signage, and road reserves, which are crucial for climate resilience and environmental protection.
Residents in Babati expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts, acknowledging that better roads and bridges support the transportation of goods and make travel easier, especially during the rainy season.
