The Tanzanian government has invested 2.53 trillion shillings over the past three years to improve rural infrastructure, particularly roads.
According to a report on the achievements of the sixth administration, issued by the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the Rural Roads Agency (Tarura) has successfully constructed 819.22 kilometers of tarmacked roads. This expansion has boosted the national road network from 2,404.90 km to 3,224.12 km.
In addition to tarmacked roads, TARURA has also built 11,924.36 kilometers of gravel roads, increasing the total network from 29,183.17 km to 41,107.52 km.
The agency has also completed the construction of six major bridges, including the Berega Bridge (140m) in Kilosa, Msadya Bridge (60m) in Mpimbwe, and Mwasanga Bridge (40m) in Mbeya, all of which are now operational. Meanwhile, work continues on the Kiwila (40m) bridge in Ileje, the Mkomanzi-Korogwe (60m) bridge and the Kalambo (80m) bridge.
A key strategy for cost-effective infrastructure development has been the use of locally sourced materials. Notably, 23.18 kilometers of gravel roads have been constructed for 8.1 billion shillings.
This approach has proven to be more affordable than using light asphalt, which would have cost 12.8 billion shillings, and even more economical compared to using asphalt concrete, which would have amounted to 33.6 billion shillings.
As of February 2024, TARURA has also built 226 stone bridges worth 12.52 billion shillings, reducing construction costs by more than 50%.
This massive investment in rural roads is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and improve access to essential services across the country.