By Alfred ZachariaThe Minister for Construction, Abdallah Ulega, has set a three-month deadline for the contractor, M/s China Railway 15 Bureau Group Cooperation, to complete the construction of the Lukuledi Bridge as part of the Nachingwea-Ruangwa-Nanganga Road project (106 km).
The minister issued the directive today while inspecting the road and bridges on the project. He emphasized that funds are available, and it is the contractor's responsibility to accelerate the work so that residents of Ruangwa and Nachingwea can benefit from the project as soon as possible.
“The CEO of TANROADS must ensure that this project is completed on time, with high-quality standards, to ensure its longevity and to enable the people of Ruangwa and Nachingwea to easily access markets for their crops,” Minister Ulega stated.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the importance of incorporating streetlights along the road to eliminate darkness, promote urban development, and support business activities at all times.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that young people and women from the areas where these projects are taking place be given priority for employment opportunities, allowing them to benefit economically,” Ulega added.
Engineer Simon Makala, the project supervisor from TECU, reported that a total of 165 local residents from Ruangwa have already been employed on a temporary basis due to the project, and this practice will continue as opportunities arise.
Mohamed Moyo, the District Commissioner of Nachingwea and Acting District Commissioner of Ruangwa, urged citizens to protect the infrastructure, including road signs and bridges, by preventing theft and avoiding illegal activities such as sand mining along the road.
The Nachingwea-Ruangwa-Nanganga 106 km road is a strategic project, divided into two sections for faster completion: Nachingwea-Ruangwa (57.6 km) and Ruangwa-Nanganga (53.2 km). Once completed, the road will significantly improve connectivity in Lindi Region, promoting the production and transportation of key crops such as sesame, beans, cashew nuts, and sunflower. This, in turn, will stimulate economic growth in Ruangwa and Nachingwea districts and strengthen the transport and logistics sector in Lindi.
