Tanzanian President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a directive to establish dedicated truck parking areas and install solar-powered streetlights in the rapidly growing towns of Dakawa and Kibaigwa along the Morogoro-Dodoma highway.
The initiative seeks to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and stimulate economic activity in the region.
During an inspection of the highway, Minister for Works, Hon. Abdallah Ulega, called on regional TANROADS managers in Morogoro and Dodoma to implement the directive without delay.
“The President has emphasized the importance of equipping major highways with solar-powered streetlights in emerging urban areas. This is essential to improve safety, minimize accidents, and foster the growth of local businesses,” said Minister Ulega.
The Minister underscored the role of reliable infrastructure in driving economic growth, urging officials to prioritize efficiency and innovation.
VIDEO: President Samia orders construction of truck parking and solar lights in Dakawa and Kibaigwa
“These solar-powered lights are a cost-effective solution that ensures these towns can thrive, with businesses operating safely both day and night,” he added.
To alleviate congestion in Morogoro town, the government plans to construct key feeder roads connecting Nane Nane to Msamvu and Kihonda to Mkundi.
Minister Ulega appealed for public cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of these projects.
Additionally, the Station-to-Kihonda road is being expanded into a four-lane highway, a move aimed at reducing traffic jams and attracting new investments to the area.
Minister Ulega directed TANROADS Morogoro Manager Eng. Alinanuswe Lazack Kyamba to oversee the construction of a 200-meter truck parking area in Dakawa equipped with 50 solar streetlights. Similarly, TANROADS Dodoma Manager Eng.
Zuhura Aman was tasked with creating a similar facility in Kibaigwa. These projects are expected to improve road safety and boost trade by enabling businesses to operate around the clock.
In Dodoma, Minister Ulega emphasized the need to integrate solar streetlights into ongoing emergency road projects and called for the construction of bypass roads to address growing traffic challenges in the city.
The Minister revealed that the government has allocated TZS 54 billion for repairing bridges damaged by El Niño rains in Morogoro, and an additional TZS 35 billion for similar projects in Dodoma. Contractors have been instructed to accelerate work and maintain round-the-clock schedules to meet project timelines.
This directive forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure, improve public safety, and create an enabling environment for trade and investment across Tanzania’s key economic corridors.
By focusing on sustainable solutions like solar power and efficient road designs, President Samia’s administration continues to prioritize long-term growth while addressing immediate challenges in the transport sector.