By Charles Mkoka
The Rural and Urban Roads
Agency (Tarura) in the Ruvuma Region has unveiled an ambitious plan for the
2024/2025 fiscal year, earmarking TZS 38.394 billion for a transformative road
maintenance and construction project covering 1,145 kilometers.
The initiative also
includes the construction of 50 small bridges and 57 culverts, promising to
revolutionize the region’s infrastructure and boost connectivity.
Engineer Silvester
Chinengo, the TARURA Manager for the Ruvuma Region, highlighted the diverse
funding sources for the project. A significant portion, TZS 7.8 billion, is
allocated to main roads, while TZS 9.8 billion comes from fuel levies.
Additionally, TZS 4.5
billion is sourced from the Constituency Fund, and the Agricconnect project
under the European Union supports TZS 16.2 billion. This funding mix
underscores a robust commitment to fostering growth and accessibility in the
region.
Showcasing progress,
Chinengo introduced three new roads in Songea District: The Muungano-Majengo
Road and the Kilimo Mseto-PM House Road, each spanning 1.5 kilometers and
costing TZS 949 million, alongside the 1.1-kilometer Mjimwema-Mkuzo Road,
completed at TZS 426 million.
These roads, constructed
using funds from fuel levies, have dramatically improved living conditions for
residents, who previously endured floods and impassable muddy paths during
rainy seasons. Chenango emphasized the benefits of these developments, citing
their positive impact on property value, community mobility, and overall
quality of life.
Tarura oversees a vast
network of 71,146.21 kilometers of roads in the Ruvuma Region, including 306
bridges, 531 culverts, and 14 drifts. Of this network, 32.36% are embankments,
54.12% are gravel roads, and the community maintains 13.43%.
Despite these extensive
operations, only 1.8% of the roads are paved, with 20% gravel roads and the
remainder dirt tracks.
Chinengo also highlighted
ongoing initiatives under the Rural Integrated Support for Entrepreneurs (RISE)
program, implemented in six councils, including Madaba and Mbinga.
The government has
further allocated TZS 2.28 billion for constructing bridges and gravel roads to
eliminate transport barriers, with implementation already surpassing 70%.
Chinengo praised the
sixth-phase government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan for diversifying
road development funding.
New funding streams, such
as the Constituency Fund and levies, have significantly expanded the road
network and enhanced accessibility. Over 65% of the roads are now passable
year-round, with increased paved sections and streetlights illuminating
district headquarters.
Acting TARURA Manager for
Songea District, Godfrey Mngale, detailed improvements on the Mjimwema-Mkuzo
Road, including a tarmac layer and stone drainage channels. These upgrades have
transformed the neighborhood, eased transportation and increased land and
property values.
Residents have also
expressed their gratitude for the upgrades. Denis Timoth of Matogoro Street
commended the government for addressing long-standing road challenges,
facilitating economic activities, and improving lives. Agnes Komba of Makambi
Street noted that the newly constructed roads have eradicated transportation
woes, enabling residents to escape poverty and drive economic growth in their
communities.
Tarura’s bold
initiatives, powered by strategic investments and strong government support,
are set to reshape the Ruvuma Region, enhancing lives and boosting local
economies. Residents are urged to safeguard these infrastructure assets, which
promise to serve as a foundation for progress and prosperity for years to come.