Mbeya, Tanzania – April 21, 2025 – Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, has kicked off an official working tour of the Mbeya Region, where he was received by Regional Commissioner Dr. Juma Homera.
The visit underscores the government’s continued commitment to enhancing infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and regional development.
Upon arrival, Minister Ulega conducted an inspection of the ongoing expansion of the Nsalaga–Ifisi road, a 29-kilometer stretch currently being upgraded into a four-lane highway.
The road is a crucial route within Mbeya and serves as a gateway to the Southern Highlands and neighboring countries.
“This is not just a road it’s a lifeline for trade, investment, and opportunity,” said Minister Ulega during the inspection.
“Upgrading it to four lanes will drastically reduce travel time, ease the movement of goods, and connect farmers and businesses to larger markets. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term economic transformation.”
He emphasized that the government, through the Ministry of Works and TANROADS, is prioritizing strategic road projects that unlock regional potential.
He noted that Mbeya, with its agricultural productivity and position as a transport hub, stands to benefit immensely.
“Our aim is to build roads that open up every corner of this country,” he added. “When we invest in infrastructure, we are investing in people’s livelihoods, in jobs, in education, and in access to essential services.”
Regional Commissioner Dr. Juma Homera welcomed the Minister and praised the government’s dedication to improving road infrastructure in Mbeya.
“The people of Mbeya are already seeing the impact of these projects,” said Dr. Homera. “We’ve seen better connectivity, reduced transport costs, and new business opportunities emerging. We thank the central government for its continued support and investment in our region.”
The Nsalaga–Ifisi road is part of a broader national infrastructure agenda aimed at enhancing Tanzania’s competitiveness and integration with neighboring markets.
Once complete, the road is expected to facilitate the movement of goods from rural areas to urban centers and eventually to international ports.
Minister Ulega is set to continue his tour with visits to other strategic road and infrastructure projects across the region, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Works and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).
“This is just the beginning,” Minister Ulega concluded. “We will not rest until every region is connected and empowered to thrive.”
