By Mutayoba Arbogast
In a recent session of parliament, Nkenge Constituency Member of Parliament, Florent Kyombo, has expressed his gratitude to the government for its efforts to enhance road infrastructure in Missenyi, district, Kagera region.
The MP specifically praised the construction of reliable roads, which he believes are crucial for ensuring that development reaches the people of his constituency. He acknowledged the significant work being accomplished by Tanroads and the overall progress of road projects within Missenyi district
"Mr. Chairman, I am standing especially on behalf of the people of Missenyi to congratulate the great work that through this Ministry, Tanroad has done a great deal of work within in our district", said Kyombo in Parliaments
During his speech, Kyombo highlighted the need of completion of Katoma-Kanyigo-Bukwali paved road which is under construction which has been under construction for a period of time now, but the work has been going too slow to meet the expectations.
"Mr. Chairman, I am standing especially on behalf of the people of Missenyi to congratulate the great work that through this Ministry, Tanroad has done a great deal of work and all road works within our district that are in the construction stage. 38.8. " Said Kyombo Parliament
Residents have been raising desire voices for speeding up the work and complete the 38.8 km Katoma-Bukwali road as they believe this would significantly enhance their connectivity with Uganda and facilitate trade and movement.
Over the past two years, the project has averaged only 0.4 km of construction annually, leading to frustration among the residents who doubt the project's timely completion.
Kyombo, however, is optimistic for the future and reassured the public that additional funding and detailed road plans are in place, suggesting that progress is on the horizon, as now another allocation of 100 million shilling has been set for road development, which is seen as vital for boosting local transit and economy
When completed, and the installation of a ferry at Kagera river, it is believed will easily to connect Bukoba to Kampala-Uganda than the current distance of 304 km via the Bukoba-Mutukula highway, or traveling by boat via Lake Victoria km 202, so it would reduce travel time and expences improve economic gains.
Showing the people in both Tanzania and Uganda are in great need of that road, in December 2019, during general meeting of Kanyigo and Kashenye Development Association (KADEA), the invitee Hon. Kalemba Christopher, Member of Parliament for Kakuuto County, in Mbarara district, Uganda said that the good cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda, would benefit the two countries if there was a reliable road cutting through Kiziba Division in Missenyu to Bukoba, while they were also planning to set up a ferry on Kagera River, although that plan up to now has not been fulfilled.
The elderly recalled the colonial era when there was a small ship carrying tin and timber from Tanzania to Uganda through Kagera River, suggesting that it would be restored, assisting the road to stimulate economic growth.
Additionally, Kyombo has been advocating for the construction of other roads such as Bunazi to Kagera Sugar factory road, which has been allocated 300 million shillings and is part of a broader budget of 5.4 billion.
The public's need for improved transport infrastructure is clearly echoed in the sentiments shared by community members, of better roads do stimulate the economy.