The Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, has announced that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan's government will allocate a total of TZS 669 billion for the construction of roads and bridges in the Lindi and Mtwara regions. The aim is to improve transportation and unlock economic potential in these southern regions.
Speaking in Mtwara, Minister Ulega stated that the infrastructure will be developed through projects such as the Mtwara–Mingoyo (Mnazi Mmoja)–Masasi road (201 km), which will cost TZS 401 billion.
Another road, the Mtwara–Tandahimba–Newala–Masasi road, will cost TZS 268 billion upon completion.
Minister Ulega told residents of Mtwara that this significant investment reflects President Samia’s strong commitment to the people of the southern regions.
The main goal is to enhance economic development and create economic opportunities for the local population.
"To the people of the southern regions, I bring you greetings from your President, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Once these roads are completed, there will be about 4,800 streetlights from Mtwara to Masasi. The South will shine at night and look beautiful. Good roads open up the economy, and with 24-hour lighting, business can operate at all times,” Ulega said.
The Minister is on a working tour in the Mtwara region, where he is also following up on directives from the ruling party, CCM, to monitor the progress of road rehabilitation and other infrastructure damaged during last year’s rainy season and Cyclone Hidaya.
Breaking down the investment, Ulega noted that over TZS 230 billion has been allocated for the construction of the Mnivata–Newala–Masasi road (160 km) to tarmac standard, along with the construction of the Mwiti Bridge (84 meters), to economically connect the districts of Masasi, Newala, Tandahimba, and Mtwara through improved transport for passengers and goods.
He urged contractors working on the Mnivata–Masasi road to prioritize employment for local residents by collaborating with Ward and District government offices along the road corridor.
He emphasized that while the government is implementing various road projects, these initiatives must also create employment opportunities for local residents and equip them with skills that will benefit their communities socially and economically.
Ulega also directed TANROADS to complete the procedures for hiring contractors who will implement Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, so that road construction goes hand-in-hand with community development projects.
These include building a bus terminal, warehouse, cashew nut shelling machines, school dormitories, doctors’ houses, purchasing X-ray equipment, and an ambulance.
Meanwhile, the TANROADS Manager for Mtwara Region, Engineer Dotto John, said the project being implemented by the contractor China WuYi is divided into two phases.
The first phase, from Mnivata to Mitesa (100 km), will take 36 months, while the second phase, from Mitesa to Masasi (60 km) including the 84-meter Mwiti Bridge, will take 30 months to complete.
For his part, Tandahimba Member of Parliament Ahmad Katani thanked the government for the road project, describing it as economically vital since it passes through areas known for large-scale cashew production.
