Mwanza– President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially inaugurated the landmark J.P. Magufuli Bridge, a 3-kilometre structure accompanied by 1.66 kilometres of connecting roads.
The bridge links Misungwi and Sengerema districts in Mwanza Region, significantly improving regional transport and trade flow across Lake Victoria.
Named in honour of the late President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, the bridge stands as one of Tanzania’s most ambitious infrastructure achievements, designed to enhance both local and international connectivity.
“One of the commitments I made was to continue the development projects initiated by my predecessors,” said President Samia during the launch event.
“This bridge fulfills a vision of the late President Magufuli, and today, we turn that dream into a reality.”she added
Located on the vital Usagara–Sengerema–Geita corridor, the bridge will play a key role in facilitating trade and travel between Tanzania and neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. The travel time across the lake has now been reduced to just four minutes.
The J.P. Magufuli Bridge was financed entirely through domestic resources at a total cost of TZS 718 billion.
According to President Samia, 92% of the workforce involved in the project were Tanzanian, underscoring the country’s growing capacity to execute large-scale infrastructure projects independently.
“Tanzania is now capable of planning and executing its own projects. This bridge is a symbol of that progress,” the President noted.
She called on citizens to make full use of the bridge to enhance productivity, grow businesses, and strengthen regional trade.
She also directed security agencies, the Ministry of Works, and TANROADS to ensure the strategic infrastructure is well maintained through regular inspections to prolong its service life.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa applauded President Samia’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure development.
“Madam President, you have worked tirelessly to mobilise resources and complete infrastructure and social projects. Your leadership is making a real difference,” said the Prime Minister.
Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, also praised President Samia’s determination and vision.
“When she took office, only 25% of the bridge was complete, and TZS 152 billion had been disbursed. In just four years, she ensured the project was finished and all outstanding payments to contractors and consultants were settled,” said Ulega.
He described the bridge as a symbol of Tanzania’s ability to make strategic decisions, manage development, and improve the livelihoods of its people.
To further ease transport in Mwanza, the government is set to begin construction of a four-lane highway between Mwanza City and Usagara (22 km).
Additionally, three ferries that previously operated between Kigongo and Busisi will be relocated to other parts of Lake Victoria to continue providing essential services.
The J.P. Magufuli Bridge is now the seventh-longest in Africa and the sixth-longest in East and Central Africa—positioning Tanzania as a regional leader in transport infrastructure.