Dar es Salaam— Tanzania’s Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has been awarded international recognition for its pioneering approach to community engagement in infrastructure development, receiving a special accolade for its "People-Centered Design Approach" in road construction.
The award, presented by the UK-based FIA Foundation in partnership with the nonprofit organization AMEND, honors TARURA’s efforts to integrate local community input into road design processes.
The initiative ensures that infrastructure projects reflect the specific needs of the populations they serve particularly in areas surrounding schools, marketplaces, and healthcare facilities.
By embedding stakeholder engagement into the design phase, TARURA aims to improve safety, accessibility, and long-term usability of roads in both rural and urban settings.
The agency’s approach prioritizes vulnerable road users, especially schoolchildren, who are disproportionately affected by road traffic injuries in many African countries.
The recognition was conferred during the Africa Regional Road Safety Forum held at the Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam.
The event convened transport and infrastructure leaders from across the continent, including delegations from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, São Tomé, Madagascar, and host nation Tanzania.
TARURA participated in the forum by sharing insights on its inclusive design model and advocating for child-centered road safety standards.
The agency’s work aligns with broader regional efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and promote sustainable, equitable infrastructure development.