The government has moved to tighten surveillance on the strategic J.P. Magufuli Bridge in Mwanza by installing high-definition CCTV cameras, a move that reflects Tanzania’s broader shift toward modern infrastructure security management.
The initiative, overseen by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), is expected to reinforce efforts to protect the bridge and extend its lifespan by deterring vandalism, monitoring traffic patterns, and enhancing emergency response capacity.
Mwanza TANROADS Regional Manager, Engineer Ambrose Pascal, told media that the contractor who built the bridge has been awarded a contract extension to execute the installation of the surveillance systems. This includes setting up a dedicated police post and a control room equipped with real-time monitoring systems.
“While the bridge is currently manned round-the-clock by security personnel, the integration of modern technology—through CCTV cameras and a permanent police presence—will help us proactively manage safety concerns and mitigate potential threats. This mirrors global best practices on major infrastructure assets,” said Eng. Pascal.
The move signals a deliberate effort by the government to apply digital tools in public infrastructure protection, especially at a time when Tanzania is experiencing increased investment in mega projects that are central to regional connectivity and economic growth.
Officially inaugurated on June 19, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the J.P. Magufuli Bridge has quickly become one of the most heavily trafficked crossings in the Lake Zone, serving motorists, commercial transporters, tricycles (bajajis), and motorcycle riders.
With its strategic role in linking Mwanza to key inland and cross-border trade corridors, experts say the bridge must be safeguarded against both physical damage and misuse to maintain its structural integrity and economic value.
“The bridge is not just a transit structure—it is a lifeline for regional mobility and trade,” said Eng. Pascal, noting that security enhancements were necessary to ensure that the public investment continues to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits.
He also urged citizens, particularly local residents, to take a leading role in protecting the bridge from vandalism, emphasizing that national assets of this scale require shared responsibility.
“We encourage young people from nearby communities to tap into emerging business opportunities—be it logistics, food services, or small-scale commerce. The improved security framework will make this economic hub even more attractive,” Eng. Pascal said.
The J.P. Magufuli Bridge, one of East Africa’s longest, replaced a long-standing ferry service between Kigongo and Busisi. Its construction significantly reduced travel time and increased logistical efficiency, making Mwanza a critical node in the national transportation grid.
Analysts say the latest security enhancements are a necessary evolution, given the bridge's growing role in economic integration, mobility, and regional development.