The construction of a new bridge at TAG Darajani in Nsalaga Ward, Mbeya City, has brought major relief to residents, easing transport and opening up economic opportunities for communities that were previously cut off during the rainy season.
Spanning 9 metres in length and 7 metres in width, the bridge connects Mbeya City to Mbarali District and was constructed with a budget of TSh 299 million following the collapse of the previous structure due to heavy rains.
According to Mr. Mayungu Mbita, Principal Technician from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Mbeya, the new bridge is a critical investment for a largely farming community.
“Most residents here depend on agriculture—growing vegetables, maize, and beans. This bridge has made it much easier for them to transport their produce to nearby markets, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
Local residents say the bridge has transformed their daily lives. Mr. Alfred Maneno, a resident of Nsalaga, said the area used to become impassable during heavy rains, forcing people to take long and unsafe routes.
“In the past, every time it rained, the bridge would be washed away. There was no reliable connection between Nsalaga and Ndundu. We had to make long detours just to reach the main road. Today, we move easily and safely between the two areas,” said Mr. Maneno.
Ms. Mary Mchau, who lives in Ndundu, said the bridge has solved challenges they had faced for years.
“This bridge has ended our long-time suffering. During floods, people would fall into the water, children would lose schoolbooks, and farmers couldn’t get their crops to the market. Now, even big trucks can pass, and our produce is reaching buyers on time,” she said.
Motorcycle taxi driver Mr. Edson Gali from Nsalaga echoed the same sentiment, saying the project has cut travel time and reduced risks for riders and passengers.
“We used to take dangerous and long routes just to get to the town centre. But now we can go straight through without any issues. We really thank the government for listening to our concerns,” he said.
The TAG Bridge is part of broader efforts by the government to improve rural and urban road networks, stimulate local economies, and ensure safer mobility for all citizens.