In a major infrastructure milestone, the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has constructed 439 cost-effective stone bridges across Tanzania, saving the government over Sh75 billion that would have otherwise been spent on more expensive alternatives.
Speaking on Sunday at the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, TARURA’s Consulting Engineer, Pharles Ngeleja, revealed that the agency opted for stone technology to minimize costs while delivering durable infrastructure suited to rural environments.
“We have spent Sh15 billion to build 439 stone bridges, while the same number of concrete bridges would have cost the government over Sh90 billion,” he said.
“That means we’ve saved more than Sh75 billion through the adoption of this smart and locally adaptable technology.”he added
Engineer Ngeleja explained that stone bridges are not only cheaper to construct but also better suited to areas prone to extreme weather conditions, where concrete structures often suffer recurring damage.
“Stone bridges are resilient and sustainable. They are built using locally available materials and withstand seasonal floods that often cut off road access in rural areas,” he said.
The initiative comes as part of TARURA’s broader strategy to enhance rural connectivity and open up economic opportunities, particularly for farmers.
“Roads are the arteries of the rural economy. Even if a farmer produces a bumper harvest, it is meaningless if there is no road to access the market,” said Eng. Ngeleja. “TARURA plays a critical role in linking production areas to trade and services.”
He emphasized that improved road infrastructure is vital in boosting agricultural productivity, improving household incomes, and accelerating rural development.
TARURA is showcasing its achievements at the ongoing Nane Nane Exhibition in Dodoma, where it has been attracting stakeholders, farmers, and members of the public to its pavilion.
Through live demonstrations and information displays, the agency is highlighting how its infrastructure projects are transforming rural Tanzania by improving access to health services, education, markets, and administrative centres.
The use of stone bridge technology is increasingly being seen as a model of innovation and cost-efficiency in public infrastructure, especially in low-resource settings.
With rural roads and bridges serving as a backbone to Tanzania’s agricultural economy, TARURA’s investment in low-cost, high-impact infrastructure is contributing to the country’s broader development goals under the Sixth Phase Government.
As the government intensifies efforts to improve rural mobility, reduce transport costs, and enhance service delivery, TARURA’s approach is positioning the agency as a key player in building inclusive and sustainable infrastructure nationwide.