By Our Respondents Reporter
At the bustling 8th Mineral Exhibition in Geita, the conversation was not only about minerals and trade.
It was also about something closer to home: the roads and drainage systems that connect people’s daily lives.
Tarura Project Engineer, Faizer Mbange, reminded residents that before a single layer of tarmac is laid, detailed designs are prepared to ensure quality.
He explained that this practice has been crucial in keeping many roads across Tanzania in good condition.
“We carry out careful planning before construction begins, and this allows us to supervise projects closely, ensure value for money, and meet the intended standards,” Mbange said, pointing to the improvements already seen in the region.
But even the best designs, he cautioned, cannot withstand misuse. That message was echoed by Godfrey Vedasto, Senior Social Welfare Officer from TARURA in Geita.
He urged residents to play their part by keeping drainage systems clear and respecting road reserves.
“Dumping waste into drains or carrying out activities too close to the roads may seem small,” he said, “but when the rains come, those actions cause flooding, road damage, and even outbreaks of diseases.”
His words carried a note of frustration, but also of hope — that people would begin to see themselves as custodians of public infrastructure.
The reminder was timely. Roads and drainage systems are among the government’s largest investments in the region, and Vedasto stressed that maintaining them should not be left to Tarura alone.
“The government spends significant funds on this infrastructure. It is the responsibility of citizens to join hands with us to preserve it,” he emphasized.
Among the crowd listening attentively was Augustino Stephano, a Geita resident who has seen firsthand the transformation in his neighborhood.
He praised Tarura for constructing feeder roads and drainage systems that have made travel smoother and safer.
“Before, it was difficult to get around during the rainy season. Now, vehicles pass without much trouble. If we take care of these roads, they will serve us even longer,” he said, adding that the public awareness campaigns led by Tarura experts were already making a difference.
Stephano’s reflections captured the essence of the day: infrastructure is not just about concrete and culverts, but about people’s daily lives — getting to markets, visiting health centers, or walking children to school without wading through muddy, flooded streets.
The exhibition’s focus on infrastructure underscored a broader truth. Development is not only about building new roads but also about nurturing a sense of shared responsibility.
In Geita, Tarura’s message was clear: safeguarding the durability of roads and drainage systems requires both government investment and community cooperation.
And as residents like Stephano have shown, when people feel ownership over these projects, the results can last well beyond the construction phase.