Kibaha Municipality in Pwani Region is set for a major transformation after the signing of a TZS19.83 billion contract under the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project, a government initiative financed through a World Bank loan.
The project, coordinated by the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), is expected to create new jobs, improve the business environment, and raise the economic profile of one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at Mnarani Market, Engineer Emmanuel Manyanga, who represented TARURA’s Chief Executive and serves as Assistant Coordinator of TACTIC, said the initiative will upgrade roads, markets, and public spaces, while also enhancing municipal management.
“This project will expand employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve business conditions in Kibaha. It will also ease transport services, beautify the municipality, and give it the dignity it deserves,” he said.
The first phase, to be implemented by contractor M/s Dimetoclasa Real Hope Limited within 15 months, includes construction of Tughe–Anglikana Road (1.1 km), Picha ya Ndege–Lulanzi Hospital Road (3.7 km), redevelopment of Mnarani Market, a modern recreation park, and a project administration block.
Pwani Regional Commissioner, Mr. Abubakar Kunenge, urged residents to safeguard the new infrastructure, while directing Kibaha Municipal Council to focus on self-sustaining projects such as markets and bus terminals.
“We expect these developments to bring positive changes for residents and visitors alike. Access to better transport, food, clothing, and improved trading spaces will raise the value of surrounding areas and increase council revenues,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of quality and timely completion. “The contractor must deliver on time and with the agreed standards so that the community begins to benefit quickly from this investment by the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.”
The TACTIC programme, valued at $410 million, targets 45 municipalities nationwide. Beyond infrastructure upgrades, it seeks to strengthen local government capacity in urban development and revenue collection, ensuring cities are better equipped to manage rapid growth.
For Kibaha, the project marks a turning point. Once completed, it is expected not only to ease daily movement and trade but also to open new opportunities for young people and small businesses, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.