The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Geita Region has announced plans to strengthen its road network, with 564 kilometers already serving mining areas out of the total 7,274 kilometers under its management.
Regional Manager Engineer Edward Msechu said during the 8th Mining Exhibition in Geita that about 60 percent of the regional road network is currently passable, noting that road connectivity is critical to supporting both mining activities and community development.
“For the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, TARURA has set aside TZS 580 million to complete 210 kilometers of roads, including those linking to mining sites,” he said.
The agency also operates a modern laboratory in Geita that tests the quality of construction materials. According to Engineer Msechu, the facility is being used not only for TARURA’s projects but also by institutions such as TANESCO, the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC), and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), which rely on it to ensure quality standards in their infrastructure projects.
TARURA officials added that the exhibition is also being used to provide public education on road use and compensation issues.
Head Office Projects Engineer Faizer Mbange said the agency has been engaging visitors on the importance of protecting road infrastructure by avoiding livestock crossings, farming on road reserves, and overloading.
He noted that many residents had limited understanding of compensation procedures, prompting TARURA to clarify the process.
“TARURA implements projects through government and donor funding, and some projects involve compensation,” he explained.
The agency is further promoting the formation of community-based groups to undertake routine road maintenance and safeguard road infrastructure, an approach aimed at improving sustainability and reducing maintenance costs.
