The Agri-Connect road project in Mbinga District is making significant progress and is expected to transform local infrastructure and the economy. Engineer Oscar Musa, District Manager of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), said the 14.4-kilometre Utili–Mahande road, valued at TZS 16.5 billion, is on track for completion by May 2026.
“The project aims to serve the communities of Utili, Mahande, and surrounding areas by easing the transport of agricultural inputs and crops such as coffee and grains. This will open up economic opportunities for local farmers,” Engineer Musa said.
Construction works, including clearing the road and laying the earth layer, have been completed on eight kilometres. Seven bridges are under construction, and the road is gradually taking shape under the supervision of Ovans Construction Ltd, a local contractor.
Mbinga District manages a total road network of 2,037 kilometres, including 45 kilometres of asphalt roads, 207 kilometres of gravel roads, and 1,780 kilometres of earth roads.
With over 300 bridges in the district, TARURA said the increase in the road budget from TZS 1.7 billion to TZS 5.2 billion in the Sixth Phase has allowed for faster development, including asphalt paving, installation of streetlights, and opening new roads.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, TARURA plans to construct 12 stone bridges, maintain 1.8 kilometres of asphalt roads, install 18 streetlights, and open 120 kilometres of new roads, including laying gravel on 36 kilometres.
To involve the community, TARURA conducted training for 24 local residents, registering four workgroups who will participate in different phases of road construction.
This approach is expected to create jobs and encourage local participation in development.
Residents are already feeling the impact. Mr. Theofred Komba of Utili said the road will make it easier to transport crops and reduce transport costs from TZS 5,000 to TZS 3,000. Ms. Leonia Komba said pregnant women will now reach health centres on time, even during the rainy season when travel used to be very difficult.“The completion of this road will change the way we live and work,” she said.