The government has allocated over TZS 424.6 billion in the past four years for the implementation of major infrastructure projects under the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in Rukwa Region, including the rehabilitation of Sumbawanga Airport and the construction of tarmac roads.
According to TANROADS Rukwa Regional Manager, Engineer Mgeni Mwanga, the funds have also supported routine and emergency road maintenance as well as the design of new road networks across the region.
Rukwa Region has a total road network of 1,250.84 kilometres, comprising 415.86 kilometres of trunk roads and 834.98 kilometres of regional roads. Of these, 298.35 kilometres of trunk roads and 76.83 kilometres of regional roads are tarmac, while 117.51 and 758.15 kilometres respectively remain gravel.
Speaking in Sumbawanga on Monday, Engineer Mwanga said rehabilitation works at the Sumbawanga Airport have reached 86 percent completion.
The project is being implemented by Beijing Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd, under the supervision of SMEC International and SMEC Tanzania Ltd, with financing from the European Investment Bank at a cost of TZS 60.1 billion.
He added that the government is also implementing emergency works on three bridges along the Kasansa–Kilyamatundu road that were damaged by El Niño rains and Cyclone Hidaya.
The works, costing TZS 23.18 billion, are being undertaken by STECOL Corporation under the supervision of TECU and funded by the World Bank.
The bridges include Kisa (40 metres), Kinambo II (50 metres), and Ilemba (Mkanga I & II) (60 metres).
“The fourth bridge, Lwanji, which will be 200 metres long, is at the procurement stage. It will be built across the Wisa River at a cost of TZS 28 billion,” Engineer Mwanga said.
He noted that one of the completed strategic projects is the 107-kilometre Sumbawanga–Matai–Kasanga tarmac road, fully financed by the Government of Tanzania at a cost of TZS 133.29 billion. The project was executed by Chinese firms CR15 and New Century.
Ongoing projects include the construction of the Matai–Kasesya road, also fully funded by the government.
The first phase, Matai–Tatanda (25 kilometres), costs TZS 37.35 billion, while the second phase, Tatanda–Kasesya (25 kilometres), costs TZS 36.37 billion.
Both are being constructed by China Geo Engineering Corporation (CGC).
Another strategic project underway is the Ntendo–Muze–Kilyamatundu tarmac road, which covers 179 kilometres and is financed entirely by the government.
The first phase, a 25-kilometre stretch from Ntendo to Kizungu, is being constructed by CGC under the supervision of 7 Engineering Co. Ltd at a cost of TZS 45.3 billion.
Engineer Mwanga said the completion of the Sumbawanga Airport, roads, and bridges will enhance trade and transport efficiency, reduce travel time and road maintenance costs, and improve access to social services.
He added that these projects, especially the airport, will open up economic opportunities by strengthening cross-border trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, improving access to SADC markets and regional gateways.