The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), is executing 13 emergency infrastructure projects in Lindi Region at a total cost of TZS 119 billion to restore connectivity and improve resilience following severe weather damage.
The projects, which include the construction of key bridges and box culverts, are part of the government’s rapid response to the destruction caused by heavy rains and floods linked to the El Niño weather pattern and Cyclone Hidaya between October 2023 and May 2024.
Among the projects are the construction of the Kipwata Bridge (40 metres) and box culverts at Sakura and Songas, the Mikereng’ende Bridge (40 metres) and box culverts at Mtandango/Stakishari and Masaninga, as well as the Mbwemkuru I box culvert (four cells, 5m x 4m) with spur dykes to prevent soil erosion.
Others include the Somanga Mtama Bridge (60 metres) and Njenga II Bridge (60 metres), all located along the Marendego–Lindi–Mingoyo trunk road.
Additional works are taking place along the Nangurukuru–Liwale regional road, which involves the construction of the Miguruwe Bridge (39 metres) and four box culverts, the Zinga Bridge (18 metres), and the Kimambi Bridge (39 metres).
The Liwale–Nachingwea regional road is also under rehabilitation, featuring the construction of the Nangano Bridge (20 metres), two emergency culverts measuring 2x2 metres, two of 5x2.5 metres, and the Mbwemkuru II Bridge (64 metres).
Meanwhile, on the Kiranjeranje–Namichiga road, the government is building the Nakiu Bridge (70 metres), the Kigombo Bridge (25 metres), and a 5x4 metre culvert. Six box culverts are also being built along the Tingi–Kipatimo road.
Speaking after inspecting the projects, Tanroads Lindi Regional Development Projects Manager, Engineer Fred Sanga, said that TZS 58.5 billion has already been disbursed to contractors, and work is progressing well, with completion expected by December this year.
He added that in the 2025/26 fiscal year, the government plans to allocate TZS 16.2 billion for road maintenance, including TZS 13.3 billion for rehabilitation projects and TZS 2.9 billion for development works.
The funds will cover the construction of 405.15 kilometres of tarmac roads and 901.54 kilometres of gravel roads.
Engineer Sanga further noted that three new bridges will also be built under the 2025/26 plan—along the Kilwa Masoko–Liwale, Matangini–Chiola–Likunja, and Chiola–Ruponda roads.
Lindi Region’s road infrastructure was among the hardest hit by the heavy rains and floods, leaving communities isolated and disrupting transport and trade.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration responded by allocating TZS 19 billion for emergency rehabilitation to quickly restore access and support livelihoods.