The Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in the Coast Region has announced major progress in improving roads after spending more than TSh 53 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The investment has brought notable relief to communities, producers, and businesses that depend on reliable transport.
TARURA’s Coast Regional Manager, Engineer Ibrahim Kibasa, said the funding from the government and development partners has transformed several key routes that connect villages, markets, health facilities, industrial areas, and residential communities.
He noted that the Sixth-Phase Government has remained consistent in allocating development funds that support mobility and reduce transport-related hardships.
Engineer Kibasa said the region’s road network covers more than 5,186 kilometres, the majority of which are earth roads that require frequent upgrades to withstand heavy use.
He explained that the improvements carried out this year have focused on stretches that directly affect livelihoods by enabling farmers to move crops more easily, easing access to social services, and helping industries transport raw materials and finished goods without delay.
The TZS 53 billion funding package included allocations from the Road Fund for regular maintenance and development, support from the Government Consolidated Fund, the TZS 100 fuel levy, emergency financing, and a significant contribution from the World Bank through the CERC programme. According to him, these resources allowed TARURA to address long-standing bottlenecks, especially in rural and agricultural areas that often face seasonal disruption.
Across the region, the agency has upgraded bridges, culverts, stormwater channels, and feeder roads that were previously prone to flooding or erosion.
In Kibaha, Rufiji, Kibiti, Bagamoyo, Chalinze, Mkuranga, Mafia, and Kisarawe, communities have begun to experience smoother travel, reduced travel time, and safer movement during the rainy season.
In Bagamoyo, for example, new streetlights have increased safety for motorists and pedestrians, while in Rufiji the construction of the Mohoro Bridge and improved drainage at Ikwiriri Stand have eased movement for traders.
Engineer Kibasa said the improvements are especially important as the Coast Region continues to expand economically.
The area now hosts more than 1,600 industries of various sizes, producing over 194 million tonnes of goods a year.
He said many of these industries still rely on earth roads, and the demand for stronger, more durable transport infrastructure continues to rise.
He noted that although only 12 kilometres of industrial access roads are currently paved, the agency is working to ensure that economic zones receive priority as funding becomes available.
He emphasised that reliable roads are an essential foundation for a competitive business environment and for attracting new investment.
Engineer Kibasa assured residents that TARURA will continue to supervise projects closely to ensure quality and value for money.
He said better roads are central to improving the welfare of citizens, reducing costs for transporters, and supporting the region’s long-term development.
He added that the agency remains committed to ensuring that the Coast Region’s transport network keeps pace with its rapid growth, saying improved infrastructure is key to lifting productivity and enhancing daily life for communities.
