Deputy Minister of Works, Eng. Godfrey Kasekenya, has called on the Mbeya Regional Manager of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to collaborate closely with the consultant engineer from TECU in supervising the contractor CRBC.
The contractor is responsible for constructing the Mbaka-Kibanja road (20.7 km) and the Katumba-Lupaso road (35.3 km) to ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
Eng. Kasekenya made the remarks today while inspecting the construction of the Katumba-Mbambo-Tukuyu road (79.4 km) in Rungwe District.
“Ensure that construction meets the required standards and that the roads remain accessible throughout the building period so that transport and cargo activities are not disrupted,” he emphasized.
He also stressed that the construction of both the Mbaka-Kibanja and Katumba-Lupaso roads should progress simultaneously to deliver maximum benefits to the local communities.
Eng. Sulemani Bishanga, TANROADS Mbeya Regional Manager, said the construction of the roads has already started, reaching 4.6% completion, and is expected to be finalized within 36 months.
Busokelo Member of Parliament, Lutengano Mwalwiba, expressed gratitude to the government for the swift progress of the road projects, noting that they have provided employment opportunities and skill development for the youth of Rungwe.
Rungwe District Commissioner, Jafari Haniu, thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing development projects in the district.
He assured full cooperation with the contractor and emphasized that the completion of these roads will boost trade in cash and food crops, thereby stimulating the local economy of Rungwe and the Mbeya Region as a whole.
The construction of the Mbaka-Kibanja (20.7 km) and Katumba-Lupaso (35.3 km) roads is part of the government’s strategy to improve road connectivity in Rungwe District.
Sections of the roads, including Lupaso-Bujesi (10 km), Bujesi-Mbaka (12.6 km), and Kibanja-Tukuyu (7 km), have already been completed.