By our correspondent, Tabora
Tabora, Tanzania — The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Tabora Region has completed the construction of a 60.3-metre stone bridge along the Sasu–King’wangoko–Seleli road in Kaliua District
Speaking on the project, TARURA Tabora Regional Manager, Engineer Lusako Kilembe, said the bridge was built at a cost of TZS 526.7 million, funded by the World Bank through the RISE project,
The project aimed at strengthening transport infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic development in the area which focuses on removing critical infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in rural areas.
Engineer Kilembe noted that the bridge is currently the second-longest stone bridge in Tanzania, after a similar structure in Busega District, Simiyu Region, which spans 80 metres.
“The construction of this stone bridge has resulted in savings of TZS 1.27 billion. Had we built a conventional concrete bridge using cement and steel reinforcements, the cost would have reached TZS 1.8 billion,” he said, adding that the project will significantly stimulate local economic activity.
According to TARURA, the project has reached 95 per cent completion, with construction undertaken by M/S Mgalang’ombe Co. Ltd, a Tabora-based contractor.
Engineer Kilembe added that the improved road link will enhance trade, expand business opportunities, and improve access to essential social services such as healthcare and education.
Once operational, the bridge is also expected to strengthen connectivity between Tabora and Shinyanga regions, a development anticipated to accelerate economic growth and improve livelihoods for communities along the corridor.