By Correspondent, Moshi – Kilimanjaro
Residents of Mabogini Village in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, have commended TARURA for commencing rehabilitation works on the long-neglected Mabogini–Kahe Road under the RISE Project.
The 31-kilometre stretch has been particularly problematic during the rainy season, becoming nearly impassable due to deep potholes, erosion, and the absence of proper drainage infrastructure.
Local residents told The Respondents that the government’s decision to rehabilitate part of the road to gravel standard has already eased the movement of farm produce and improved social and economic activities in the area.
Mr. Hasani Halifa, a resident of Mabogini, said that although some sections remain difficult, the ongoing works have provided vital relief to commuters, farmers, and transporters.
“Before the rehabilitation, transporting produce was extremely costly. We paid between Sh7,000 and Sh10,000 per load from the farms to the market. Today, we pay just Sh1,000 to Sh2,000,” he said.
Mr. Hamis Mohamed, a farmer and leader of the Kaloleni irrigation scheme, stated that poor road conditions previously forced many farmers to incur significant losses, as buyers struggled to reach their farms.
“Crops were rotting in the fields because we could not move them in time. At times, it was impossible to secure vehicles. This project is a lifeline for farmers,” he said.
Despite the improvements, residents have appealed to the government to continue upgrading the remaining sections and consider installing a light asphalt surface to ensure long-term durability, particularly given the area’s heavy rains and intense heat.
“We faced serious difficulties during harvest seasons. Much of the produce spoiled in the fields. The road’s condition was heartbreaking,” he said.
TARURA Moshi District Manager, Engineer Godfrey Mbema, stated that rehabilitation works had commenced on 1.2 kilometres of the route at a cost exceeding Sh800 million under a short-term improvement plan for rural infrastructure.
“The government, through TARURA, continues to implement strategic rural road projects across the country to enhance trade, transport, and the delivery of social services,” he said.