Government has spent TZS67 billion on the construction of key roads and modern markets in Mwanza under the Tanzania Cities Infrastructure Development Project (TACTIC), in a move aimed at strengthening trade, easing transport challenges and improving urban living standards.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, disclosed the investment while addressing Mwanza residents during Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba’s recent working visit to inspect development projects and launch the new MV Mwanza ferry.
Prof. Shemdoe said the funding has supported the construction of the 14-kilometre Nyamaghana Road at a cost of TZS22 billion and the 12-kilometre Ilemela Road worth TZS24 billion.
The programme has also financed the Mkuyuni Nyamaghana Fish Market, valued at TZS7 billion, and the Ilemela Mixed Produce Market, which cost Sh14 billion.
He noted that the road projects have already been completed and are now in the final phase of installing street lighting to ensure safer travel, particularly at night.
The new infrastructure is expected to reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and improve access to business centres, while the modern markets are set to provide cleaner, more organised trading spaces and better working conditions for fish traders and agricultural produce vendors.
“These investments are aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening local businesses and making Mwanza a more competitive commercial centre,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
He also assured the Prime Minister that his office will closely supervise the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to ensure that all remaining works are completed on time and that the facilities begin serving the public without unnecessary delays.
The latest developments form part of the government’s broader urban modernisation drive, which seeks to align infrastructure expansion with economic growth, job creation and improved quality of life in Tanzania’s rapidly growing cities.