Deputy Minister of Construction, Eng. Godfrey Kasekenya, has urged Arusha residents to protect and maintain roads and public infrastructure to ensure long-term benefits, beautify the city, and support its growing tourism industry.
Speaking during an inspection of the Mianzini–Olemringaringa–Sambasha–Ngaramtoni Road, which spans 18 kilometers, Eng. Kasekenya said the project’s completion would reduce traffic congestion, prevent accidents and flooding, and enhance Arusha’s reputation as a model city.
“Arusha is a major tourist hub. It is vital for citizens to understand that roads, bridges, and streetlights belong to the people. We must safeguard them and stop seeing development projects as government property alone,” he said.
The Deputy Minister called on drivers and residents to respect road signs and avoid encroaching on road reserves for business or animal grazing, warning that such actions cause traffic jams, accidents, and infrastructure damage during the rainy season.
He noted that the government is investing over TZS 23 billion in the road to open up the city, improve mobility, and make it more attractive to visitors and investors. Eng. Kasekenya urged the contractor, STECOL Cooperation, to complete the project by July this year.
During the visit, Eng. Kasekenya also inspected the 40-meter Tanganyeti Bridge on the Arusha–Namanga Road, expressing satisfaction with the project’s pace, which has reached 95 percent completion.
Arumeru District Commissioner, Mwinyi Ahmed Mwinyi, and Arumeru West MP, Jones Lukumay, thanked the government for investing in regional roads and bridges, pledging to oversee the projects to ensure tangible benefits for residents.
Eng. Reginald Massawe, Regional Manager of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), highlighted that the ongoing projects are creating employment and skill-building opportunities for local youth and women, ensuring sustainability once construction is completed.
He confirmed that the Tanganyeti Bridge is expected to be finished by January 15, ending transport challenges in the area.