The completion of the 413-kilometre Tabora–Kigoma highway to full tarmac standard has marked a historic breakthrough in Tanzania’s transport infrastructure, significantly strengthening connectivity and economic activity across the western regions of the country.
Deputy Minister for Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekanya, confirmed the milestone during an inspection of the Malagarasi–Ilunde–Uvinza road section, a 51.1km stretch constructed by STECOL Corporation Ltd and supervised by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in Kigoma Region.
He praised TANROADS for ensuring high construction standards and effective oversight of the contractor.
The completion of this final section means that the entire road linking Tabora and Kigoma is now paved, greatly reducing travel time, improving safety and lowering transport costs for traders, farmers and passengers who depend on the corridor.
“This achievement means that, for the first time in history, the entire 413 kilometres from Tabora to Kigoma are covered with tarmac. It is a major step in opening up the western regions and integrating them more strongly into the national economy,” said Eng. Kasekanya.
He instructed STECOL to complete the Ruchugi Bridge within one month to allow the road to operate smoothly and deliver its full benefits to road users.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is keen to ensure that supporting infrastructure is completed on schedule so that communities can immediately enjoy the impact of the investment.
Eng. Kasekanya said the government is implementing a broader strategy to transform Kigoma into a regional economic hub through massive investment in transport infrastructure, including roads, air transport, railways and lake transport.
The improved connectivity is expected to boost trade with neighbouring countries, particularly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He noted that other key linking roads, including Uvinza–Kasulu and Uvinza–Mishamo–Mpanda, are at different stages of preparation, underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening regional and cross-border trade.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, he said, has placed strong emphasis on opening up the western corridor through modern infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Uvinza District Commissioner, Dinah Mathamani, welcomed the completion of the road, saying it will accelerate development in Kigoma by expanding opportunities in agriculture, fishing and commerce, while improving access to markets and social services.
Kigoma TANROADS Regional Manager, Engineer Narcis Choma, assured the government that the Ruchugi Bridge and the Uvinza roundabout will be completed before the end of February, allowing uninterrupted use of the highway.
In the aviation sector, Eng. Kasekanya directed the China Railway Construction Engineering Group to complete the upgrading of Kigoma Airport by May this year.
The project forms part of a nationwide programme to modernise airports, with similar works in Shinyanga, Tabora and Sumbawanga nearing completion.
Kigoma District Commissioner, Rashid Chuwachuwa, commended the government for expanding Kigoma Airport and urged investors to take advantage of the improving infrastructure, describing Kigoma as a region with strong potential for trade, tourism and industrial growth.