The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has showcased its progress and innovations at the annual Tanzania Roads Association (TARA) Conference, held at the University of Dar es Salaam Library Hall.
The four-day event, officially opened by Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, brought together local and international stakeholders in the construction sector.
Minister Ulega said improving Tanzania’s transport sector remains a government priority and reflects the vision of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“The government continues to invest in expanding, upgrading, and maintaining urban and rural roads. These efforts include funding maintenance works, encouraging private sector participation, promoting climate change resilience, and ensuring environmental sustainability in infrastructure development,” he said.
On the sidelines of the conference, Engineer Pharles Ngeleja, TARURA’s Chief Coordinator for bridge and stone road construction, said that since the agency’s creation in 2017, it has constructed around 490 stone bridges at a cost of TZS 40 billion.
He noted that building the same bridges using conventional concrete and steel would have cost more than TZS 140 billion, highlighting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of TARURA’s approach.
Engineer Ngeleja also encouraged stakeholders to use locally available materials in road construction, stressing the importance of innovation and sustainability in infrastructure projects.
This year’s conference attracted participants from Senegal, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Guyana, and representatives from the World Road Association, under the theme:“Transforming Africa’s Transport Sector: Enhancing Efficiency, Collaboration, and Sustainability.”
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, showcase best practices, and explore collaborative solutions for advancing Africa’s transport networks.