Residents of Ndembezi Ward in Shinyanga Municipal Council are set to benefit from improved transport following the construction of the Gagi concrete bridge, a project implemented through the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC).
The bridge project has already eased long-standing transport challenges that residents of Ndembezi and neighboring areas have faced for years, particularly during the rainy season when the area became difficult to cross after the previous crossing point was washed away by floods.
The bridge, measuring 11.2 metres in length and 8.2 metres in width, is being constructed along the Gagi road which connects Ndembezi and Ngokolo wards in Shinyanga Municipality.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site, Ndembezi Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Shinyanga Municipal Council, Upendo John Sawa, said the lack of a proper bridge had been a long-standing concern for residents due to the difficulties of crossing the area, especially during the rainy season.
He explained that the absence of the bridge had created serious challenges for residents, including pregnant women, schoolchildren and other community members who depended on the route for their daily activities.
During heavy rains, schoolchildren were forced to wait for adults to help them cross the flooded area, while some residents were required to pay people to assist them across. Local leaders, including the street chairperson and committee members, often remained at the crossing point to help children pass safely.
Sawa said the ongoing construction of the bridge has brought great relief to residents, particularly those living in Botengwa street and the wider Ndembezi Ward.
He noted that the project has addressed a long-standing challenge and restored hope for safe and reliable movement within the area.
The Manager of the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Shinyanga, Engineer Samson Pamphili, said the area used to become impassable during the rainy season due to heavy flooding caused by rains.
He said the agency prioritized the construction of the bridge as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and ensure reliable connectivity for residents.
According to Engineer Pamphili, the government secured Sh105,477,950 through the CERC fund, which is supported by the World Bank and aims to rehabilitate road infrastructure damaged by floods.
He said the construction period for the bridge is six months, with the project having started on December 29, 2025 and expected to be completed on June 28, 2026.
However, due to the fast progress of construction works, the bridge has already reached 93 percent completion and is expected to start being used by March 28, 2026.
Residents in the area have welcomed the project, saying it will significantly improve safety and mobility.
A resident of Botengwa street, Emmanuel Exavery Hanya, said the area used to pose serious risks before construction of the bridge began.
He explained that during the rainy season residents faced major difficulties crossing the area, especially schoolchildren going to school, pregnant women and people traveling for economic activities.
Hanya thanked the government for responding to the community’s concerns and addressing the challenge that had affected residents for a long time.
He said once the bridge becomes operational, residents will be able to cross safely and continue with their daily activities without fear or difficulty.
