The government has invested more than TZS8 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year to upgrade roads in Arumeru District, a move expected to unlock economic potential and improve daily life for thousands of residents in Arusha Region.
The funds were channelled through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), which oversees rural and urban road infrastructure across the country.
In an interview, TARURA Arumeru District Manager, Engineer Julius Kaaya, said the investment has led to the construction and upgrading of key roads, including tarmac and concrete sections, as well as three new bridges aimed at enhancing connectivity and safety.
Arumeru District has a total road network of approximately 1,550 kilometres under TARURA management. Of these, 797 kilometres are in Arusha District Council and 753 kilometres in Meru District Council.
Engineer Kaaya said the district has historically had limited paved roads, with Arusha District Council previously recording only 14.1 kilometres of tarmac and Meru District Council 8.1 kilometres.
However, during the current financial year, the two councils have collectively added nearly 10 kilometres of new paved roads, marking a notable expansion of durable road infrastructure.
Among the standout projects is a 280-metre concrete road stretch, constructed to address persistent challenges in hilly terrain areas.
Three bridges have also been completed two in Arusha District Council and one in Meru District Council improving accessibility in areas that were previously difficult to reach, especially during the rainy season.
Engineer Kaaya said TARURA has also adopted cost-effective technologies such as stone bridge construction.
This approach reduces project costs while creating employment opportunities for local communities, as the materials used are largely sourced from within the project areas.
Improved road infrastructure is expected to significantly benefit the district’s agricultural economy. Arumeru is a key producer of various crops supplied to urban markets in Arusha and beyond.
Better roads will ease the transportation of produce from farms to markets, reduce post-harvest losses and cut transport costs for farmers and traders.
The roads also hold strategic importance, linking local communities to broader transport corridors within the East African region and facilitating smoother movement of goods and services.
Engineer Kaaya emphasised that youth and women have been actively involved in the projects. TARURA has been offering capacity-building training to registered community groups, enabling them to participate in minor road works and generate income through infrastructure development activities.
Residents have welcomed the improvements. Mr Jeremia Isanzya, a resident of Machumba, said the upgrading of the Machumba–Nkoarua road has been life-changing.
Previously, he said, the mountainous road with deep valleys was prone to accidents and posed serious challenges for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“Now vehicles can move safely up and down the hills. It has also made it easier for residents to reach hospitals, courts and other essential services,” he said.
Engineer Kaaya called on citizens to protect the new infrastructure to ensure it serves both present and future generations, noting that sustained community support is essential for long-term development in Arumeru District.
