The government, through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), has completed the construction of the 1.8-kilometre Eso–Longdon road to tarmac standard in Arusha, a project expected to ease traffic congestion and improve transport within the city.
TARURA Arusha City Manager, Engineer Godfrey Bwire, said the road construction has been completed, with only the installation of streetlights and speed humps remaining before the road becomes fully operational.
He explained that the project was implemented during the current financial year using internally generated funds.
“The government through TARURA has successfully completed the construction of the Eso–Longdon road to tarmac standard. What remains is the installation of streetlights and speed humps to enhance safety,” he said during an inspection of road projects implemented by the agency.
Engineer Bwire noted that the road will play an important role in reducing traffic congestion, especially around the Kilombero market area, which is currently under construction through the TACTIC Project.
According to him, the road will provide an alternative route for motorists coming from Mromboo, enabling them to avoid passing through Sombetini, one of the city’s busy traffic areas.
“This road will offer a convenient alternative route for road users from Mromboo, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve movement within the city,” he said.
He added that road construction under the TACTIC project will continue in the 2025/2026 financial year, involving the upgrading of 10.2 kilometres of roads to tarmac standard in different parts of Arusha.
The roads include the 4.8-kilometre Shelatoni road, the 3.96-kilometre Orasiti road and the 1.475-kilometre road leading to Orjoro, where a new major bus terminal is being constructed.
Bwire said the projects are part of broader efforts to improve transport infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities in the city.
Arusha City is also implementing other projects under the TACTIC initiative, including the construction of the new central bus terminal, Kilombero and Moromboo markets, and the upgrading of Themi Garden. The projects are valued at about TZS 30.6 billion.
Apart from the TACTIC projects, other road works are being carried out through the Road Fund Board Tanzania, including the construction of the Vijenge Juu–Ngurero road, which is also expected to help reduce traffic congestion in the city.
He further revealed that plans are underway to construct additional tarmac roads, including the 3.55-kilometre Kibo road from Mromboo to Arusha Girls via the airport, as well as the four-kilometre Lemala road heading towards TBL and UNGA Limited.
Engineer Bwire said residents have welcomed the road projects, noting that the roads previously faced serious challenges, particularly during the rainy season when they became muddy and during the dry season when dust affected nearby communities.
He urged residents to take care of the infrastructure by avoiding dumping waste in drainage systems and ensuring the drains are kept clean to allow smooth water flow.
He also called on the public to protect streetlights once installed so that they can serve the community for a long time and improve security at night.
“The government invests significant resources in building such infrastructure, so it is important for citizens to protect and maintain it for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
