Tanzania’s Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has expanded paved road construction in Karatu District to improve transport infrastructure and support economic activity in the tourism hub.
Karatu District TARURA manager Msetu Madara said the agency is upgrading roads in the town to ease transport and enhance connectivity for residents and visitors.
He urged motorcycle taxi riders, commonly known as bodaboda operators, to reduce speed following improvements to road conditions to prevent accidents that could cause injuries or fatalities.
Madara said TARURA manages a total of 771 kilometres of roads in Karatu District, including 4.34 kilometres of paved roads in Karatu township, 315.8 kilometres of gravel roads, and about 451.4 kilometres of earth roads.
The agency is implementing several projects, including the construction of additional paved roads within the town, to ensure roads remain passable throughout the year.
"Karatu is a tourist town that receives many visitors travelling to attractions such as Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Our strategy is to ensure the town gradually develops a network of paved roads,” Madara said.
He added that recently completed paved roads covering 1.4 kilometres include drainage systems on both sides to protect the infrastructure from damage. Plans are also underway to install street lighting to improve safety at night and support business activity after dark.
Madara said TARURA has also completed construction of the Chemchem stone bridge in Chemchem village, measuring 21 metres in length and seven metres in width. The bridge forms part of a five-kilometre road linking several villages, including Endallah, Manusai, Masabeda, Endamarariek, Basodawishi, Chemchem, Kilimamoja, Gidibaso, Getamock, Qaru, and Endabash.
As of February this year, TARURA had built six bridges in the district to remove transport barriers and improve access to social services.
Residents say the road upgrades have boosted trade and improved mobility.
Elisifa Amma, a local sub-village leader, said the area previously had poor roads filled with potholes and mud, which made travel difficult.
“Now many vehicles pass through easily, bringing tourists and increasing business opportunities,” he said.
Local restaurant owner Salome Minja said poor road conditions previously discouraged customers due to mud during the rainy season and dust during the dry season.
“Now the town is more vibrant, businesses are improving, and we are receiving more customers,” she said.
Project supervisor Daines Simba said Karatu previously had no paved roads, but the new infrastructure has helped stimulate economic growth and created jobs for local youth during construction.
