The Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in Karatu District is transforming local transport infrastructure through the construction of new tarmac roads, a move aimed at easing travel, promoting safety, and stimulating economic activities in the town.
Speaking to journalists, TARURA District Manager, Engineer Msetu Madara, urged motorcycle riders to reduce their speed on the newly upgraded roads to prevent accidents that could result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Engineer Madara said TARURA manages a total of 771 kilometers of roads in the district, including 4.34 kilometers of tarmac within Karatu Town, 315.816 kilometers of gravel roads, and 451.400 kilometers of earth roads.
He noted that the agency is actively implementing projects to expand tarmac coverage and improve road quality throughout the district.
“Our goal is to ensure that Karatu’s roads are passable throughout the year. Being a key tourist town, visited by thousands of tourists en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, we want the town fully connected with reliable tarmac roads,” Engineer Madara said.
Recent tarmac projects spanning 1.4 kilometers have incorporated drainage channels on both sides to safeguard the roads from damage.
Plans are also underway to install streetlights along the new roads to improve night-time safety and support extended commercial activities.
In addition, TARURA has completed a 21-meter-long stone bridge in Chemchem Village, alongside a 5-kilometer connecting road linking Endallah, Manusai, Masabeda, Endamarariek, Basodawishi, Chemchem, Kilimamoja, Gidibaso, Getamock, Qaru, and Endabash villages.
As of February, the agency has completed six bridges across the district, removing transport obstacles and improving access to social services.
Engineer Madara stressed that TARURA continues to educate residents, especially young motorbike riders, on responsible driving and road safety.
“Young people are the workforce of the nation, and they must protect themselves while on the roads,” he said.
Residents have welcomed the improvements. Elisifa Amma, Chairperson of Mjini Kati Hamlet, said the area previously suffered from pothole-ridden roads that disrupted travel and trade.
“The new roads have transformed our town. We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for modernizing Karatu and making it accessible,” she said.
Local entrepreneur Salome Minja added that poor roads previously deterred customers, but the new infrastructure has boosted business. “Now the town is vibrant, and our income has grown significantly,” she said.
Project Supervisor Engineer Daines Simba noted that the new roads and bridges have not only improved transport but also created jobs for local youths, reducing crime and increasing household incomes.
Philipines Samwuel, a resident of Chemchem, said the newly completed bridge has made travel much easier, especially during the rainy season.
“We are grateful to the government for completing this bridge, which ensures smooth transport and trade throughout the year,” he said.
