The Government, through the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), has announced plans to continue increasing budget allocations for the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to accelerate the construction of tarmac roads across the country.
The initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen infrastructure development, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic activities in both rural and urban areas.
The statement was presented in Parliament during the question and answer session by the Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Education), Dr. Festo Dugange, on behalf of the Minister of State in PMO-RALG, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe.
Dr. Dugange said the Government has been steadily increasing funding for road and bridge maintenance in local government authorities as part of efforts to improve service delivery and respond to growing infrastructure needs.
He cited Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council as an example, noting that it received about Sh1.6 billion annually for road and bridge maintenance in the 2020/2021 financial year.
The allocation later increased to about Sh3.2 billion per year from 2021/2022 through 2025/2026.
According to him, the increase reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and ensuring that councils are better equipped to maintain and develop road networks that support economic activities.
In addition to domestic funding, the Government is also implementing development projects in partnership with development partners.
One of the key initiatives is the TACTIC Tier I project, supported by the World Bank, which is being implemented in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipality.
Under the project, 9.4 kilometres of tarmac roads are being constructed, along with 5.4 kilometres of storm water drainage systems to address flooding challenges and improve urban infrastructure.
The project also includes the construction of Mwanga Central Market and Katonga Fish Market, aimed at improving trading environments and boosting local business activities.
PMO-RALG has stated that these investments form part of a broader national strategy to strengthen TARURA so it can effectively plan, supervise, and implement tarmac road projects across the country.
The Government says improved road infrastructure will enhance mobility, reduce transport costs, improve access to markets and social services, and ultimately contribute to better livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
