The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Works, has reported major progress on the long-awaited Ipyana–Kasumulu–Ngana–Ndembo–Ileje (Isongole) road project, which stretches 114.3 kilometres, with the feasibility study and detailed design now completed at 96 percent.
The update also shows that construction works on the Isongole II–Ndembo section, including the 52-kilometre Ndembo–Isoko access road, have reached 10.75 percent completion.
The progress was announced on May 6, 2026, in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Works, Eng. Godfrey Kasekenya, while responding to a question from Kyela MP Baraka Ulimboka Mwamengo, who sought clarification on when the road will be upgraded to tarmac standard.
Eng. Kasekenya said the road is strategically important as it connects Songwe Region’s Ileje area with Kyela in Mbeya Region, making it a key corridor for trade, transport, and social services between the two regions.
He assured Parliament that the government is committed to advancing the project and will consider starting full construction in line with recommendations from supervising engineers once the ongoing technical work is completed.
He further directed the TANROADS Mbeya Regional Manager to immediately visit the project area to conduct inspection and ensure routine maintenance is carried out so that the road remains passable in all seasons.
The government says completion of the feasibility and design stage will open the way for full-scale construction, which is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transport challenges, and boost economic activities for communities along the route.
