The rapid expansion of road infrastructure in Njombe Region under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Sixth Phase Government is transforming transportation, boosting agricultural trade and improving access to essential services for thousands of residents.
The government, through the TARURA, has significantly increased investment in road projects across the southern highland region, with authorities saying the improvements are already stimulating economic and social growth.
Speaking to journalists on the progress of development projects in Njombe, Chief Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa said TARURA currently oversees a road network spanning 5,208.04 kilometres in the region.
Of the total network, 95.51 kilometres are tarmac roads, 2,097.40 kilometres are gravel roads and 3,015.13 kilometres are earth roads.
Msigwa said nearly 71 percent of the network, equivalent to 3,688.59 kilometres, is now in good condition and accessible throughout the year, while the remaining sections continue to face challenges during heavy rains.
He noted that TARURA’s priorities include maintaining existing roads, constructing bridges and concrete river crossings, opening new roads to connect remote villages and wards, and upgrading key roads to gravel and tarmac standards.
The government is also focusing on roads serving strategic agricultural zones to support farmers and improve market access.
“We are opening roads in major production areas for crops such as avocados, tea, potatoes and wheat in order to increase productivity and help farmers reach markets more efficiently,” Msigwa said.
The region has recorded a sharp rise in road sector funding during the Sixth Phase administration. TARURA Njombe’s annual budget increased from an average of Sh8.44 billion between 2017 and 2021 to Sh21.07 billion between 2021 and 2026, representing a 149.64 percent increase.
The increased investment has led to visible improvements in infrastructure. The length of tarmac roads has expanded from 38.71 kilometres in 2020 to 95.51 kilometres in 2026, while gravel roads increased from 1,255.62 kilometres to 2,097.40 kilometres. At the same time, the length of earth roads declined from 3,913.71 kilometres to 3,015.13 kilometres as more roads were upgraded.
Bridge and transport infrastructure have also improved considerably. The number of bridges has risen from 352 to 386, culverts from 2,535 to 2,962 and street lights from 27 to 365.
Among the notable projects implemented are new roads along the shores of Lake Nyasa in Ludewa District, road connections between Igagala and Lugenge through Usalule-Nole, the Utengule-Wanging’ombe road, and the construction of 5.1 kilometres of tarmac roads in Njombe Municipality.
The 6.7-kilometre Ukomola-Ipwani road project has also been completed, while more than 46 kilometres of new roads have been opened across the region.
Officials say the infrastructure projects are not only improving mobility but are also creating jobs for young people and women, while easing access to healthcare services, schools, industries and commercial centres.
Msigwa urged residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure it continues serving future generations and sustaining economic growth in the region.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing support for TARURA to ensure roads remain passable throughout the year and continue contributing to agricultural productivity and national economic development.
