By Our Correspondence,
TABORA, Tanzania - Tanzania’s Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has secured approximately Tshs. 175 billion in emergency financing to repair roads and bridges damaged by the 2024 El Niño rains, as the government intensifies efforts to restore transport links and strengthen climate resilience.
TARURA Chief Executive Officer Engineer Victor Seff said the funding, obtained through the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC), was provided as a concessional facility by the World Bank following an assessment of infrastructure destruction caused by flooding linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Speaking during a visit by members of TARURA’s Advisory Board to infrastructure projects in Tabora Municipality, engineer Seff said the programme was supporting emergency rehabilitation works nationwide.
The projects include the construction of a 22-metre bridge and 290 metres of access roads along the 20.2-kilometre Ndovelwa road in Tabora.
“The projects are being implemented across the country, and overall progress has reached about 70%,” Eng. Seff said. “All works are expected to be completed by September 2026.”
He said the post-flood assessment identified widespread destruction of road infrastructure, highlighting the need for urgent rehabilitation to restore connectivity and essential public services.
Eng. Seff added that the programme was largely benefiting local contractors, while urging TARURA managers and project supervisors to strengthen oversight to ensure projects are completed to the required standards.
He said the agency was satisfied with the quality of construction at the Tabora site, stressing that the infrastructure must remain durable and passable year-round to support access to markets, schools, and agricultural inputs.
TARURA Advisory Board Vice Chairperson Nunu Mangu said the bridge and road works would improve transport connectivity for surrounding communities and ensure reliable mobility during all seasons.
She also urged residents to protect the infrastructure, noting that the government continued to invest substantial resources through TARURA to improve transport networks nationwide.
