The Government of Tanzania has signed a contract worth TZS 241 billion for the expansion of the Dodoma City–Chamwino Ikulu road into a modern six-lane highway, in a major move aimed at improving transport services and urban development in the country’s capital.
The 32-kilometre project will upgrade the current road into a wider and safer highway connecting key government and administrative areas in Dodoma, including the Chamwino State House corridor.
The project will be implemented by China Railway Construction Engineering Group under the supervision of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, in Dodoma on May 18, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ulega said the project is part of the government’s broader plan to modernize Dodoma and ensure citizens benefit from safer, faster, and more efficient transport infrastructure.
He directed TANROADS to closely supervise the contractor to ensure high-quality construction that reflects the status of the national capital. He emphasized that the road should not only improve transport but also enhance the overall appearance of the city.
“We want Dodoma to look modern and attractive. Even at night, the city must shine through proper street lighting and good design,” he said.
The Minister further stressed that the design must include pedestrian walkways, safe crossing points, and green landscaped areas to improve safety and make the city more friendly for citizens. He said these measures will help reduce accidents and improve urban living standards.
He also noted that the government is implementing another key project a 6.4-kilometre inner ring road in Dodoma funded by the Government of Japan at a cost of JPY 2.78 billion. The project is aimed at reducing congestion in the city centre and improving mobility.
“These investments are meant to ease traffic, support business activities, and improve the daily lives of citizens in the capital city,” he added.
Dodoma District Commissioner, Jabir Shekimweri, thanked the government for allocating TZS 19 billion for compensation to citizens who will be affected by the project.
He assured full cooperation from local authorities to ensure smooth and fair implementation.
He also urged the inclusion of pedestrian bridges and road safety monitoring systems such as cameras to protect road users as traffic increases.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Seleman Kakoso, praised the government for prioritizing infrastructure development and encouraged continued focus on completing ongoing and stalled projects in the upcoming national budget.
TANROADS Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Besta, said the project will be implemented under a Design and Build model, where one contractor handles both design and construction.
He said the project is expected to be completed within 36 months, including design and initial preparation stages.
Once completed, the Dodoma–Chamwino six-lane highway is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel time, improve safety, and support economic activities in the capital city.
The government says the project reflects its commitment to building modern infrastructure that directly improves the lives of citizens and supports Tanzania’s long-term economic growth.
