Our Reporter, Morogoro.
Residents of Singisa Ward in Morogoro District have welcomed the completion of a new bridge funded through a World Bank-supported rural infrastructure programme, saying it has ended years of transport disruptions and improved access to schools, markets and essential services.
The 45-metre Mngazi Stone Bridge, constructed by Tanzania’s Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) under the Rural Infrastructure for Sustainable Employment (RISE) Project, was built at a cost of TZS 574 million on the Mngazi–Singisa road.
The bridge connects communities in Singisa and Mngazi wards and serves seven villages, including Singisa, Ntala, Nyamigudu A, Nyamigudu B, Kitengu and Lumba, areas that were frequently cut off during the rainy season when the Mngazi River overflowed.
Speaking during a recent inspection tour of RISE-funded projects in Morogoro District, Singisa Ward Acting Executive Officer Elia Japhet Zefania said the bridge had become a lifeline for local communities, particularly students who previously struggled to reach schools during periods of heavy rainfall.
“This bridge links nearly seven villages in Singisa Ward. On the other side are the ward’s secondary school and six primary schools. Whenever the river flooded, students were forced to stay home, which negatively affected academic performance,” he said.
Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing cassava, pigeon peas, bananas, maize and high-value spices including cardamom.
However, poor transport infrastructure had long constrained access to markets.
“Moving agricultural produce was a major challenge. We are grateful for this bridge, which is unlike anything previously seen in the Uluguru Mountains,” Zefania said.
Village Chairperson Adrian Petri Msike said residents were particularly proud that the bridge had become the first in Morogoro Region’s road network to be fitted with street lighting.
“People are amazed that the lights switch on automatically in the evening and turn off in the morning. We thank the government and hope it continues supporting rural communities,” he said.
According to TARURA’s Acting District Manager for Morogoro, engineer Mboka Macknon, construction began in May 2024 and was completed in March 2025.
The bridge forms part of wider efforts under the RISE programme to improve rural connectivity, strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure and support economic development in underserved communities.
The World Bank-backed initiative is being implemented across Tanzania to improve transport links in rural areas, enhance access to social services and facilitate the movement of agricultural goods to markets.
