The Government has officially launched the construction of a major new road section along the Makambako–Songea highway, a key transport corridor linking Njombe and Ruvuma regions, after the existing road deteriorated following more than 40 years of continuous use.
The project marks a significant step in strengthening transport infrastructure in the Southern Highlands, with authorities describing it as a strategic investment expected to improve trade, mobility, and regional integration across Tanzania.
Speaking during the launch, Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega said the road plays a vital role in supporting both regional and national economic activities.
He noted that Njombe and Ruvuma are among the country’s major food-producing regions, supplying staple crops to various markets, while also supporting growing commercial activities such as coal transport.
He emphasized that the road is not only important to local communities but is a national asset whose benefits extend across the entire economy through improved movement of goods and people.
The minister further highlighted that the project aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader vision of upgrading transport infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities, position Ruvuma as a key trade hub in the Southern Corridor, and attract more investment into the region.
The project covers the 295-kilometre Makambako–Songea road, including the 100-kilometre Songea–Litukila section and a 16-kilometre Songea bypass.
It is being implemented jointly by the Government of Tanzania and the World Bank under the Tanzania Transport Integration Project (TanTIP), at a cost of TZS 158.7 billion.
The works include the construction of a major bridge, 11 small bridges, 2,436 culverts, installation of 2,224 street lights, and a modern weighbridge at Luhimba.
These improvements are expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and lower transport costs for both passengers and traders.
The Government has initially prioritized the upgrading of the Songea–Litukila section and the Songea bypass to bitumen standard, with Zhongan Hauli Construction Group contracted to carry out the works.
Minister Ulega urged the contractor to maintain high speed and quality of execution, stressing that the project is of national importance and must reflect the expectations of citizens who rely heavily on the road for daily economic activities.
He also instructed TANROADS and the contractor to avoid opening excessively long sections of road at the same time, noting that such practices often delay completion and create unnecessary disruption for road users.
Instead, he called for a phased and well-managed approach that ensures quicker delivery and better results.
Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas Ahmed said the road is among the most important infrastructure projects for the Southern region, particularly for Ruvuma, which is a major producer of food and cash crops including maize, soybeans, beans, and coffee.
He said once completed, the road will significantly improve access to markets, strengthen regional trade, and reduce transport challenges that have long affected economic growth in the area.
The project is expected to become a major catalyst for development across the Southern Highlands, improving connectivity and opening new opportunities for investment and economic transformation.
