The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Mtwara into a key economic gateway in southern Tanzania through major investments in strategic road infrastructure, as Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega began an inspection tour of priority road projects in the region.
Mr Ulega arrived in Mtwara on Friday, July 3, 2026, for a working visit focused on assessing the progress and implementation of road projects designed to improve connectivity within the region and strengthen links with neighbouring regions.
He was received by Mtwara Regional Commissioner Colonel Donald Msengi, accompanied by senior government officials, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leaders and Members of Parliament from the region.
During a meeting with the minister, Col Msengi said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has placed strategic road infrastructure at the centre of her administration's development agenda, with particular emphasis on opening up Mtwara to greater economic opportunities.
He said the government has prioritised the upgrading of the 201-kilometre Mtwara–Mingoyo (Mnazi Mmoja)–Masasi Road and the 160-kilometre Mtwara–Tandahimba–Newala–Masasi Road, projects expected to significantly improve transport efficiency across southern Tanzania.
According to the Regional Commissioner, the two corridors will strengthen Mtwara's connectivity with Lindi, Pwani and Dar es Salaam, easing the movement of people and goods while supporting trade, agriculture, investment and access to essential social services.
The road projects are also expected to lower transport costs, improve market access for agricultural producers and create a more reliable transport network capable of supporting industrial development and cross-border trade in the southern corridor.
Mr Ulega's visit forms part of the Ministry of Works' nationwide inspection programme aimed at monitoring the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects and ensuring they are delivered on schedule and in accordance with the government's commitment to expanding Tanzania's modern transport network.
