Residents of Lushoto Constituency have welcomed the ongoing upgrade of the Malibwi–Kwekanga–Ngwelo road, saying the project is expected to improve transport, lower the cost of moving agricultural produce and enhance access to social services.
The road, which links the wards of Malibwi, Kwekanga, Kilole and Ngwelo, also serves neighbouring Mlalo Constituency, making it an important transport corridor for farmers producing tomatoes, potatoes and carrots.
Residents attributed the project to government investment in rural infrastructure and acknowledged the role of Lushoto Member of Parliament, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, in advocating for improvements to the road.
Kwekanga Village chairperson Salim Khamis Nyongo said poor road conditions had for years hampered the movement of people and farm produce, limiting market access and increasing transport costs.
"The road has been a major challenge for many years. Its improvement will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce and strengthen economic activities in the area," he said.
Local resident Rukia Selemani said the project had already begun changing perceptions within the community, noting that improved accessibility is expected to reduce transport difficulties once construction is completed.
Another resident, Fadhila Salehe, recalled that vehicles previously terminated their journeys at Malibwi, forcing residents to carry goods manually or hire motorcycles at considerable expense.
"The road will make travel easier and reduce the burden on farmers and traders," she said.
Biasina Shaban Mtari said vehicles from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Tanga can now reach the area more easily than before, while Shekela Ramadhan Mohamed noted that schoolchildren no longer have to walk through muddy and damaged sections of the road on their daily commute.
Lushoto District Engineer at the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), Brand Joseph Nyaki, said the Malibwi–Kwekanga–Ngwelo road is being upgraded to concrete standard by Broader Construction Company Ltd.
She said the project involves constructing a 1.5-kilometre concrete pavement with a thickness of 150 millimetres.
Ms Nyaki added that the project has also generated income opportunities for local community groups, including Songambele, Inuka and Mkombozi, which are providing support services during construction.
She said the improved road is expected to strengthen rural connectivity, facilitate agricultural trade and contribute to broader socio-economic development in Lushoto District.
