Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has inspected the newly completed Nyathorogo River Bridge in Rorya District, Mara Region, commending it as a key infrastructure project that is improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunities for residents of Rorya and Tarime.
The bridge, located in Nyathorogo Village, Nyathorogo Ward, was constructed by the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) at a cost of TZS 729.2 million.
It is part of the government’s ongoing investment in rural transport infrastructure aimed at connecting communities and reducing travel risks.
The inspection took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2026, during the Prime Minister’s working visit to Mara Region.
According to project officials, construction of the bridge began on August 1, 2025 and was completed on February 28, 2026.
The project was implemented using a cost-efficient stone-based technology that reduced construction expenses by more than 50 percent compared to the original design, while maintaining required safety standards.
Rorya District TARURA Manager, Engineer Elifadhili Moses, said the design was chosen to ensure value for money and long-term durability.
He added that the government has already allocated funds for the 2026/2027 financial year to construct protective embankments that will safeguard the bridge from water damage during heavy rains.
Rorya Member of Parliament Jafari Chege said the bridge has ended years of hardship for residents who previously crossed the Nyathorogo River under dangerous conditions, especially during the rainy season when floods often cut off movement between the two districts.
He said the new bridge has significantly improved access to essential services, including hospitals, schools, and markets, while also strengthening trade and social connections between communities in Rorya and Tarime.
Residents have welcomed the project, saying it has reduced travel time, improved safety, and supported small businesses by making transportation of goods easier and more reliable throughout the year.
The government says such investments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen rural infrastructure, reduce isolation of remote communities, and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the country.
Mwigulu Nchemba said the bridge reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure projects directly respond to citizens’ needs and improve daily livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where connectivity remains a key development challenge.
