By Catherine Sungura
Dodoma, June 30 – Tanzania's decision to entrust the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) with the construction of access roads to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) venue in Arusha reflects growing confidence in the country's domestic engineering and project management capabilities.
The government has assigned TARURA the responsibility of developing key road infrastructure leading to the stadium that will host matches during the continental football tournament, which Tanzania will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The move places the agency at the centre of one of the country's most high-profile infrastructure projects and highlights its expanding role in implementing strategic national developments.
Over recent years, TARURA has overseen the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the country, improving transport links that support trade, tourism, agriculture and social services. The agency's track record has increasingly positioned it as a key player in Tanzania's infrastructure drive.
AFCON, one of Africa's biggest sporting events, is expected to draw thousands of players, officials, supporters and tourists to the region. Efficient transport infrastructure is therefore considered essential to the success of the tournament and to Tanzania's efforts to showcase itself as an investment and tourism destination.
Authorities have opted to use the Design and Build procurement model, under which a single contractor is responsible for both the design and construction phases of the project.
The approach is widely seen as a way to accelerate implementation, reduce administrative delays and improve accountability by placing responsibility for delivery and quality under one entity.
Infrastructure experts say the model could also strengthen TARURA's experience in managing modern, complex projects and provide valuable lessons for future strategic investments.
Beyond the tournament, the roads are expected to generate long-term economic benefits for Arusha by improving connectivity, facilitating trade and tourism, and supporting the movement of goods and services.
The decision to place the project in the hands of TARURA is being viewed as a broader endorsement of Tanzania's local technical expertise and an indication of the government's increasing confidence in domestic institutions to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects.
