By Our Reporter
NAMTUMBO, Tanzania — Tanzania's Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has directed the contractor building the Muungano Bridge in Ruvuma Region to accelerate construction to ensure the project is completed before the onset of the rainy season.
The instruction was issued during an inspection by TARURA's Audit Committee, which reviewed progress on the bridge project in Namtumbo District.
Acting Audit Committee Chair Henry Kaywanga said construction delays during the rainy season could affect the project's completion schedule, urging the contractor to maximise the remaining dry period.
"The contractor should install lighting at the construction site to allow work to continue day and night. Additional workers and construction equipment should also be deployed to ensure the bridge is completed on schedule," Kaywanga said.
TARURA's Namtumbo District Manager, Fabian Lugalaba, described the Muungano Bridge as a strategic infrastructure project that will provide a permanent transport link between the villages of Minazini and Muungano, where seasonal flooding has frequently disrupted movement.
He said the bridge would particularly benefit pupils attending Ukombozi Primary School, traders and local residents who have faced transport challenges whenever heavy rains cut off access between the two communities.
The 30-metre reinforced concrete bridge is expected to provide year-round access, improving the movement of people and goods while supporting economic and social activities in the area, Lugalaba said.
He also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continued government investment in rural transport infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and access to essential services.
Local resident Said Athumani said completion of the bridge would create new business opportunities, improve access to public services and end recurring transport disruptions caused by seasonal flooding.
The inspection formed part of the Audit Committee's broader oversight visit to Ruvuma Region, during which members also reviewed progress on the construction of the Mtyangimbole–Mnadani Bridge in Songea District
