The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has called for stronger teamwork between regional managers and assistant trainers to improve the implementation of the Community-Based Road Maintenance Programme (CBRM), which is designed to improve roads while creating jobs for citizens.
The call was made by TARURA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Edward Amboka, during the closing of a training for regional managers held in Mwanza.
Engineer Amboka said the success of the programme depends on close coordination and a shared way of working among all implementers.
He stressed that managers and trainers must work as one team, share the same plans, and communicate clearly to achieve better results on the ground.
He explained that the CBRM programme is not only about maintaining roads but also about putting money in the hands of ordinary citizens through community groups involved in routine road maintenance work.
“This programme is meant to improve roads and at the same time give people income opportunities. When you go back to your areas, work closely with assistant trainers and make sure you deliver,” he said.
He added that the government, through TARURA, is using CBRM to improve rural roads that are important for farmers and traders.
These roads help farmers reach their farms, transport crops, and access markets even during the rainy season when many roads become difficult to use.
Engineer Amboka said Tanzania has a wide road network, and maintaining it requires joint effort and new approaches that directly involve citizens.
“When roads are in good condition, people are able to access services like health, education, and markets. But when they are damaged, daily life becomes difficult,” he said.
He further noted that involving communities in road maintenance helps them feel ownership of the infrastructure.
This reduces damage and encourages people to protect and care for roads because they are directly benefiting from them.
Earlier, TARURA Roads Manager, Engineer Oscar Mlekwa, praised the progress made in implementing the programme.
He said the results so far show that linking road maintenance with community participation is already bringing positive change.
He added that the government is closely following the programme because it directly supports citizens’ livelihoods and helps reduce poverty.
CBRM Coordinator, Engineer Richard Missa, urged participants to ensure they submit accurate and timely reports.
He said proper reporting is important for tracking progress and improving implementation across all regions.
From the International Labour Organization (International Labour Organization), Programme Coordinator Dampu Ndezako said the initiative is helping to fight poverty by giving low-income citizens opportunities to earn through community work.
He said the programme is not only about income but also about empowering people with skills and experience that can help them become more self-reliant.
The CBRM programme continues to be seen as a practical way of improving roads while also creating jobs and strengthening community participation in development activities across the country.
