Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega has directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to ensure that the 92-kilometre Rusahunga–Rusumo road is completed on schedule and meets the required quality standards, saying the project is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth, regional trade, and development in Kagera Region.
Ulega issued the directive while inspecting the progress of the strategic road project, valued at more than TZS 209 billion, which is being implemented in Biharamulo and Ngara districts.
He said the road forms part of the transport network linking Tanzania with neighbouring East African countries and that its completion will improve the movement of people and goods both within the country and across borders.
“The government will not tolerate delays in major development projects financed with public funds, This project must be completed on time and to the required standards,” Ulega said.
The minister also instructed the contractor to ensure that all essential road safety infrastructure is installed, including road signs, pedestrian crossings, drainage systems, and street lighting, to reduce accidents, particularly among schoolchildren, traders, pedestrians, and people with disabilities.
He further encouraged residents living along the road corridor to take advantage of the economic opportunities the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to make significant investments in transport infrastructure to improve mobility, stimulate expected to arise from the project by establishing various income-generating activities.
Ulega noted that the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to make significant investments in transport infrastructure to improve mobility, stimulate economic growth, lower transport costs, and attract investment.
Ngara Member of Parliament Dotto Bahemu said completion of the road would end the long-standing transport challenges caused by poor infrastructure.
He explained that travelling the 60-kilometre stretch between Rusahunga and Ziroziro had previously taken between four and six hours, forcing some residents to pass through Rwanda to reach Ngara more quickly.
“This road will unlock the economic potential of our area, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, reduce transport costs, and create more investment opportunities.
The people of Ngara and Kagera Region have waited for this project for a long time, and we are confident it will bring substantial economic benefits,” Bahemu said.
He also urged residents to continue cooperating with the government during the implementation of the project to ensure its timely completion.
Kagera Regional Commissioner Con. Yahya Ramadhan Kido thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for approving more than TZS 502 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of 300.6 kilometres of roads across the region.
He said the investment would transform Kagera’s economy by expanding business opportunities, improving the transportation of agricultural products, enhancing access to social services, and attracting investors.
He added that the regional administration would continue working closely with the Ministry of Works and TANROADS to ensure all infrastructure projects are implemented without administrative delays.
Acting TANROADS Chief Executive Enginear Hamza Faisary said the Rusahunga–Rusumo road is part of the Tanzania Transport Integration Project (TanTIP), which comprises four road projects and three airport projects worth a total of US$550 million (approximately TZS 1.5 trillion).
According to Acting TANROADS Kagera Regional Manager Enginear Festo Julius, the construction contract was signed on February 18, 2023, with works commencing on July 5 of the same year.
He said the project has reached 77 percent completion and is expected to be finished by December 10 this year.
Other Members of Parliament from Kagera Region also called on residents to maintain peace, unity, and cooperation so that they can fully benefit from the government's substantial investment in development infrastructure.
