A TZS606 million bridge has ended years of transport disruptions for residents of Chigongwe, Ngambala and Nguji in Dodoma District, allowing them to maintain access to markets, schools and health facilities even during the rainy season.
The 36-metre Chigongwe Bridge, located along the Chigongwe-Ngambala-Nguji road, was constructed by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) through the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) funds.
The funding was allocated to restore and improve infrastructure damaged by heavy rains in 2024, which disrupted transport and affected the movement of people and agricultural produce.
Before the bridge was built, heavy rains frequently cut off the route, forcing residents to mobilise their own resources to make temporary repairs and enable vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians to cross.
Dodoma District TARURA Manager, Engineer Emmanuel Mfinanga, said the completed project included construction of the bridge and grading and graveling of a one-kilometre section of the road.
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure, warning against theft of protective metal structures and activities that could damage the bridge or obstruct the flow of water.
“Residents need to protect the bridge and avoid activities that could damage it or interfere with the flow of water,” he said.
He said community participation was important in ensuring roads, bridges, culverts and drainage systems remained functional, particularly during heavy rains.
Chigongwe Ward Councillor William Nado said the bridge had removed a long-standing obstacle that had made it difficult for residents of Mkombola and Ngambala to travel during the rainy season.
He said residents previously had to contribute money to repair the road whenever heavy rains made it difficult for vehicles and motorcycles to pass.
The new bridge has also improved the transportation of farm produce and other goods, while making it easier for students to travel to school.
“Previously, rains were a major barrier to transport. Residents had to contribute money to make temporary repairs so that people and vehicles could pass. That problem has now been addressed,” Mr Nado said.
Ngambala Street Chairperson Kenneth King’omah said the project had made a significant difference for residents who needed to access health services, particularly pregnant women, elderly people and patients.
He said the community would work with TARURA and local leaders to protect the bridge and ensure it remains usable for both economic and social activities.
For motorcycle taxi operator Isaya Juma, the bridge has also removed a difficult section of the route that previously forced riders to dismount and push their motorcycles when carrying passengers or goods.
He said the improved crossing had reduced delays and made journeys easier.
“Now you can cross without difficulty even when carrying three or four passengers. This has removed a problem that had affected us for many years,” Mr Juma said.