The government has set December as the deadline for completing two key road projects in Arusha that are expected to improve transport during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and strengthen the city’s infrastructure beyond the tournament.
Deputy Minister for Works Eng Godfrey Kasekenya directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to tighten supervision of the contractor working on the Kona ya Nairobi-Kisongo and Kona ya Nairobi-Kilombero Market roads to ensure the projects are delivered on time and to the required standards.
Speaking during an inspection of the projects, Eng Kasekenya said the roads were important not only for accommodating increased movement during AFCON but also for supporting economic activity in Arusha.
“AFCON is an important opportunity for the country. If these roads are completed to the required standards, they will ease transport during the tournament, expand the road network in Arusha and create economic opportunities,” he said.
He said the government did not want delays on projects linked to preparations for the tournament, stressing that the December deadline should be met.
“The President’s directive is that these projects should not stall and must be completed within the agreed timeframe. For us, that timeframe is December this year,” Eng Kasekenya said.
The road works include pedestrian walkways and street lighting, which are expected to improve safety for pedestrians and contribute to the upgrading of Arusha’s urban infrastructure.
Eng Kasekenya also called for closer coordination between TANROADS, the contractor and institutions responsible for water, electricity and telecommunications to speed up the relocation of underground infrastructure.
He said delays in moving water pipes, power cables and other utilities could slow construction and affect the completion schedule.
“AFCON is temporary, but the infrastructure will remain for a long time,” he said.
TANROADS Arusha Regional Manager Eng Reginald Masawe assured the deputy minister that the agency would work to ensure the roads are completed within the deadline.
He said construction was continuing during both daytime and nighttime in an effort to accelerate the works and enable residents and businesses to benefit from the improved roads.
The projects have also involved compensation for people affected by the road construction, with the government having paid TZS10.2 billion to 48 residents who gave up land for the projects.