The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) has directed its 26 regional managers to inspect roads, bridges, culverts and other vulnerable infrastructure ahead of the expected El Niño rains.
The directive is aimed at identifying potential trouble spots early and taking preventive measures to minimise disruptions to transport and movement of people and goods.
TANROADS Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Mohamed Besta, issued the directive in Dodoma while inspecting the progress of the Ntyuka–Mvumi–Kikombo road project.
He said the agency needed to remain vigilant and address weaknesses in road infrastructure before heavy rains expose them.
“I urge all 26 regional managers to conduct inspections and assess how they can reduce the impact that may result from El Niño rains,” Eng Besta said.
He cited the Mutikila Bridge as an example of the challenges that heavy rains can create, noting that the bridge was affected in December last year, disrupting movement of vehicles and residents.
Eng Besta said TANROADS was also working to ensure that the Mangungo and Kikombo bridges, together with other bridges under construction along the project, were completed and made passable before the rains.
He directed the contractor to accelerate construction so that the remaining sections could be completed and residents begin benefiting fully from the road.
According to TANROADS Dodoma Regional Manager, Engineer Zuhura Amani, the Ntyuka–Mvumi–Kikombo project covers 76 kilometres and is being implemented in two phases.
The first phase covers 25 kilometres and has reached 67.9 per cent completion.
Of the section under construction, 8.6 kilometres are along the Ntyuka–Mvumi stretch, while 14.4 kilometres are on the Kikombo side, including five kilometres connecting the road to the route leading to the military headquarters.
Eng Amani said contractor China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) had completed most of the works, with 23.2 kilometres of the 25-kilometre section reaching the required standard.
However, she said key works remained, including filling road embankments, connecting bridge sections and completing drainage infrastructure around Mutikila, Mangungo and Kikombo bridges, as well as the MGR railway bridge.
TANROADS has already started reinforcing areas that have previously experienced problems during rainy seasons.
The measures include adding gravel, strengthening embankment edges and clearing waterways to improve drainage and maintain safe passage for road users.
Eng Amani said the agency expected the Mutikila, Mangungo and Kikombo bridges to be completed and made passable before the rains begin.
The preparations are intended to reduce the risk of road closures and prolonged disruptions, particularly in areas where bridges and drainage structures remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall.