The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has begun inspecting roads, bridges, culverts and drainage systems in Dodoma as the government steps up preparations for heavy El Niño rains expected to increase the risk of flooding and damage to transport infrastructure.
The inspections are targeting areas considered vulnerable to flooding and road damage, with TARURA clearing drainage systems and addressing other potential blockages before the rains intensify.
TARURA Dodoma District Manager, Engineer Emmanuel Mfinanga, said the agency had started the exercise early to identify risks and take preventive measures rather than wait for infrastructure to be damaged.
“We are continuing to inspect our infrastructure. In areas where we identify risks, we have started making improvements to prevent damage. This work has started and will continue,” he said.
Mr Mfinanga said the agency was clearing areas around bridge entrances and downstream sections to ensure that rainwater could flow freely.
The work is being conducted in collaboration with the Dodoma City Council, ward and street authorities as well as village leaders.
He also urged residents to help protect the infrastructure by avoiding dumping waste in drainage channels, culverts and around bridges.
Blocked drainage systems can prevent water from flowing properly, increasing the risk of flooding and road damage, he said.
“Residents should avoid throwing waste into these facilities. When they are blocked, they can cause flooding. When they remain clean, water can flow properly and reduce the impact of floods,” Mr Mfinanga said.
The government has also allocated funds for projects aimed at improving Dodoma’s road infrastructure and strengthening it against heavy rainfall.
The projects include construction of a 250-metre section of the Ilazo-Mbuyuni road, 1.5 kilometres of drainage channels and three stone bridges, including one at SGR (Chidachi Kusini) and two at Ntyuka.
The bridges have a total length of 14 metres.
The preparations follow a weather forecast by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warning of heavy El Niño rains that could cause flooding and damage roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
TARURA said the inspection exercise was also being conducted in other parts of the country as authorities seek to reduce disruptions to transport and protect communities during the rainy season.