The government has allocated TZS 15 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to construct access and bypass roads in Songwe Region, a move expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve transport services and make it easier for residents and businesses to move goods and people.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, said TZS 6 billion would be allocated to Momba District, with TZS 3 billion earmarked for Tunduma and another TZS 3 billion for other areas of the district.
The remaining TZS 9 billion will be directed to Mbozi, Ileje and Songwe districts.
Prof. Shemdoe announced the allocation on October 15, 2026, while responding to concerns raised by residents of Tunduma during a public meeting attended by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who was in the region to inspect development projects.
The planned road projects are intended to address persistent traffic congestion affecting key transport routes, including the Tunduma–Zambia border road, the TANZAM Highway linking Igawa, Songwe and Tunduma, and the Mpemba–Tunduma road, particularly around the Mpemba weighbridge.
“Mr Vice-President, PMO-RALG is ready. In this financial year, the government has allocated TZS 15 billion for the construction of access and bypass roads in Songwe Region,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
For residents, traders and transport operators, the investment is expected to help reduce delays, improve access to businesses and essential services, and make the transportation of goods more efficient.
Better road connections could also support cross-border trade, which is an important source of economic activity and employment in Tunduma.
Beyond road infrastructure, the government is also investing in healthcare to improve access to medical services for local communities.
Prof. Shemdoe said PMO-RALG had implemented directives to allocate TZS 600 million for the construction of Ivuna Health Centre in Momba Constituency, represented by Member of Parliament Condester Sichalwe.
The facility is expected to bring healthcare services closer to residents, reducing the difficulties some families face when seeking medical attention.
The government is also constructing a multi-storey building at Tunduma District Hospital to accommodate maternal and child health wards, increasing the hospital’s capacity to serve pregnant women, mothers and children.
According to statistics cited by Prof. Shemdoe, Tunduma records approximately 1,500 births each month. About 800 take place at government health facilities, while 700 occur at other facilities.
The additional facilities are intended to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services and help the hospital respond to the area's high demand for safe childbirth and related medical care.
In the education sector, the government is completing construction of its seventh multi-storey school, following the completion of six others.
Prof. Shemdoe said the investment was aimed at addressing the shortage of classroom space ahead of increased enrolment expected in 2028, when students completing Standard Six and Standard Seven will join Form One under the double-cohort arrangement associated with the transition to the new curriculum.
“The Tunduma Town Council is ready to receive these students,” he said.
The expansion of school infrastructure is expected to help accommodate the additional students and improve access to secondary education. Adequate classroom space will be important in ensuring that the increase in enrolment does not place excessive pressure on existing facilities.
Prof. Shemdoe said the investments in roads, healthcare and education demonstrated President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to improving public services and addressing challenges affecting citizens.
For Songwe residents, the projects represent an opportunity to benefit from improved transport connections, better access to healthcare and expanded educational facilities.
The government’s challenge will be to ensure that the allocated funds translate into quality infrastructure and reliable public services that meet community needs and deliver lasting benefits.
Successful implementation of the projects would not only improve daily life for residents but also strengthen trade, support local businesses and create a better environment for economic growth across Songwe Region.