Construction of the long-awaited Jangwani Bridge has reached 43 per cent, with the government setting the end of 2027 as the deadline for completing a project expected to ease chronic flooding and traffic disruptions along one of Dar es Salaam’s busiest transport corridors.
Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa said the pace of construction was encouraging but urged the contractor to maintain momentum and deliver the project within the agreed contractual period.
“The contractor has done a very good job. Continue working hard and ensure that this project is completed by the end of 2027,” Mr Kadogosa said during an inspection of the project.
The Jangwani area has for years been a major trouble spot during heavy rains, with flooding disrupting traffic and making it difficult for commuters and motorists to access parts of the city.
The minister said the bridge was among the strategic projects promised by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her election campaign, noting that its construction had received strong public support because of its importance to Dar es Salaam.
“When the President launched the campaign in Kawe, one of the issues she spoke about that received a lot of applause was the construction of this Jangwani Bridge, which we are seeing,” he said.
Beyond improving connectivity, the project is expected to reduce the disruption caused by flooding, which can bring traffic to a standstill and affect businesses and residents who depend on the road for daily travel.
The government is also taking measures to keep major roads operational during the rainy season. Mr Kadogosa said authorities were preparing by installing culverts, temporary bridges and other facilities to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on road infrastructure.
He said the project was also benefiting from the production and preparation of some construction materials at the site, a move he said could reduce delays and transportation costs.
Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said Jangwani was important to the city because of the large number of national, political, religious and social activities that depend on the area.
He said recurring flooding had made the completion of the bridge particularly important.
“Completion of the bridge will help reduce these challenges, improve the environment and make transport easier for residents,” Mr Mpogolo said.
Dar es Salaam City Mayor Nurdin Bilal, popularly known as Shetta, also welcomed the investment, saying the bridge would address a longstanding challenge facing the city.
Project Construction Manager Eng Leonard Ngayungi said implementation had reached 43 per cent.
The project includes construction of the bridge and pedestrian infrastructure, with the completed works expected to improve movement for motorists and pedestrians while reducing the effects of flooding.
For thousands of commuters using the route, the project's importance will ultimately be measured by whether it can keep traffic moving when heavy rains hit the city.
The government has therefore put the contractor and implementing agencies under pressure to maintain the current construction pace and ensure that the bridge is delivered by the 2027 deadline.
The project is being implemented through the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).