Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa has authorised the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) to advertise a tender for the construction of the 42-kilometre Nyololo–Mtwango road in Iringa Region, raising hopes among residents who have long called for the route to be upgraded to bitumen standard.
Kadogosa announced the decision during Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi’s working visit to Nyololo in Mufindi District, where residents raised various concerns about development projects in the area.
The approval is expected to accelerate the procurement process and bring the long-awaited road project closer to implementation.
“I know that five months ago, the Prime Minister came here and said that 20 kilometres of the 42-kilometre road should be advertised for tender. Today, the Vice-President has come here again, and I am granting the approval right here. I do not need the chief executive to bring the matter to my office. Go ahead and advertise the tender,” Kadogosa said.
The announcement marks a significant step towards addressing residents’ longstanding demands for improved road infrastructure, which is essential for transport, trade and access to social services.
In a related development, Kadogosa said the government had paid an advance to the contractor undertaking the Mafinga–Mgololo road project to facilitate the commencement of work.
He said the contractor was undertaking preliminary preparations, including mobilisation of resources, ahead of construction.
Mufindi South MP and Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile commended the Ministry of Works for acting on directives issued by senior government leaders regarding the Nyololo–Mtwango road.
Kihenzile said the road had been a longstanding concern for residents, adding that the decision to approve the tender advertisement was an important step towards fulfilling their aspirations for a tarmac road.
Once completed, the project is expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and support economic activities in Mufindi District.