Mama Maria Nyerere, widow of Tanzania’s founding President, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, has inaugurated a Sh4.7 billion bridge over the Kalambo River, a project expected to improve connectivity, enhance road safety and expand economic opportunities in Rukwa Region.
The 80-metre-long Maria Nyerere Bridge, located along the Kasitu–Nondo road in Kalambo District, was officially opened on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Constructed by the Government through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), the bridge connects Sopa and Mpombwe wards, improving the movement of people and goods while facilitating access to essential services.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mama Maria thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Kalambo residents for honouring her by naming the bridge after her and inviting her to officiate at its opening.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, thanked President Samia for approving the Sh4.7 billion allocation for the project.
The bridge measures 80 metres in length, 10.5 metres in width and seven metres in height.
“I thank the President for deciding that the bridge should be named after Mama Maria Nyerere. I also sincerely thank Mama Maria for accepting the honour and agreeing to come and officially inaugurate it,” Prof Shemdoe said.
He said the infrastructure would stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for residents, particularly in transport, trade and cross-border commerce.
Kalambo Member of Parliament Edfonce Kanoni said the bridge was an important economic link for the constituency, noting that it connected communities to opportunities near the Zambian border, about 22 kilometres away.
He added that the area’s proximity to the historic Kalambo Falls, which plunges approximately 200 metres, offered opportunities to promote tourism and other economic activities.
Kasitu Village Chairperson John Sizo said the bridge had addressed a longstanding transport challenge that had exposed residents to serious risks and contributed to loss of life.
He commended the Government for the project, saying the improved crossing would make movement safer and easier for local communities.
Mpombwe Ward Councillor Paulo Kasitu said the bridge was a major relief for residents of Sopa and Mpombwe, recalling that the lack of a safe crossing had contributed to the deaths of several women.
He said he had personally witnessed the deaths of about seven women, underscoring the dangers residents previously faced when crossing the river.
Kalambo District Council Chairperson Leopard Mbita thanked President Samia for facilitating Mama Maria’s visit, describing the inauguration as a significant occasion for residents.
The bridge was named after Mama Maria Nyerere by President Samia during her working visit to Rukwa Region in 2024.
Its completion is expected to strengthen transport links, improve access to public services and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, supporting trade and economic activities in Kalambo District.