Tanzania’s Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has invested more than TZS 2.76 billion in modern soil-testing equipment to improve the quality of roads and bridges, reduce construction costs and ensure public funds deliver lasting benefits to citizens.
The investment will help engineers obtain accurate information about soil conditions before construction begins, enabling them to design infrastructure that can withstand heavy loads and last longer.
Better soil testing is also expected to help identify suitable local construction materials, reducing unnecessary transportation expenses.
TARURA Chief Executive, Engineer Victor Seff, said the agency was responsible for managing, constructing and maintaining a district road network spanning 144,149.18 kilometres across the country.
Of this network, approximately 3,900 kilometres are paved roads, more than 47,000 kilometres are gravel roads, and over 92,000 kilometres are earth roads.
The scale of the network highlights the importance of investing in modern technology to improve road conditions, strengthen connectivity and support communities that depend on these routes to access markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
Engineer Seff said TARURA’s Research and Quality Control Unit conducts soil investigations, tests construction materials and monitors the quality of infrastructure projects to ensure they meet the required standards.
“The acquisition of modern equipment will enable TARURA to obtain accurate information about soil characteristics and its ability to support loads, which is essential for designing strong and durable roads and bridges,” he said.
He added that the equipment would improve the efficiency of technical investigations, strengthen the capacity of local experts and help engineers identify more affordable construction methods without compromising quality.
The agency operates a central laboratory in Dodoma and more than 15 regional laboratories that test soil, assess construction materials and verify the quality of road works.
According to Engineer Seff, construction materials are sometimes transported over long distances because their suitability for use near project sites has not been established.
This can increase project costs and put additional pressure on available resources.
Through scientific testing, TARURA can identify suitable materials available near construction sites, provided they meet the required technical standards.
This can help reduce transportation costs and allow more resources to be directed towards improving the road network.
For citizens, better planning and quality control can help reduce the risk of premature road deterioration, minimise avoidable repair costs and improve the long-term value of government investment in infrastructure.
Engineer Seff emphasised that laboratory services were essential for ensuring that soil, construction materials and completed works met the required standards.
He also invited contractors and consulting engineers implementing projects for TARURA and other institutions to use the agency’s laboratory facilities in Dodoma and across the regions.
He said the laboratories were equipped with modern technology, while TARURA specialists had received training to conduct soil investigations and research effectively.
The agency plans to continue acquiring additional equipment and strengthening its regional laboratories to expand access to testing services and improve construction quality across the country.
The investment is part of TARURA’s broader efforts to use science, technology and professional research to improve road infrastructure management, control construction costs and build a more reliable road network.
By improving the durability of roads and bridges, the agency aims to support the movement of people and goods, facilitate business activities and strengthen access to essential services, contributing to economic growth and better livelihoods for communities throughout Tanzania.