The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has stepped up preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains, urging citizens to help protect road infrastructure and observe safety precautions to prevent accidents, flooding and damage to roads and bridges.
The preparations include inspecting roads and bridges, identifying vulnerable areas, clearing drainage channels and repairing damaged infrastructure before the rains begin.
The move follows a weather alert issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), prompting TARURA to direct its regional managers to assess road conditions and address potential risks using available resources.
TARURA Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Victor Seff, said the agency had received reports identifying areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and had approved maintenance works within existing budgets.
He explained that locations requiring major repairs beyond the available financial resources would be reported to TARURA headquarters to facilitate requests for additional government funding.
“Drainage maintenance is already underway, but I urge our managers to continue inspecting roads, bridges and other vulnerable areas. Drainage channels must be cleared, and soil and debris removed to ensure rainwater flows freely and does not cause flooding or damage infrastructure,” Engineer Seff said.
Engineer Seff called on citizens to work closely with TARURA by promptly reporting damaged roads, bridges and drainage systems, particularly where the damage could threaten the safety of road users.
Residents can report problems through TARURA district and regional offices or by using the toll-free telephone numbers available in their respective regions.
He said timely reports would help the agency assess problems and respond according to the severity of the damage.
Where roads or bridges become dangerous, TARURA may issue public warnings or temporarily close affected sections to prevent accidents and protect lives.
As the rainy season approaches, citizens have also been urged to take personal responsibility for their safety by avoiding unnecessary journeys during heavy rainfall.
Engineer Seff advised motorists and other road users to wait until heavy rain subsides and ensure their routes are safe before continuing their journeys.
He warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges covered by water or areas where safety has not been confirmed.
Such decisions, he stressed, can put lives at risk, particularly when the depth and strength of flowing water are difficult to assess.
Citizens have also been urged to protect public infrastructure, including bridges, road signs and drainage systems, from vandalism and damage.
Engineer Seff said these facilities are public assets that support daily activities, connect communities and facilitate the movement of people and goods. Their protection is therefore a shared responsibility.
TARURA is also continuing to implement its Community-Based Routine Road Maintenance (CBRM) programme, which gives residents an opportunity to participate directly in maintaining roads in their communities.
Through the programme, citizens receive training to establish community groups that undertake routine maintenance activities, including cutting grass along roadsides, clearing drainage channels and performing other tasks that help keep roads in good condition.
According to Engineer Seff, the initiative strengthens cooperation between TARURA and local communities while enabling residents to contribute to the upkeep of infrastructure they depend on every day.
He urged community members to cooperate with TARURA technical experts during training and ensure that maintenance activities assigned to their groups are carried out effectively.
“We urge citizens to cooperate with our experts when they visit to provide education about the CBRM programme and ensure that community groups perform their assigned tasks efficiently,” he said.
TARURA has emphasised that preparing for heavy rainfall requires more than government action. Timely reporting of damaged infrastructure, responsible use of roads and community participation in maintenance can help reduce the impact of flooding and protect lives.
As the country prepares for the anticipated rains, citizens are encouraged to remain alert, follow safety advice and promptly report infrastructure problems to the relevant authorities.
Through joint efforts between TARURA and local communities, the agency aims to minimise damage, improve road safety and keep essential transport links accessible throughout the rainy season.