Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has pledged to speed up road construction and rehabilitation projects, citing the need to improve transport connectivity, reduce logistical challenges and unlock economic opportunities across the country.
He said the government was reviewing the financing arrangements of various funds, including the Road Fund, to ensure that money collected was channelled directly into the respective funds, improving the availability of resources for infrastructure projects.
Speaking at Nyamikoma Primary School grounds in Busega District, Simiyu Region, Dr Nchemba said the reforms were intended to address financial constraints that could slow down project implementation.
“The government assures citizens that the pace of project implementation will increase and move faster as a result of the changes we have made,” he said.
The Prime Minister also assured residents that the government would construct the 48-kilometre Nyashimo-Dutwa road, a project expected to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods in the area.
The commitment responds to calls from residents and local leaders for better road infrastructure to support economic activities.
Dr Nchemba commended Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) Simiyu Regional Manager, Engineer Boniface Mkumbo, for overseeing infrastructure projects in the region.
For his part, Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa said the government recognised the economic importance of the Mwanza-Nyanguge road and was taking steps to restore it to a good condition.
He said the ministry, working with Tanroads, had started major rehabilitation works on a 100-kilometre section that had deteriorated significantly.
Other sections of the road, stretching from the Mwanza border towards Musoma, were also undergoing repairs, he said.
On the proposed Nyashimo-Dutwa road, Mr Kadogosa said the feasibility study had been completed, while the design process was more than 60 per cent complete.
Busega MP Simon Songe urged the government to ensure that the 48-kilometre road was built to bitumen standard, arguing that its completion would ease transport and create economic opportunities for communities.
The road is expected to improve access to markets and essential services while reducing transport difficulties for residents and businesses in the district.