Residents occupying road reserves along the Katumba–Mbambo–Tukuyu route in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, have been given five days to vacate to allow construction of the road to bitumen standards to proceed.
Rungwe District Commissioner Jafar Haniu issued the ultimatum on Monday, November 2, 2026, warning that those who fail to comply will be forcibly removed and required to meet the costs of the exercise.
The directive targets residents of Suma Village and others who have established homes or conducted activities within the road reserve, which authorities say must be cleared to facilitate construction.
Mr Haniu issued the order during an inspection of the 79.4-kilometre Katumba–Mbambo–Tukuyu road project, accompanied by members of the district security and defence committee and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) district political committee.
During the visit, he inspected two sections being constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC): the 35.3-kilometre Katumba–Lupaso stretch and the 20.7-kilometre Mbaka–Kibanja section.
He directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) regional office in Mbeya to tighten supervision of the contractor and ensure construction work continues day and night to avoid delays.
Mr Haniu said the Government had already released funds for the project, making it necessary for the contractor to accelerate implementation and complete the work within the agreed timeframe.
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Government has prioritised infrastructure development, with improved road connectivity expected to support economic activities and ease the movement of people and goods.
Tanroads Mbeya Regional Manager, Engineer Suleiman Bishanga, said the road was strategically important because it would improve transport links between Kyela and Rungwe districts, particularly Busokelo District Council.
He said the contractor had been instructed to mobilise equipment to the construction sites and increase the pace of work, including extending operations into the night.
"This is intended to reduce the difficulties residents are experiencing because of the current condition of the road," he said.
Rungwe CCM District Chairman Meckon Mwakipunga commended the Government for starting the project, describing it as part of fulfilling its development commitments to the people.
He said the party was satisfied with the commencement of construction and its involvement in inspection visits to monitor the implementation of the CCM election manifesto.
Mr Mwakipunga added that such visits enabled party leaders to assess the progress of development projects and follow up on their implementation.
For road users, the project is expected to address longstanding transport difficulties.
Jastine Kanjeli, a passenger vehicle driver who frequently uses the route, welcomed the commencement of construction, saying poor road conditions had made travelling difficult for both motorists and residents.
He said the situation became particularly challenging during the rainy season, when deteriorating road conditions disrupted transport services.
Completion of the project is expected to improve connectivity between communities in Rungwe and Kyela, while facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.