RUKWA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has underlined the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and link the country with neighbouring nations, to boost economic growth and promote regional development.

The Head of State made the statement on Tuesday after launching the Sumbawanga-Matai-Kasanga Port 107 kilometres tarmac road, during her working visit to Rukwa Region.

The road was constructed at a cost of 133.2bn/-. “The government has made huge progress in building infrastructure that connect the country with other nations, also all regions have been connected with tarmac roads, this is good in improving both social and economic activities,” said President Samia.

According to President Samia, the improved roads and ports link Tanzania and neighbouring countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi.

The Head of State said the investment has helped to promote trade and cement existing good relationship. She said many African countries have been unable to engage in profitable cross border trade due to poor infrastructure.

“Poor transportation has been a major challenge in doing business, many countries fail to do cross border trade because it becomes expensive due to poor link and unfavorable infrastructure,” she noted.

The Head of State called on farmers and miners to continue working hard, saying the government is doing everything in its power to ensure good market and create a good environment of transporting their produces abroad.

“I would like to encourage you to continue working hard in your areas, the government will always stand by your side to ensure you add value to your products and engage in profitable businesses,” she noted.

President Samia also urged citizens to protect infrastructure, saying the construction is worth billions of shillings. She asked citizens to stop pouring diesel and plowing on the road side and report vandalism of road signs and other government properties.

” One kilometre of tarmac road is worth three health centres and medical equipment in it, so please take good care of it” she insisted.

Moreover, President Samia ordered the bridge built in Rukwa Region should be named after Mama Maria Nyerere in honour of her efforts in fighting for the country’s independence along with her husband, the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Earlier, Kalambo Legislator Joseph Kandenge asked President Samia to accept the bridge to be named after her.

The sixth phase government has been actively involved in enhancing the country’s infrastructure to facilitate socio-economic activities for its citizens.

This includes constructing and rehabilitating highways, regional roads, bridges, urban roads and rural roads through Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).

In recognising the importance of rural roads for the lives, economy and safety of Tanzanians, the government has continued to increase the budget for TARURA from 710.31bn/- in 2022/23 to 825.09 bn/-in 2023/24, and further to 841.19 bn/- for the year 2024/25. In collaboration with development partners, the government has continued with the construction of roads and over 14 airports.

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The projects are worth 2.81 US billion dollars (equivalent to 7.34 tri/-). Some of the roads being constructed with funding from the partners include Dar es salaam Bus Rapid Transit Project Phase II (KariakooMbagala), Phase III (Posta – Gongo la mboto) and Phase IV (Posta – Tegeta), Dodoma City Outer Ring Road Project, Mnivata – Masasi – Newala road.

Other roads are Tanzania/ Burundi, Regional Rumonge – Gitaza/Kabingo – Kasulu – Manyovu Road, Multinational, Bagamoyo-Horohoro/ Lunga Lunga -Malindi road, Malagarasi– Ilunde-Uvinza road, Kazilambwa – Chagu road, Kasekese – Ikola – Karema Port road, Kahama – Bulyanhulu – Kakola road, Lusahunga- Rusumo, Mtwara – Mingoyo – Masasi, Rutukila – Songea,

Iringa – Msembe road, and Jangwani bridge. For his part, Minister of Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa said the road is part of the implementation of CCM’s manifesto to connect road networks.

According to CCM manifesto, in the period of five years, the party pledged to continue improving transport and transportation infrastructure in facilitating economic and social activities in cities and rural areas.

The party also promised to improve transport and transportation infrastructure to open economic and social opportunities in urban and rural areas.

Earlier, the Head of State launched the Kalambo District Council building, which was constructed at a cost of 4.5bn/-.

Addressing the public in the area, Dr Samia called on citizens to pay taxes and fees as imposed by the government for the implementation of development projects. She said all projects are executed by using taxpayers’ money.

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