DAR ES SALAAM: THE participation of communities in repairing and protecting rural roads has gained new momentum with the launch of the Community-Based Routine Maintenance (CBRM) initiative in Dar es Salaam.
The CBRM is one of sub-components in the Six-Year Tanzania Roads to Inclusion and Socioeconomic Opportunities (RISE) project, which started in 2021. It is being implemented by Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) with funding from the World Bank (WB).
The implementation of this phase of the project is expected to cost 56 million US dollars (approximately 148.1bn/-), with 50 million US dollars provided by the government through the Road Fund and the remaining 6 million US dollars financed through a World Bank loan.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youths, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, emphasised that the investment is strategically aimed at boosting the country’s economy while also delivering significant benefits to individuals.
The launch event was decorated with the theme: ‘Connecting Communities; The Role of Routine Maintenance in Unlocking Access to Social Services and Decent Employment.’
The project aims to address some existing challenges, while building capacity and enhancing the livelihoods of group members by empowering them economically.
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“In this component the inclusion of communities, especially the community groups of youths, women and people with disabilities, is highly important,” Mr Ridhiwani insisted.
He said that the government under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has increased TARURA’s 2024 infrastructure budget from 710.31bn/- in 2022/23 to 825.09bn/- in 2023/24 and further to 841.19bn/- in 2024/25.
TARURA Chief Executive Officer, Victor Seff said that the initiative represents a significant step in sustainability of road infrastructure by engaging the community in something which creates a sense of ownership, hence reduce vandalism.
“The development of roads is not just about infrastructure, this initiative brings about economic development and growth of community,” Eng Seff remarked.
TARURA aims to make the number of community groups participating in road maintenance to reach 1,500 by 2027.
These groups would be empowered by imparting them with skills on maintaining roads.
Director for International Labour Organisation (ILO) Dar es Salaam Office, Ms Caroline Khamati, noted that the organisation has been closely working with the government in promoting decent work.
Ms Khamati informed that the organisation has been supporting Tanzania in infrastructure development through capacity building, noting that the launch of the CBRM was in line with ILO’s objective of job creation through community groups.
“Our work is driven by decent work principles, priorities and a development framework. The participation of women’s groups, youths and people with disabilities is key,” she stressed, adding: “through the skills and expertise of the ILO, I am hopeful that the goals will be achieved. I also commend President Samia for her support in fulfilling this mandate in Tanzania.
