Eight-lane Kibaha–Chalinze highway design nears completion

DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister for Works, Eng Godfrey Kasekenya, has said that the feasibility study and detailed design for the expansion of the Kibaha Maili Moja–Chalinze road into an eight-lane highway are in their final stages.

The Deputy Minister informed the National Assembly on Wednesday while responding to a basic question posed by Special Seats MP Hawa Mchafu Chakoma (CCM), who sought an update on the progress of the major infrastructure project.

Elaborating further, Eng Kasekenya said the project has been divided into two sections, with the first covering the Maili Moja–Picha ya Ndege stretch, measuring 3.6 kilometres.

He said once the design is completed and construction costs are established; the government will mobilise funds for implementation.

“The remaining section, from Picha ya Ndege to Chalinze, covering 78.9 kilometres, will be implemented through a Public– Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Procurement procedures to secure a private partner are ongoing,” he added.

In a supplementary question, the MP asked what short-term measures the government is taking to address persistent and severe traffic congestion along the Kibaha–Mlandizi–Chalinze corridor.

Responding, Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega said the government has resolved to rehabilitate the old road that was abandoned following the construction of the new highway.

“Funds have already been released to upgrade the old road from Kibaha Maili Moja to Tumbi and exiting at Mlandizi to serve as an alternative route whenever the main carriageway is blocked,” he said.

He added that the ministry is working closely with the Police Force to deploy special traffic units that will respond quickly to vehicle breakdowns and, together with TANROADS teams, clear stalled vehicles to ease traffic flow.

The MP further sought clarification on when the government will commence construction of the Chalinze–Morogoro Expressway, citing heavy congestion caused by increased cargo movement following the modernisation of the Dar es Salaam Port.

Responding, the Minister said the project was delayed after earlier negotiations with a contractor resulted in unfavourable terms for the nation.

“We re-advertised the project and the good news is that several local institutions, including NSSF and TPA, have expressed interest. Government experts are now reviewing both local and international proposals and soon an investor will be identified to execute this strategic project,” he said.