Tanzania begins process to broaden its road networks

SUMBAWANGA: THE Tanzanian government has begun implementing a strategy to broaden the country through large-scale investment in road infrastructure as a move to increase production and promote cross-border trade.

This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya, when speaking to residents of Namanyere in Nkasi District during the tour of Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba in the Rukwa Region.

Eng Kasekenya said the government has decided to strengthen road infrastructure to make social and economic activities easier for citizens. He explained that the investment will enable people to conduct their activities faster, more reliably, and at lower cost.

Eng Kasekenya emphasized that Rukwa Region holds a strategic position in the national economy. Due to its importance, the government has directed that investments around Lake Tanganyika should go hand in hand with road construction in order to improve transport and logistics services and stimulate economic growth for local communities.

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He added that the Ministry of Works plans to upgrade several roads in the region to tarmac standard. These include the Laela–Kizombwe–Kaseesya road, which is 136.8 kilometers long; the Namanyere–Katongoro–Kapili Port road, measuring 64.80 kilometers; and the Lyazumbi–Kabwe road, which stretches for 63.85 kilometers.

Eng Kasekenya further stated that the construction of these roads aims to strengthen regional trade between Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Zambia.

He also mentioned additional roads planned for construction to further open up the western corridor of Tanzania. These include the Kibaoni–Mpanda (Stalike) road, which is 71 kilometers long; the Mpanda–Mishamo road, measuring 100 kilometers; and the Mishamo–Uvinza road, which spans 86 kilometers. According to Kasekenya, completion of these projects will improve transport connectivity and expand economic opportunities in the western regions of Tanzania.