Tanzania banks on the Kibaoni-Sitalike road to unlock economic links with its neighbours
MPANDA: THE Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega has said that the construction of the 70-kilometre Kibaoni-Sitalike road is expected to unlock trade and economic opportunities in the Southern Highlands while strengthening economic links with neighbouring countries.
Speaking during the inspection of the progress of the Kibaoni-Stalike road, the minister said that completion of the road would ease the movement of passengers and cargo, connect production areas to markets and expand business opportunities for communities in Katavi and neighbouring regions.
“This road is crucial in and critical to improving transport connectivity and creating an enabling environment for economic activities in areas linked by the route. The government will continue allocating and releasing funds on time to ensure the project is completed to the required standards and within the planned timeframe,” he said.
Elaborating, he said that the government had already paid 4bn/- for construction of the Mpanda-Kigoma road, directing the contractor to speed up completion of the Mnyamasi Bridge.
He said completing the bridge would improve use of the road and prevent disruptions to communication during the rainy season.
Moreover, Mr Ulega directed project supervisors to ensure all sections that become impassable or disrupt communication during rains were given permanent solutions while calling for faster implementation of the works without compromising the quality and durability of the infrastructure.
Earlier, TANROADS Katavi Regional Manager, Eng Martin Mwakabende, said construction of the first section of the Kibaoni-Sitalike road had been divided into three sections, with the project costing 88.72bn/-.
The Kibaoni-Sitalike road is part of government efforts to strengthen the national road network, improve transportation and open up economic opportunities for communities along the route.
