Tanzania resorts to charge users of selected roads in raising funds for road construction, maintenance

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government is considering various options for raising funds to finance road construction and maintenance, including charging users of selected roads.

Responding to contributions from Members of Parliament during debate on the proposed National Development Plan for the 2027/28 financial year in Dodoma, Minister for Works, Masanja Kadogosa, said the arrangement was already being implemented in several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Ghana and Egypt.

Kadogosa said it was important to distinguish between toll roads and road user charges, explaining that in some areas motorists could have alternative routes that allow them to travel without paying the charges.

He cited the Kigamboni Bridge and Tanzanite Bridge as examples of infrastructure where such arrangements could apply.

ALSO READ: ROAD TO 2027 AFCON: Road construction on course

He said the government would not rely on a single source of financing but would adopt various strategies, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), mobilisation of existing resources, asset monetisation, securitisation of future revenue streams and infrastructure bonds.

The minister added that the ministry’s vision was to construct six-lane roads in areas where traffic demand requires them, while other areas would have four-lane roads.

He stressed that the government was prepared to introduce policy reforms and accelerate the implementation of road projects in line with directives from the President.