TARURA promotes stone arch bridge construction
TANZANIA: THE Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) is actively integrating masonry bridge construction, particularly arch bridge technology, into the curricula of vocational and university engineering programmes in a strategic move to reduce infrastructure costs and promote the use of durable, locally sourced materials.
TARURA’s coordinator for stone arch bridge and stone-paved road construction, Pharles Ngeleja, stated that they have partnered with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) to develop a curriculum focused on stone bridge construction engineering.
Discussions are also underway with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to incorporate this specialised knowledge into their engineering programmes, he said.
“We have collaborated with VETA to establish a dedicated curriculum for stone bridge construction, creating valuable employment opportunities. We are also in discussions with UDSM to ensure that students can continue their studies at the university level after completing their VETA training,” Eng. Ngeleja explained during a report presentation on TARURA’s progress in stone arch bridge and road construction nationwide.
He highlighted the significant cost savings achieved through this method. “Since 2017, we have constructed 401 stone arch bridges at a cost of 25bn/-. Had we used concrete, the cost would have been 91bn/-, resulting in a 72 percent reduction. These bridges are designed to support heavy loads,” Eng Ngeleja asserted.
TARURA’s budget for the period 2021/22 to 2024/25 has increased from 25.43bn/- to 52.33bn/-, representing a 205.79 per cent growth.
Eng Ngeleja emphasised the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of this technology, which utilises locally sourced materials, thereby accelerating infrastructure development. These bridges provide essential social services and stimulate economic growth in the regions where they are built. He also noted their durability, stating that stone bridges can last for centuries.
He pointed out the historical prevalence of this construction method, citing its use in various countries, including China, since the 14th century.
“Many bridges along the central railway line to Kigoma, which support heavy cargo trains, are still in use today, demonstrating the longevity of this technique,” he added.
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Masonry arch bridges, constructed from durable materials like stone or brick, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional infrastructure projects that rely on expensive steel and reinforced concrete.
TARURA’s head of environment and social management, Madoshi Makene, urged journalists to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining clean road reserve areas.
He criticised the practice of littering, which he said compromises the quality of road infrastructure
