Samia orders long-term preservation of the JP Magufuli Bridge

MWANZA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Works and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to ensure the long-term preservation of the newly inaugurated JP Magufuli Bridge by conducting regular inspections and preventive maintenance.

She stressed the importance of safeguarding the bridge as a valuable national asset for future generations.

Speaking to thousands of residents at Kalwande Technical College grounds in Mwanza shortly after officially launching the JP Magufuli bridge (Kigongo–Busisi), President Samia emphasized the significance of proper bridge management and the need to uphold safety standards.

“I urge all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to all safety regulations while using this bridge,” she said.

She added: “I also call upon our security and law enforcement agencies to provide maximum protection to this strategic infrastructure.”

President Samia noted that with the bridge now complete, motorists will take just four minutes to cross between Kigongo and Busisi, while pedestrians will also benefit from a shorter and safer journey.

She proudly stated that the project was fully funded through domestic revenues, drawn entirely from Tanzanian taxpayers.

“This bridge is a national symbol and a testament to the fact that Tanzania has taken a bold step forward. It confirms that we are a strong economy capable of planning and implementing major infrastructure projects using our own resources,” President Samia said.

She further highlighted that 92 percent of the project’s workforce were Tanzanians, most of whom were young people gaining valuable technical skills.

“To the youth who participated in this project, I urge you to build on this expertise and help advance the construction of other bridges across the country,” she added.

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Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa applauded President Samia for her commitment to completing projects initiated by the late President Dr John Pombe Magufuli, praising her efforts to mobilize resources and accelerate development.

“Today, even remote villages across the country are experiencing improved services in water, electricity, and road infrastructure,” he said.

Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega expressed gratitude to President Samia for naming the bridge after the late President Magufuli.

 He noted that when she assumed office, the project stood at just 25 percent completion, with only 152bn/- disbursed.

He emphasized the bridge’s strategic location, just 15 kilometers from Fela, a major cargo terminal under the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which is set to serve as a key hub for goods bound for neighboring countries.

Ulega also highlighted plans to upgrade roads around Mwanza City and Usagara, with a new four-lane highway under construction, featuring two lanes entering the city and two exiting toward Usagara.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda, proposed that the three ferries previously operating at the Kigongo–Busisi crossing be relocated to underserved areas within the region.

Mtanda also thanked the government for supporting various development projects in Mwanza, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure.

He cited the 1.5bn/- allocated to combat the spread of water hyacinths in Lake Victoria, which had threatened aquatic life, cage fishing, and water transport. The funding was used to procure specialized machines to remove the invasive species and restore the lake’s ecosystem.

He concluded by assuring the public of the region’s readiness to facilitate a peaceful, lawful, and orderly electoral process.