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Dar roads repair begins in earnest

DAR ES SALAAM: Two-way traffic movements along Bagamoyo Road were restored yesterday after repairs were done to a part of the road linking the Kunduchi-Mtongani bridge that was damaged by floodwaters on Sunday.

Visiting the affected areas in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Deputy Minister for Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya commended the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) for restoring the road infrastructure networks.

“The government has prepared to face the challenges that arise in the future, that’s why immediately after rains damaged the road infrastructure, TANROADS responded quickly to ensure that transport activities along Kunduchi -Mtongani Bridge returned to normal within 48 hours,” the deputy minister asserted.

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He said the ministry was swiftly responding to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives issued on Sunday that key ministries including the Ministry of Energy, Water, Health and Works respond timely to the effects brought about by climate change including floods which require emergency services.

Speaking during the the installation service of the elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, President Samia also directed all citizens to leave dangerous flood-prone areas as El Nino rains continue to wreak havoc in Dar es Salaam and other coastal areas.

President Samia ordered the Fire and Rescue Force to be on standby to provide emergency service whenever needed in areas affected by climate change including flooding.

Eng Kasekenya instructed TANROADS to make sure they come up with a long-term plan to control river flow particularly downstream and upstream.

He directed the authority to fix all weak parts of rivers connected to bridges to mitigate the risks of damage to bridges.

He urged those people who conduct human activities alongside the rivers to stop whilst calling on citizens living in the same areas to relocate to mitigate the impact of future rain-related incidents

Daily News observed efforts were ongoing to mud at the Jangwani Bridge as traffic movements continued.

Heavy rains hit the city on Saturday and Sunday, damaging road infrastructure in Kinondoni and Ilala districts.

The Tanzania Meteorological Agency has warned of heavy rains this week in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Morogoro, Lindi, Mtwara, Njombe, Ruvuma regions and parts of the Zanzibar archipelago.

The forecast also highlighted the possibility of strong winds and large ocean waves along the coasts of the Indian Ocean.