East Africa connects

• Samia flags off fleet of vehicles at JP Magufuli bridge

MWANZA: TANZANIA marked a historic milestone yesterday with the official launch of the JP Magufuli Bridge (Kigongo–Busisi)-a landmark infrastructure project in Mwanza Region that ushers in a new era of transportation, economic growth and regional integration.

Spanning 3 kilometres across Lake Victoria and connected by an additional 1.66 km of ap proach roads, the JP Magufuli Bridge is now the longest in East and Central Africa.

The bridge was inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who described the mo ment as “historic,” celebrating a transition from decades of ferry dependency to modern, high capacity road infrastructure.

“Today is a historic day for our nation. We are opening a new chapter—one that ensures saf er and faster travel for our people,” she declared.

Reflecting on the journey, Presi dent Samia noted that the area’s first ferry—the Busisi Boat—was intro duced in 1968. It could carry just 15 passengers and no vehicles.

Over time, Tanzania scaled up ferry operations, leading to this monumental bridge project, fully funded with domestic resources at a cost of 718bn/-.

ALSO READ: TZ tops agriculture crop exports in East Africa

“This bridge is a symbol of national pride and capability. It proves that Tanzania can plan, finance and execute large-scale infrastructure projects independently,” she said.

President Samia also revealed the project’s local workforce im pact, with 92 per cent of the personnel involved being Tanzanians.

She encouraged young professionals to build on the skills gained and apply them to future projects across the country. The bridge is named after the late President Dr John Magufuli, whose personal frustrations with ferry safety inspired the vision for this crossing.

“He once refused to board a ferry because of safety concerns. That moment drove him, as Presi dent, to pursue a lasting solution. I’m proud to have ensured the promise he made is now a reality,” said Pres ident Samia.

The bridge reduces crossing time from hours to just 4–15 minutes, eliminating long ferry waits and improving travel safety and reliability. Recognising its strategic value, President Samia directed security agencies to ensure the infrastructure is well protected.

The project not only transforms local transport but also aligns with the East African Community (EAC) goals of economic integration by enhancing cross-border trade and reducing logistical costs. In a broader context, the bridge enhances connectivity between Tanzania and neighbouring Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Re public of Congo (DRC), significantly contributing to regional commerce and mobility.

While in Simiyu Region on the fifth day of her working tour, President Samia also launched sev eral transformative clean water projects.

She laid the foundation stone for a 440bn/- water supply project in Busega District, which will benefit over 103 villages across Busega, Itilima, Bariadi, Maswa and Meatu districts.

Pipe installation is underway to bring clean water directly to house holds. In addition, she inau gurated a 12.83bn/- water projectin LamadiTown, which draws water from Lake Victoria to serve over 85,000 residents in the area.

ALSO READ: Debt or development? East Africa’s future in the IMF’s April economic outlook

These efforts form part of the government’s broader agenda to combat water scarcity and raise living standards. Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, praised President Samia’s leader ship, noting investments in floodwater harvesting for irrigation, livestock and clean drinking water.

He also disclosed fund ing for other Lake Victoria based projects, including 33bn/- in Bukoba, 44bn/- in Mara Region, 70bn/- in Butiama—birthplace of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Father of the Nation “The sixth phase government has brought clean water to where our nation’s journey began. That is true transformation,” said Min ister Aweso.