Govt orders 24/7 work on AFCON roads as Arusha project faces deadline pressure

ARUSHA: TANZANIA has ordered contractors working on key Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) road projects to speed up construction, warning that delays will not be accepted as the country races to meet tournament deadlines.

The Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega issued the directive during an inspection of the 70-kilometre Mbauda–Losinyai road in Arusha, one of the major transport routes linked to AFCON preparations.

Ulega told China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to immediately scale up operations by adding more machinery, workers, and technical staff, saying the pace on site must match national expectations.

He also directed the contractor to introduce round-the-clock construction and set up independent site camps to reduce delays caused by moving equipment and materials.

“I have directed the contractor to increase equipment, experts, and workers and ensure independent camps are established so that work is not slowed down,” he said.

The road is being upgraded into a four-lane highway under a design and build arrangement. It includes the Mbauda–Morongo section toward Arusha junction and a 13-kilometre stretch linking T/Packers (Moshono) to Kiserian.

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Ulega explained that the project is part of a wider plan to transform Arusha’s road network ahead of AFCON, improving access to key areas including the stadium, Kisongo Airport, Kilombero Market, and surrounding bypass routes.

He further instructed TANROADS to ensure local residents benefit from job opportunities created by the project, directing that recruitment be coordinated through district authorities.

Utility agencies TANESCO and AUWSA were also told to fast-track relocation of electricity and water infrastructure to avoid slowing down construction.

The government says it is closely monitoring all AFCON-linked infrastructure as pressure mounts to deliver projects on time.