Govt to spend 8.1bn/- repairing flood-hit Serengeti infrastructure

MARA: TANZANIA will spend about 8.1bn/- to repair roads and bridges damaged by heavy rains in the country’s flagship wildlife destination, Serengeti National Park, the tourism minister said on Sunday.

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji said the government would release the funds immediately to rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by intense rainfall in recent weeks, which officials say was linked to climate change.

The downpours washed away sections of roads and damaged several bridges inside the park, temporarily stranding tourist vehicles and disrupting safari routes.

“This funding will allow urgent rehabilitation of damaged bridges and roads so tourism operations can continue safely,” Dr. Kijaji said during an inspection visit to the park.

The repairs will include reconstruction of key bridges such as Orangi Upper, Orangi Lower, Banagi and Bona, as well as culverts and crossings along the Naabi–Seronera road corridor.

Part of the funds will also support engineering studies aimed at strengthening infrastructure against future extreme weather.

Dr. Kijaji urged tour guides and drivers operating inside the park to follow instructions from rescue teams deployed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, warning that crossing bridges when water levels are high could endanger lives.

She also dismissed social media reports claiming the park had suspended tourism activities, saying the reserve remains open despite temporary disruption on some routes.

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Massana Mwishawa, deputy commissioner for conservation and business development at TANAPA, said improved infrastructure would help ensure year-round access to the park during both rainy and dry seasons.

He added that stronger tourism infrastructure would support Tanzania’s goal of attracting eight million visitors annually by 2030, a target promoted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Serengeti chief park warden Ismail Omary said authorities had already carried out temporary repairs, deployed rescue teams and arranged emergency accommodation for tourists and drivers stranded during the storms.

Officials also waived overstay fees for visitors whose departures were delayed because of impassable roads.

The Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its annual wildebeest migration, is one of Africa’s most visited wildlife parks and a major contributor to Tanzania’s tourism revenue.