DAR ES SALAAM : DAR ES SALAAM is set for a significant upgrade with the signing of a contract between the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Limited for the construction of the Jangwani Bridge, valued at 97.1bn/-.
The Jangwani Bridge project is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of Dar es Salaam by addressing current challenges and paving the way for sustainable growth.
This initiative will not only enhance the city’s appearance but also improve its infrastructure. The detailed design includes the construction of a 390-metre-long bridge, standing 15.5 metres above sea level, along with a 700-metre access road, all aimed at ensuring resilience against adverse weather conditions. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.
During the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam , Minister for Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa said that the Jangwani Bridge construction is a key component of the government’s Msimbazi Valley Development Project.
He noted that the project aims to improve traffic flow, mitigate flooding and enhance regional connectivity, setting the stage for future growth.
“We are embracing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of constructing a bridge that will last for over 100 years. This project will help us combat the flooding challenges that have affected the Jangwani area for decades,” Mr Bashungwa stated.
He added that the bridge will alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, making commutes faster and more efficient. It will also be designed with effective drainage systems to manage flood risks, which have long been a concern during heavy rains.
The access roads will feature two outbound lanes entering the city and two inbound lanes exiting.
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The Jangwani Bridge is part of the broader Msimbazi River Basin Development Project, funded by the World Bank with a budget of 200 million US dollars (about 545bn/-).
Mr Bashungwa noted that the Msimbazi River Basin Development Project extends from the city centre near the Indian Ocean to the northwestern part of the city.
The Jangwani Valley and surrounding areas are highly flood-prone; during the rainy season, Morogoro Road and the existing Jangwani Bridge often become impassable due to flooding.
Currently, Morogoro Road crosses the Msimbazi River via a 47-metre bridge. However, rapid sediment buildup in the Jangwani Valley has rendered the existing structure inadequate for handling flash floods, leading to frequent flooding.
To enhance drainage, the minister said that a new culvert will be constructed on the eastern side of the valley.
Furthermore, the government has allocated 125bn/- to restore permanent infrastructure in the Dar es Salaam Region, aligning with President Samia’s vision of improving overall infrastructure for better services and connectivity.
Projects include the construction of various bridges and drainage systems, such as the 50-metre Kigogo Bridge in Ilala District, the 20-metre Mkwajuni Bridge in Kinondoni District and several other initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and managing water flow across the region.
Kinondoni Constituency Member of Parliament, Tarimba Abbas noted that this project is aligned with the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III), which prioritises leveraging the country’s geography to enhance competitiveness, including improving the road network. He emphasised that strengthening basic infrastructure is crucial for stimulating economic activity.
“This project will further boost national development. Flooding-induced Road closures disrupt daily activities and pose safety risks to travellers,” Mr Abbas remarked, expressing optimism for improved accessibility and safety in the region.
TANROADS Chief Executive Mohamed Besta said that the feasibility study and design for the Jangwani Bridge were conducted by CDR International BV, in collaboration with Deltares from the Netherlands and Wema Consultant from Tanzania. The project received funding from the World Bank under the Dar es Salaam Urban Transport Project, totalling 905,123.95 US dollars (about 2.4bn/-).
The construction bid for the bridge was announced on August 2, 2023, with bids opened on October 25, 2023. A total of 11 bids were received, with CCCC Limited emerging as the winning contractor.
Regarding project management, Mr Besta said that the management bid was announced on June 12, 2023, attracting 39 expressions of interest. After evaluation, eight bidders proceeded to submit their proposals by December 5, 2023.
CCCC’s Commercial Manager, Mr James Bond, assured that they would implement the project according to specifications, ensuring timely and efficient completion.