Itembe River Bridge construction reaches 95pc completion

MEATU: THE construction of the Itembe River Bridge in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, is now 95 per cent complete, according to the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).

Speaking to journalists during a project inspection yesterday, Head of Development Projects at TANROADS in Simiyu, Engineer Rafael Chasama said the remaining works include completing the pedestrian walkway and final cleaning of the site before the bridge is opened for public use.

The bridge is constructed at a cost of 8.4bn/-.

He added that the final touches also involve finishing one side of the bridge pillars and reinforcing protective structures, noting that all major construction works are now complete.

Engineer Chasama thanked the government for continuing to release funds to support the project. So far, over 5bn/- has been paid to the contractor.

“There are additional funds of about 1.5bn/- currently being processed by TANROADS. We expect the project to be fully completed by January 2026,” he said.

He further noted that, with the rainy season approaching, the bridge is expected to be opened for use within 40 days, after the upper deck is fully set and strengthened.

“Today, we have completed maintenance on the upper deck. Technically, it requires about 40 days to stabilise. After that, vehicles and pedestrians will be allowed to cross,” he explained.

Engineer Emmanuel Kisanga, representing the contractor Rocktronic Ltd of Arusha, assured that the bridge has met national standards and is engineered to withstand loads exceeding 30 tonnes, with an estimated lifespan of more than 100 years.

He said the new bridge will end years of challenges faced by residents, including loss of life and property during seasonal floods.

Local resident Issa Kingu expressed gratitude to the government but urged timely completion ahead of expected rains.

“Rains are coming around December. Many people have died here and traders have lost properties. This river has been a serious challenge for us. We ask that the remaining work be finished quickly so we can start using the bridge,” he said.

The Itembe River Bridge lies along the key highway connecting Arusha, Manyara, Singida and Simiyu regions.