JPM Bridge reaches 78 per cent

MWANZA: TANZANIANS have every reason to smile as the strategic Kigongo-Busisi JP Magufuli Bridge has now reached 78.6 per cent and is expected to be completed in February, next year.

Mwanza Regional Manager under the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), Engineer Paschal Ambrose told a team of reporters on Tuesday at his office that the work progress was going on well while the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had all the necessary equipment at the site.

“We are very grateful to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating a big amount for the construction of the strategic bridge while the contractor is being paid on time. Completion of the bridge will hasten people’s development as it will link four East African Community (EAC) countries, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” he said.

Elaborating, Engineer Ambrose said the 3- kilometre JPM bridge will be the longest bridge in Eastern and Central Africa and the sixth longest bridge in Africa.

He explained that construction work commenced on February 25th, 2020 and was expected to be completed on February 24th 2024 and will cost a total of 716.33bn/- upon completion. About 1,000 Tanzanians have also benefitted by getting employment opportunities on the project, he said.

He appealed to Tanzanians to support the government and to ensure that all projects being implemented in their respective areas are safeguarded.

Meanwhile, Consultant Engineer Abdulkarim Majuto, on his side said work progress was impressive and was also thankful to the government for paying funds on time.

He cited some of the challenges facing the work progress as constant rains that had increased the level of water thus slowing work. However, he said he was confident that the project will be completed on contract period.