Kahama–Kakola road project raises new hopes

SHINYANGA: THE long-awaited upgrade of the Kahama–Bulyanhulu road is finally underway, following a government contract signed in March last year with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

The 73-kilometre stretch, notorious for its poor condition, is being reconstructed into a tarmac road at a cost of 101.2bn/- fully funded by Barrick through its local partnership, Twiga Minerals Corporation.

The project has brought relief to road users and revived hope among residents across the Lake Zone regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Kagera and Kigoma. For years, the road was a major source of frustration during both rainy and dry seasons, severely hampering transport and economic activity.

The investment, channeled through Barrick’s operations at Bulyanhulu, North Mara and the nowclosed Buzwagi mines, demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to drive national development.

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The initiative is overseen by TANROADS’ Technical and Engineering Consulting Unit (TECU), with construction progressing steadily. Bridges are being installed in previously impassable sections. At the signing ceremony in Kahama, Minister for Works Innocent Bashungwa acknowledged the road had long burdened local residents.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has resolved this issue through close cooperation with investors like Barrick,” he said, thanking the mining company for its financial support. The road is expected to be completed within 27 months, by 2027.

TANROADS Regional Manager Joel Samwel Mwambungu recently inspected the site and confirmed steady progress. He described the road as a “key economic enabler” that aligns with national strategies to boost development by improving transport infrastructure. Local communities are already benefiting.

Many have secured jobs during construction and roadside businesses are seeing increased activity.

“We are very happy to see this road being built,” said Mwandu John of Ntobo Village, Msalala District, adding: “It will stimulate economic growth in an area long neglected due to poor infrastructure.” Motorist Samwel Petro echoed the sentiment, saying; “The road used to damage our vehicles and cost us money.

This new tarmac will open up business opportunities and allow more people to be self-employed.” Barrick’s President and CEO, Mark Bristow, speaking at the company’s sustainability strategy meeting in Canada, reiterated the company’s commitment to long-term development in Tanzania.