Ministry urges TARURA to improve roads

DODOMA: RURAL and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) regional and district managers have been instructed to collaborate in planning and ensuring that road infrastructure leading to essential service centres, including heath facilities, remain accessible in all weather conditions.

Deputy Minister of State in President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Ms Zainabu Katimba issued the directive in the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a supplementary question from Special Seats MP Ritta Kabati (CCM).

Kabati asked about the government’s strategy to ensure people in remote wards have access to health centres, noting that in some areas, patients are transported on stretchers due to the lack of roads.

In response, Katimba said the government is committed to improving health services, including in remote areas and ensuring access.

“That’s why, using funds from local authorities and the central government, health centres are being built nationwide, even in remote areas, to ensure quick access… I urge TARURA managers to develop infrastructure leading to essential services for citizens, including health services,” she said.

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Earlier, Special Seats MP Asia Halamga (CCM) asked when the government would build a health centre in Endagau Ward, Hanang’ Constituency.

Katimba replied that in 2024/2025, the government allocated 53.5bn/- for constructing health centres in 214 strategic wards, with each centre receiving 250m/-.

She said in Hanang’ District Council, the funds will be directed to Hidet Ward for the construction of a health centre.

Endagau Ward has 6,286 residents and is located 8 kilometres from the nearest health centre in Endasak.

Katimba said the government will continue to allocate funds in phases to build health centres in all strategic wards that meet the criteria nationwide.