More funds allocated for urban roads
DODOMA: ROADS in both urban and rural areas are set for improvement following a significant increase in funding for the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Dr Festo Dugange, told the National Assembly that budget allocations for the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) have increased significantly in recent years to ensure roads are passable throughout the year.
He said this while responding to a basic question from Magu MP (CCM), Boniventura Kiswaga, who sought to know when authorities would construct urban roads in Kisesa and Bujora towns, which are key commercial hubs.
Dr Dugange said in the 2024/25 financial year, 252.88m/- was allocated for the maintenance of Kisesa– Machinjioni and Shilabela– Kisesa roads, with works currently ongoing. “In the 2025/26 financial year, the design for upgrading the Msikitini–Mnarani road (1.2 kilometres) in Bujora to tarmac standard has been completed, with construction estimated to cost 1.5bn/-,” he said.
He added that for the 2026/27 financial year, 600m/- has been earmarked for the construction of 3,000 metres of drainage systems along key roads in Kisesa, including Ngomeni, Kanyama–Busekwa and Kisesa–Machinjioni. “Authorities will continue allocating funds to improve road infrastructure in Kisesa and Bujora towns, given their growing commercial importance,” he said. In a supplementary question, Mr Kiswaga asked whether additional funds could be provided to complete drainage works along the Kwa Mkapa– Machinjioni road.
Dr Dugange said funding for such roads is released in phases to ensure they are upgraded to either tarmac or gravel standards.
“We prioritise drainage construction in critical sections first, and other areas are addressed progressively,” he said.
In another supplementary question, Temeke MP (CCM), Mariam Kisangi, sought clarification on plans to improve urban roads, including those in her constituency.
Dr Dugange said urban roads have already been incorporated into the 2026/27 budget, with some set to be implemented through TARURA funds and others under the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP).
Responding to a supplementary question from Mvomero MP (CCM), Sara Msafiri, on increasing funding for roads frequently damaged in mining areas, Dr Dugange said the TARURA budget has increased more than fourfold since the 2021/22 financial year.
“The objective is to ensure roads in both urban and rural areas remain passable throughout the year, enabling wananchi to travel and transport goods without disruption,” he said.
Mbulu Rural MP (CCM), Dr Emmanuel Nuwas, also sought to know plans for constructing urban roads in his constituency.
Dr Dugange said TARURA has continued to expand its road network, with managers across the country directed to submit proposals for areas requiring new roads so they can be considered in future budgets.
“Funds continue to be allocated for roads not yet covered, while rehabilitation plans are underway for those damaged by rains,” he said.
In a further supplementary question, Sikonge MP (CCM), Eng Amos Maganga, asked when construction of roads in Tutuo township would begin. Dr Dugange said authorities are aware of the need and have already received proposals for opening, constructing and rehabilitating roads in the area.
“We are finalising budgetary plans and implementation will be carried out in phases,” he said.
