MPs demand improved rural roads

DODOMA: POOR state of roads due to ongoing rains in various parts of the country sparked a heated debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, with Members of Parliament calling on the government to financially empower the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) so that it can build and improve the infrastructures.

In a report tabled in the National Assembly here yesterday by the Parliamentary Committee on Regional Administration and Local Government, the MPs advised the government to increase the budget allocated for TARURA from 710bn/- to 1.64tri/- in the next four consecutive years in order to improve the country’s roads.

Debating the committee report, the MPs said most roads in their constituencies have been damaged by the ongoing heavy rains thus affecting social and economic activities in their respective areas.

Kilolo MP Justin Nyamoga (CCM), argued that roads are major political issues in the country especially in rural areas, where they are currently in a poor state as a result of the rains.

“We request the government to release funds allocated in the previous budget for construction of the roads. TARURA was allocated funds but only 12 of the budgets have been provided, which means that more than 80 per cent of the fund has not been released,” he pointed out.

He added: “The top priority right now is roads. In rural areas, women are dying due to inability to transport patients and crops are rotting.” On his part, Tarime Rural MP Mwita Waitara (CCM), said that every legislator has an area in his constituency that is impassable, so if the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) wants to win the coming elections, the government should deliberately increase emergency funds for TARURA.

He said the situation in their constituencies is so bad to the extent that some MPs are unable to reach their areas due to lack of roads, noting: “… worse enough even 808bn/- allocated for TARURA is still very little.” Namtumbo MP Vita Kawawa (CCM) also informed that in his constituency roads have been badly damaged especially Msewa- Msisima road where 200m/- was allocated for the rehabilitation but to date the money has not been released.

Biharamulo West MP Ezra Chiwelesa (CCM), said the committee report indicated that 69 per cent of the roads serviced by TARURA are earth roads that is why during rainy season, many citizens encounter difficulties.

“Without good infrastructure, no matter how many good things you do, it won’t help. If you build schools and health centers, and you will still be stuck because people will not be able to access the services due to poor roads,” he explained.

Special Seats MP Salome Makamba (CCM), said the country is facing a major challenge of infrastructure destruction while those who renovate them are facing financial constraints.

“What do we want to happen so that we can understand that this is an emergency, bridges have been damaged, roads have potholes, people are being swept away by floods and they die. An assessment has been done, and 134 councils need 131bn/- for renovating the infrastructure but to date only 21bn/- has been released,” she said.

However, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Exaud Kigahe, informed the MP that the renovation of the damaged roads is underway in various parts of the country.

Kigahe was seconded by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth Employment and People with Disabilities) Patrobas Katambi who admitted the challenges facing people due to damages caused by the ongoing rains assuring that the government is working to address the challenges.

Earlier, committee chairman, Mr Londo said the National Assembly has resolved that TARURA budget should be increased to 1.64tri/- to enable it to attain the target of having 70 per cent of the roads with gravels.