WORLD Bank loan agreement of 1.24tri/- and grant of 13.92bn/- to support the country’s rural electrification (REA) programme and Msimbazi Basin Development Project that covers sustainable water resource and ecosystems management is envisioned to increase access to energy and improve the livelihoods of people and businesses in the country, economists have said.
According to the economists, the projects will not only improve livelihoods and businesses, but also the entire socio-economic development of the country.
A seasoned economist-cum-banker, Dr Hilderbrand Shayo told the ‘Daily News’ in an interview that Msimbazi development will attract economic undertakings that will also provide employment opportunities and hence increase tax to the government.
Besides, the Msimbazi project will attract the construction of improved access to the central business District, housing and business centres, which will also help to beautify the city of Dar es Salaam.
“Given the current challenges facing the country, this funding will help Tanzania to adapt to the impacts of climate change by reducing beneficiaries’ vulnerability to floods and paving the way for more renewable electricity in Tanzania,” said Dr Shayo.
He said that as the country is recovering from the pandemic and grappling with effects of the ongoing Russian and Ukraine war, the loan, and the job opportunities to be created will also help mitigate the negative economic impact of the pandemic.
Similarly, the Msimbazi basin programme under the approved loan will enhance availability and management of water flow that has disrupted Dar es Salaam’s major economic activities, especially during high rainy seasons and will on the other hand increase more access to electrification and capacity for renewable energy generation sources to help complement energy mix Tanzania needs.
On the other hand, the REA project and the development of the Msimbazi Programme is a priority for the World Bank because it has the potential to transform the economy of the Tanzanian people and provide important benefits across Tanzania.
For his part, a senior lecturer of economics at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Humphrey Moshi hailed the move, while indicating that the REA project is not only beneficial in providing access to electricity in rural communities, but also instrumental for creating many income generating activities for the dwellers.
He noted that REA has significantly helped to reduce rural-urban-migration which was a result of an influx of youth in major cities in search for work opportunities, but due to the rural electrification project, many of them have been able to employ themselves by engaging in small and medium business.
The economist cited activities like kiosks, sewing and welding as among many others which have stayed open until evening hours due to availability of electricity in their rural settings.
“As the country is promoting its industrialisation drive, the initiative has been a major contributor to the many small and medium industries which have been opened up among our rural communities countrywide,” said Prof Moshi.
He, however, suggested that implementation of the projects, particularly the Msimbazi Basin should take all the necessary caution in putting up infrastructure that can accommodate all weather conditions for their longevity.
The projects are being executed in conjunction to the Third Five Year-Development Plan (FYDP III) which has placed priority in taking comparative advantage of the geography and size of the country to enhance competitiveness, which include improvement of the road network. The projects will boost further the development of the country.
The completion of the bridge in two to three years to come will completely eliminate the risk of flooding for the residents of Dar es Salaam and also become an attraction for tourists.
Speaking after the signing ceremony of the agreement on Monday, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Chief Executive, Eng Rogatus Mativila said the construction will be 390 meters high and will be raised by seven metres and involve widened multi-span bridge and raised embankments.
“The expectation is to start the construction in April next year and to be completed after two to three years, when the major problem of transportation for the people will be eliminated,” said Eng Mativila.
He said temporary excavation and dredging will be undertaken during the construction phase to deepen and widen the river in 1,800 meter lengths upstream and downstream of the bridge and on the side concrete edges.
“This component will finance improvement of the Jangwani Bridge to accommodate peak rainfall and flood events,” said Eng Mativila.
He said that the Jangwani Bridge and adjacent BRT Bus Depot have become increasingly prone to flooding due to sedimentation and waste that clog the bridge and result in flash floods that shut down the transit system and damage the BRT buses.
“The design follows a complete streets approach to safely accommodate all users, including non-motorised transport, with dedicated lanes for the BRT, mixed traffic lane, cycling path, green zone, walkway and hard shoulder,” said Eng Mativila.
This will increase the hydraulic capacity of the bridge to ensure that roads in the Jangwani area remain in use during construction
He said construction will cost more than 63.3 million dollars and soon they expect to announce the tender where after three months the initial steps will be completed.
