MWANZA: THE flagship projects currently underway in Mwanza Region underscore the government’s steadfast commit ment to enhancing connectivity in the Lake Zone and neighbouring countries.
These major infrastructure initiatives include the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, the MV ‘Hapa Kazi Tu’ ship and the Standard Gauge Railway Mwanza-Isaka section.
The Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, spanning 3.2 kilome tres, is now 90 per cent com plete.
This project, which was only 20 per cent complete when President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021, is set to significantly improve transportation by connecting Misungwi and Sengerema across Lake Victoria.
The MV ‘Hapa Kazi Tu,’ a new ship for Lake Victoria, is also nearing completion.
The SGR Mwanza-Isaka section, currently 60 per cent complete, will further enhance regional trade and connectivity.
These projects align with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 (TDV 2025), which emphasises improving accessibility and infrastructure across the country.
The ongoing work deMonstrates the government’s dedication to accelerating de velopment and fulfilling the objectives of the 2020/2025 Election Manifesto.
During his recent tour of Lake Zone regions, the ruling CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, praised President Samia for her effective super vision of these projects. He noted the significant progress on the Kigongo Busisi Bridge and expressed confidence in its timely completion.
On his part, Secretary of Ideology, Publicity and Training Mr Amos Makalla, highlighted that the bridge which is to be the sixth longest in Africa, will facili tate the smooth transport of people and goods, connecting previously isolated areas of Mwanza.
In addition to the bridge, the new ‘MV Hapa Kazi Tu’ ship and the SGR are expected to bolster regional trade.
“Cargo from the SGR can be transported via the bridge to neighbouring countries like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, enhanc ing East Africa’s trade network,” he added.
NEC Secretary for Poli tics and International Relations, Ms Radhia Abdallah Hamid, urged Mwanza residents to take pride in the ongoing projects and to lever age the new infrastructure to boost agricultural production and economic development.
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Business and Entrepreneurship Expert Dr Sylvester Jotta emphasised that the bridge will transform Mwan za City into an international trading hub thus creating numerous business opportuni ties.
He encouraged citizens to adopt an international perspective to fully capitalise on the opportunities.
Mwanza Regional Man ager for the Tanzania Na tional Roads Agency (TAN ROADS) Engineer Paschal Ambrose noted that the bridge, costing 716.33bn/-, will be the longest in Eastern and Central Africa and the sixth-longest on the Continent.
“The project has also generated 1,058 jobs, with 966 being local positions, providing valuable construction skills,” he stated.
The multibillion-shilling project is implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEEC) and China Railway 15 Bureau Group Corpora tion (CR15BGC).
These developments rep resent a significant leap forward for Mwanza and Tanza nia, positioning the region as a key player in East Africa’s economic development.
