PM outlines plan to complete tarmac roads

DODOMA: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday said the government remains committed to completing all remaining inter-regional tarmac roads, noting that the country is close to achieving full national connectivity through paved highways.

He said road and bridge construction continues to be prioritised as a key driver of trade, mobility and regional economic growth.

Responding during the Prime Minister’s Questions session to a query from Kisesa MP Musa Mbuga (CCM), Dr Mwigulu said that while significant progress has been made over the years, the current administration has stepped up efforts to close the remaining gaps.

The MP had sought clarification on plans to upgrade the few remaining unpaved regional links to ease the movement of people and goods.

Dr Mwigulu said construction is progressing in the western corridor, where several routes had not been fully paved.

He further said that a contractor is already on site for the remaining section between Katavi and Rukwa, while funding has been secured to complete the Katavi– Kigoma stretch.

The Katavi–Tabora road, he added, is nearly complete, with only minor works pending.

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The Prime Minister told National Assembly that once ongoing projects are completed and advance payments settled for contractors whose works are yet to begin, the government will shift focus to another key corridor linking Singida through Mkalama and the Sibiti bridge to Meatu, and later connecting to Maswa, Bariadi and Mara.

He said the route is among top priorities identified by MPs and regional stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and economic integration.

Dr Mwigulu also cited additional roads planned for the next phase after current commitments are cleared, including the Mbeya–Chunya–Itigi–Mokiwa road, the Handeni–Kiteto–Kondoa– Kwa Mtoro–Singida stretch and the Makete–Mbeya route.

He said these projects have been identified as critical for economic activity and will be implemented after addressing delays in ongoing works and activating pending contracts.

The Prime Minister said the long-term goal remains to ensure every region is reliably connected through high-quality tarmac roads to support trade, service delivery and cross-border opportunities.