DAR ES SALAAM: THE government plans to commence the expansion of Mbagala Rangi Tatu – Mkuranga road to ease the heavy congestion that has been inconveniencing residents of Mkuranga, Kibiti, Rufiji and other areas in the Southern regions.
Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, who is also Member of Parliament for Mkuranga, spoke of the project during a public meeting held at Mwandege Primary School grounds in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.
Mr Ulega said that the initiation of the road expansion process follows directives and approval from the President Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that funds for the project are already available.
“President Samia has granted permission for the expansion of this road and authorised me to announce the tender for this project. The funds are available, and we are set to expand the road from Mbagala Rangi Tatu to Kongowe and beyond. TANROADS and TARURA in the Coast Region are ready to begin the work,” said Mr Ulega.
He added, “President Samia assigned me this responsibility of ensuring this matter is resolved quickly. She instructed and told me, ‘You requested this project and today, I am handing it over to you, take care of it.”
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Mr Ulega said that congestion on the Rangi Tatu Road (from Dar es Salaam to Kongowe) has been a significant barrier to the development of the Southern regions and the directives by President Samia bring renewed hope to the road users.
“Our development is being delayed due to the time spent in this area. Someone might leave Mkamba early, but upon reaching Mwandege heading to Kongowe or Dar es Salaam, they lose two to three hours. This must end,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Ulega commended President Samia for taking the lead in promoting development in Mkuranga District, noting that her efforts have helped to improve the lives of residents, including boosting the economy of the area.
He highlighted achievements recorded in various sectors in the district including the education where the number of primary schools increased from 114 in 2021 to 127 in 2024 and secondary schools from 25 to 53 during the same period.
He noted that all the newly built schools were constructed during President Samia’s administration, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring that children in Mkuranga get access to quality education close to their homes.
“In 2020, we had 114 primary schools, but now we have 127. For secondary schools, we had 25, but today we have 53. We sincerely thank President Samia for the tremendous work done, and we will continue collaborating to strengthen education in this district,” said Mr Ulega.
He also highlighted that Mkuranga District has improved road and bridge infrastructure, noting that in 2024 alone, 11 bridges have been constructed in different parts of the district, helping to address transportation and logistics challenges.
“Wherever there was a river, we completed the construction of a bridge. Major transportation challenges that were hindering economic activities have now been resolved and residents can easily transport their produce,” he said.
