Road project to ease Kigamboni transport

DAR ES SALAAM: A MAJOR road construction project in Kigamboni is set to ease transport challenges, reduce vehicle operating costs and open up new opportunities for residents, as the government expands infrastructure in the fastgrowing municipality.

The project involves the construction of 42.78 kilometres of tarmac roads under the second phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP II), with implementation already reaching 30 per cent.

Acting TARURA Manager for Kigamboni, Edgar Tumsifu, said the 110bn/- project is being implemented in the wards of Mjimwema, Kibada, Kigamboni, Vijibweni and Somangila to improve the road network and transport services.

He said the municipality currently has a road network of 1,035 kilometres, of which only 10 kilometres are tarmac, but the ongoing project will significantly improve connectivity.

“Through this project, we will add 42.78 kilometres, reaching more than 50 kilometres of paved roads by August this year,” he said.

Mr Tumsifu further said that the new roads will provide alternative routes for residents travelling to key areas such as Kivukoni and the city centre, helping to reduce congestion and travel time.

He added that the infrastructure will also lower vehicle maintenance costs and improve the movement of goods and services within the municipality.

The project includes the construction of paved roads, pedestrian walkways, bus stops, street lighting and more than 80 kilometres of stormwater drainage to enhance safety and resilience.

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In Kibada Ward, construction of 10.48 kilometres of roads has reached 68 per cent, with ongoing works focusing on drainage systems and pedestrian walkways. Residents say the improvements are already changing the area’s outlook.

Kichangani Street Chairperson in Kibada Ward, Mr Nassoro Chande, said poor road conditions had previously affected social and economic activities, but the ongoing works are bringing new opportunities.