TANGA: TANGA Member of Parliament (CCM), Ms Ummy Mwalimu, has expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating an additional 4.7bn/- to facilitate resumption of work on the long-stalled Tanga-Pangani road project.
The MP made the remarks recently during a visit by Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, to inspect construction of the Tanga-Pangani Road that is being executed by a contractor – Chiko Company.
She assured residents who gathered at Kirare, where a bridge is being constructed that the government had released funds to ensure the project is completed.
The MP thanked the government, saying that she was grateful to President Samia for providing the funds. The funds will facilitate continuation of the construction work by the contractor, who had suspended operations while awaiting the second payment instalment.
“Minister, please convey our gratitude to the President. We are immensely thankful for her in regards to these funds that will enable the contractor to return to work and ensure progress of the road construction,” said Ms Mwalimu.
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She added that completion of the Tanga-Pangani Road will boost economy of the districts, bringing significant benefits.
She expressed confidence that Minister Ulega’s visit would accelerate the project to ensure residents enjoy the benefits of the Tanga-Pangani Road.
“This bridge was a major inconvenience for us, but once the road is completed, it will take only 25 to 30 minutes to travel from Tanga to Pangani. Please extend our heartfelt thanks to the President for investing substantial funds in this project, which will uplift the economy and open up Tanga region to compete with Mombasa, Kenya,” she said.
However, she said that the road is strategic and passes through eight out of 27 wards in Tanga City, among these being Kirare Ward, known for cultivating cassava, which is transported to markets.
The MP emphasised that the road is crucial, since Tanga boasts beautiful beaches but due to lack of proper roads, people are unable to visit and enjoy them.
Speaking at the site, Minister Ulega urged Chiko Company to resume the work on the 50-kilometre road.
He said that the President had responded to the appeals of Tanga MP Ummy Mwalimu and Pangani MP Jumaa Aweso, who had repeatedly requested the government funding for the road construction.
“The President has heard the pleas of your MPs from Tanga and Pangani. We urge the contractor to return to the site and resume construction. Additional funds will be disbursed to ensure this road is completed. The people of Tanga are eagerly waiting to benefit economically from this road,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian has championed tourism development in Tanga, drawing comparisons to the vibrancy seen in Mombasa.
