Tanzania secures World Bank’s 65m US dollars for roads damaged by El Niño rains

TABORA: THE Tanzanian government has secured 65m US dollars for the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to implement road maintenance works under the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) following infrastructure damage caused by the 2024 El Niño rains.

TARURA Chief Executive Engineer Victor Seff said the funding is a concessional loan from the World Bank, provided after an assessment revealed widespread destruction of road infrastructure that required urgent rehabilitation to restore connectivity and essential services.

He made the remarks during a visit by members of TARURA’s advisory board to inspect the construction of a 22-metre bridge and 290-metre access roads along the 20.2-kilometre Ndovelwa road in Tabora Municipality.

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Engineer Seff said the nationwide projects are currently about 70 percent complete and are expected to be finalised by September 2026. He added that the works are being implemented by local contractors, while urging TARURA managers and supervisors across the country to strengthen oversight to ensure quality delivery.

He further noted that the infrastructure projects are designed to improve year-round accessibility, enabling communities to reach markets, schools and transport agricultural inputs efficiently.

TARURA Board Advisory Vice Chairperson Nunu Mangu said the bridge and road projects will improve connectivity and ensure reliable transport throughout all seasons, while urging communities to take care of the infrastructure as the government continues investing heavily in road development.