TARURA adopts stone bridge tech to cut costs

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has adopted stone bridge technology in aligning areas after studies showed it can significantly cut construction costs while improving connectivity in Dodoma.

TARURA Dodoma Regional Engineer, Revocatus Nsubile, said the agency has resumed building stone bridges as part of efforts to deliver affordable and durable road infrastructure. “We have found that stone bridges significantly reduce construction costs.

Therefore, we are continuing to construct them where conditions allow,” he said. In an interview with the ‘Daily News’, Eng Nsubile said TARURA is also building concrete bridges and installing drainage systems across the region to minimise the impact of rains and keep roads passable throughout the year.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the agency plans to upgrade gravel roads and construct selected roads to tarmac standard, with about six kilometres set for bitumen surfacing.

Among key projects is a two-kilometre tarmac road linking Nzuguni and Mahomanyika, expected to improve access to the Government City in Chamwino.

“Once completed, the road will ease travel to Chamwino and other areas without using Morogoro Road,” he said.

TARURA will also upgrade roads in the NCCI Link area, home to several institutions, by expanding tarmac roads and installing street lights.

In addition, the road linking Martin Luther and Nala will be extended by about two kilometres. Eng Nsubile said the projects aim to ease congestion in central Dodoma by providing alternative routes for motorists.

Highlighting achievements in the past financial year, he said TARURA constructed 18 kilometres of tarmac roads in Dodoma City, including the 10.2-kilometre Makulu–Ntyuka road via Ihumwa.

The road, built to high standards with markings and street lighting, offers motorists a reliable alternative route that bypasses the city centre.

“We have constructed the Makulu–Ntyuka shortcut with a strong tarmac surface, road markings and street lights, enabling use at any time,” he said.

The agency also built three major bridges, including three stone bridges and 17 medium-sized concrete bridges. It installed pipe culverts spanning 698 metres and erected 352 street lights to improve drainage and road safety.

Among the stone bridges, one was built in Kikuyu South (five metres by eight metres), while another at Ntyuka has improved access to the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. A third at Hombolo has enhanced movement of people and goods between communities.

Eng Nsubile said the combined investment in alternative routes, bridges, drainage systems and lighting will continue to improve mobility, reduce congestion and strengthen access to essential services across Dodoma.