TARURA launches CBRM project to ensure 15,000km of roads are passable in rainy seasons

DAR ES SALAAM: IN an effort to prevent road deterioration and ensure roads remain passable throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season, the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has launched the Community Based Routine Maintenance (CBRM) programme to maintain and improve more than 15,000 kilometres of roads through community groups.

Speaking to the Daily News Digital, TARURA Headquarters CBRM Programme Coordinator, Engineer Richard Missa, said the three-year initiative is funded by the World Bank. The programme is designed to engage local communities in routine road maintenance to keep roads in good condition and ensure they remain accessible, especially during the rainy season.

Engineer Missa said 302 community groups have so far benefited from the programme, which has been implemented in Pangani, Lushoto, Korogwe, Rufiji, Mkuranga, Mvomero and Kongwa districts.

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He explained that the groups are responsible for a range of routine road maintenance activities, including clearing grass along roadsides, cleaning drainage ditches and culverts, removing debris from roads, and carrying out other minor works that improve road conditions and enhance their functionality.

He added that each group is awarded a 100-day annual contract, allowing members to continue with other income-generating activities during the rest of the year.

According to Engineer Missa, the community groups comprise people from different segments of society, including youth, older persons, women, men and persons with disabilities. Members are also required to live within five kilometres of the roads they maintain to facilitate efficient implementation of their responsibilities.