TARURA orders M/s Hera Construction to complete the Muungano Bridge before the wet season

SONGEA: THE Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) Audit Committee has directed contractor M/s Hera Construction Co. Ltd to accelerate construction of the Muungano Bridge in Namtumbo District to ensure the project is completed before the onset of the rainy season.

During an inspection of the project, Acting Chairperson of the TARURA Audit Committee, Henry Kaywanga, said delays caused by heavy rains in the area require the contractor to intensify construction works to meet the completion schedule.

He instructed the contractor to install floodlights at the construction site to enable day-and-night operations, increase the workforce and deploy more construction equipment to fast-track the project.

“The committee directs the contractor to install lighting, increase the number of workers and bring in more equipment so that the bridge is completed on time before the rains begin,” Mr Kaywanga said.

Namtumbo District TARURA Manager, Engineer Fabian Lugalaba, described the Muungano Bridge as a strategic infrastructure project that will end the long-standing disruption of transport links between Minazini and Muungano villages, particularly during the rainy season.

He said flooding has for years affected pupils of Ukombozi Primary School, traders and residents, making travel difficult and disrupting economic and social activities.

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According to Eng Lugalaba, the 30-metre reinforced concrete bridge will provide reliable year-round transport, improve the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic and social development in the area.

He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to allocate funds for infrastructure projects that improve the lives of wananchi and eliminate transport bottlenecks in Namtumbo District.

A Namtumbo resident, Said Athumani, said completion of the bridge will open up new business opportunities, improve access to social services and strengthen economic activities by ensuring uninterrupted transport throughout the year.

The TARURA Audit Committee concluded its inspection tour of development projects in Ruvuma Region after also visiting the construction of the Mtyangimbole–Mnadani Bridge in Songea District.