MWANZA: THE Kigongo-Busisi Bridge which is one of the historical bridges in Tanzania is poised to be a transformative infrastructure project that will significantly raise the livelihoods of the locals and boost the economies of Tanzania’s Lake Zone regions.
The historical bridge is constructed at Busisi area in Misungwi District in Mwanza region spanning the vast Lake Victoria and connecting key areas such as Mwanza, Geita and other parts of the Lake Zone will have the potential to revolutionise trade, agriculture, mining and tourism in the areas.
This bridge which is constructed at a cost of 716.333bn/- is one of the major strategic projects being implemented in Tanzania and it has a length of 3.2 kilometres and a width of 28.5 metres, making it a source of national pride.
The bridge is being financed 100 per cent by the government of Tanzania and constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Contractor in partnership with China Railway 15 Bureau Group Corporation (CCECC – CR15G JV), both from China.
Once completed, the bridge will be the longest in East and Central Africa and the sixth longest on the African continent preceded as the 6th followed by the October Bridge (Egypt) at 20.5 km, the Third Mainland Bridge (Nigeria) – (11.8 km) the Suez Bridge (Egypt) – (3.9 km), the Mozambique Island Bridge (3.8 km) and the Mozambique Bridge (3.67 km).
A gateway to economic growth
The Lake Zone, which comprises Mwanza, Mara, Kagera and Geita, is one of Tanzania’s most economically vital regions known for its rich agricultural lands, mining activities and fishing industry, the area contributes significantly to the national GDP.
According to the available official data, the agriculture sector for Mwanza and Kagera regions which are the leading producers of cash crops like coffee, cotton and tea contributes approximately 15-20 per cent to the regional GDP, with the entire agricultural sector contributing around 25-30 to the national GDP.
In the mining sector, Geita and Shinyanga regions which famously known for gold mining, one of the Tanzania significant exports, mining in those regions contributes about 8-10 per cent to the national GDP meanwhile fishing in Mwanza region which surrounding Lake Victoria the country’s largest fish producer estimated to contribute 3-5 per cent to the national GDP.
According to the available data from the Ministry of Minerals, Geita and Mwanza regions are pivotal in Tanzania’s gold production, contributing to over 80 per cent of the nation’s gold exports.
The bridge will also enable mining companies to transport heavy equipment and minerals more cost-effectively.
Currently, transportation costs account for a significant portion of operational expenses in the mining sector.
The bridge is projected to reduce these costs by 10-15 per cent making the mining sector more competitive.
With reduced costs and improved logistics, gold and other minerals can be exported more efficiently.
This could lead to a 10 per cent increase in mineral exports from the Lake Zone within the first few years of the bridge’s operation.
For agriculture sector, the Lake Zone is Tanzania’s breadbasket, producing over 60 per cent of the country’s coffee, cotton and tobacco.
Improved transport via the bridge will facilitate quicker and more cost-effective movement of these goods to markets.
Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, supports a thriving fishing industry, providing livelihoods for millions.
The bridge will streamline fish distribution channels to inland and international markets, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The bridge will enable fish processors and traders to transport fresh fish more quickly to inland and international markets, reducing spoilage and increasing profitability.
It is estimated that the bridge would help increase fish exports from the Lake Zone by 12 per cent over the next five years.
The historical bridge will also support the development of local fish processing industries, creating jobs and adding value to the region’s primary resources.
However, the overall total contribution combined the Lake Zone’s contribution from agriculture, mining and fishing can be estimated to range between 18-25 per cent of Tanzania’s national GDP.
Trade and regional integration
The bridge which whose implementation reached 90 per cent, is poised to enhance trade not only within Tanzania but also across East Africa, where once completed it will facilitate a more direct route between Tanzania and Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern DRC.
This infrastructure is expected to reduce transit times significantly, cut transportation costs and open up new trade corridors.
Unlocking economic potential
The Lake Zone, which includes Mwanza, Geita, Mara and Kagera regions, is one of the most economically vibrant areas of Tanzania. The region is a hub for agriculture, mining and fishing, contributing substantially to the national GDP.
However, until the construction of the bridge, the region faced significant logistical challenges, with goods and people relying heavily on ferries and boats to cross Lake Victoria.
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Enhancing market access
Agriculture is the backbone of the Lake Zone’s economy. The region is known for producing key crops such as coffee, cotton, tea and tobacco.
However, farmers have long faced difficulties in accessing markets due to poor transportation infrastructure.
The bridge will drastically reduce the time and cost of transporting agricultural products. For example, farmers in Mwanza and Geita will now be able to reach markets in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and even neighbouring countries more efficiently.
With better access to markets, farmers are likely to invest more in agricultural inputs, leading to higher yields and increased incomes.
The bridge is expected to increase agricultural output in the region by an estimated 15-20 per cent over the next five years.
Fishing Industry and Expanding market research
Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, supports a thriving fishing industry that provides livelihoods for millions of people in the Lake Zone.
Fish, particularly Nile perch, is a major export product for Tanzania, with markets in Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa.
The bridge will enable fish processors and traders to transport fresh fish more quickly to inland and international markets, reducing spoilage and increasing profitability.
According to the official data, it is estimated that the bridge could help increase fish exports from the Lake Zone by 12 percent over the next five years.
The bridge will also support the development of local fish processing industries, creating jobs and adding value to the region’s primary resources.
Boosting regional trade and integration
The bridge is not just a national asset; it is a crucial link in the broader East African transport network by connecting Tanzania’s Lake Zone with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is expected to facilitate increased trade and regional integration.
Enhanced cross-border trade
Once completed, the bridge is expected to increase cross-border trade by at least 25 per cent within the first three years of operation.
This will be driven by the improved movement of goods between Tanzania and its neighbours, particularly in agricultural products, minerals and fish.
Strategic Logistics Hub
With better access to the Mwanza and Musoma ports, the Lake Zone is poised to become a logistics hub for landlocked countries in East Africa. This could lead to increased investments in warehousing, transportation and related industries.
Job creation and socio-economic impact
The construction of the bridge has already created thousands of jobs and the long-term economic benefits are expected to generate even more employment opportunities in the Lake Zone.
The bridge is expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the next five years. These jobs will be in sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services.
However, with better access to markets, increased trade and job creation, the socio-economic conditions in the Lake Zone are expected to improve significantly.
Household incomes are projected to increase by 10-15 per cent due to the bridge’s impact on the local economy.
The bridge is more than just an engineering feat; it is a symbol of Tanzania’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the Lake Zone.
By improving transportation, boosting trade and creating jobs, the bridge will play a pivotal role in transforming the region into an economic powerhouse.
As the Lake Zone continues to grow and integrate with the broader East African economy, the J.P. Magufuli Bridge will stand as a testament to the power of infrastructure in driving development and prosperity.