Dodoma gets infrastructure boost: Six projects aim to open up the city

Dodoma. To accommodate Dodoma's rapid growth, the Tanzanian government is implementing a series of strategic infrastructure projects.

These projects focus on road construction, bridge building, and airport development, all aimed at unlocking the city's full potential.

The plan includes six key initiatives. The Msalato Airport construction is well underway, reaching 54.1% completion. Additionally, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is building the Dodoma City Outer Ring Road.

Further enhancing connectivity, the plan encompasses the construction of the 76-kilometer Ntyuka-Mvumi-Kikombo road and the Kongwa-Mpwapwa road, which will be built in two phases. The Mpwapwa-Ving'awe road is also included, along with the construction of four new bridges.

These developments were announced on April 4, 2024, by Eng Zuhura Amani, the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) Manager for Dodoma Region. Speaking to journalists, she highlighted the achievements of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's first three years in office.

"We are grateful to the government for undertaking more than six projects in Dodoma," said Eng Amani. "Upon completion, these projects will significantly boost the region's economic and social development."

Eng Amani elaborated on the design progress of the Dodoma City Central Ring Road, a 47-kilometer project with 23 kilometers already completed. This section includes the Nanenane-Miyuji-Mkonze-Ntyuka road.

Additionally, the four-lane expansion of the Morogoro-Dodoma road (263 kilometers) and the Mpwapwa-Gulwe-Chipogoro road (75.4 kilometers) are part of the overall plan.

The projects have also had a positive social impact. Eng Amani noted that over 1,560 Dodoma residents have secured employment on these ongoing initiatives.

Furthermore, the projects have facilitated the installation of approximately 620 new lights and the planting of 2,652 trees, enhancing the city's infrastructure and environment.

Eng Elsony Mwekadzi, Head of the Maintenance Department at Tanroads, Dodoma, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing road maintenance in the city over the past three years.

He highlighted that the Dodoma region manages a vast road network exceeding 1,707 kilometers, with 332 bridges (155 on trunk roads and 177 on regional roads).

Significantly, Eng Mwekadzi emphasized that all road maintenance and bridge rehabilitation projects have been awarded to local contractors. This approach aims to empower local businesses and equip them to handle projects of varying scales.

Dodoma's transformation is well underway, with these infrastructure projects paving the way for a more connected, economically vibrant, and environmentally conscious city.