Government signs Sh38 billion deal for new road to ease coal transportation
The chief executive officer of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Eng Rogatus Mativila (right) and representative of AVM-Dilingham construction International Inc, Mr Umit Pal (left) sign the contract for the construction of a 32-kilometre road from Ibanda to the port of Kiwira in Mbeya Region yesterday. PHOTO | HAWA MATHIAS
What you need to know:
- Kasekenya says the soon-to-be-built route will make it simple for freight from the southern circuit to reach Malawi, Zambia and the DR Congo
Mbeya. The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) has signed a Sh38.359 billion deal with a Turkish firm to construct a tarmac road that is expected to ease coal transportation to neighbouring countries.
AVM-Dilingham Construction International Inc will build the 32-kilometre road connecting Ibanda, Kajunjumele, Kiwira, and Itungi Port. The company got the contract following a competitive procurement procedure through Tanroads in which six firms expressed interest.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, minister in charge of Works and Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa said: “It will link the regions of Mbeya, Ruvuma, and Njombe when it is finished, making it one of the vital road networks..”
“Business transactions will be made more readily through the ports of Lake Nyasa, Itungi, Kiwila, and Mbambabay, stimulating economic activities like transportation of cocoa, coal, forestry, fishing, and food and cash crops,” he added.
According to Mr Godfrey Kasekenya, the deputy minister for Works and Transport, freight from the southern circuit would easily reach Malawi, Zambia and DRC Congo, thanks to the yet-to-be-built route.“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has resolved to open the country economically.
As a result, the president wants to see businesses move easily. For example, if a person receives goods from Mtwara port, he or she may choose to transport it to Tunduru, then Songea, Mbinga, and Mbambabay,” he elaborated.
The deputy minister added: “But businesses are able to ferry up to Kiwila or Itungi ports, then Kyela to Kasumulu (Malawi border) or decide to get to Ileje – Isongole up to Malawi or moving to Tunduma, then Sumbawanga with Kigoma as the final destination.” He was of the view that after the construction is complete, then an individual will be able to hire a taxi to Kigoma from the southern regions. Earlier, Mr Juma Homera, the regional commissioner of Mbeya said: “This 32-kilometre-road is vital to the country’s economic prospects, Mbeya, Njombe, Ruvuma and Malawi will be connected.
With the route, it is easier to reach our coal into the east African market.” According to him, the planned route, which connects to other important highways, will only be 1200 kilometres long, compared to alternative routes that cover more than 1,500 kilometres and take longer to reach the market.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants to see both local and foreign businesses moving smoothly to their intended destinations. We are yet to introduce the Malawi cargo shipping route. He added: “Our shipping lines must operate; we don’t want to see them just docked at Kiwila port.”
For his part, Mr Rogatus Mativila, the Tanroads’ chief executive officer explained that the construction is expected to be completed within 24 months, though the constructor is given an extension of 12 months in case there are any defects.
He sees the project as an ideal one as via Uyole highway, it connects Tanzania with other southern African countries, which includes Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa and that the project is entirely funded domestically.
