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Hope as government allocates Sh142.56 billion for key road in Iringa Region

Workers from Edge Point Company Ltd, a construction company based in Dar es Salaam, continue with the foundation work for the installation of traffic lights at the TigoShop area in Iringa Municipality, along the Dodoma-Iringa road, under the supervision of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads). PHOTO | FRIDAY SIMBAYA

By  Friday Simbaya

Reporter

Mwananchi Communications Limited

What you need to know:

  • Minister Bashungwa directed the CEO of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) and the consulting engineer to monitor the contractor closely to ensure timely and quality completion of the road.

Iringa. The long-awaited dream of connecting Iringa Municipality to Ruaha National Park (Runapa) is finally becoming a reality, with the government allocating Sh142.56 billion for the construction of the 104 km Iringa-Msembe Road.

This initiative is part of a strategic plan to boost tourism in Iringa and the southern circuit.

The announcement was made by Minister of Works Innocent Bashungwa during the signing ceremony for the road construction contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Ltd.

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He emphasized that this project, long sought after by the public, will significantly enhance tourism development in the southern region.

Minister Bashungwa directed the CEO of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) and the consulting engineer to monitor the contractor closely to ensure timely and quality completion of the road.

He also addressed compensation concerns, assuring residents that eligible individuals would be compensated according to the law.

“I want to remove any concerns about compensation for areas affected by the project. Those entitled will be paid in accordance with the law,” he stated.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to enhancing southern tourism. S

he noted that the new road will facilitate easier access for both domestic and international tourists to Ruaha National Park and invited investors to explore opportunities in the area.

“We invite investors to come and invest in Ruaha. There is plenty of space available, and we welcome you all,” she said.

Iringa Regional Commissioner Peter Serukamba expressed confidence that the road would significantly boost the local economy and enhance tourism activities in the region.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs) and MP for Isimani in Iringa, Mr William Lukuvi, shared his relief at the road's impending construction, admitting he had lost hope after years of pursuing the project.

“This dream has been in the works since Independence, and I’ve followed it up for years. At one point, I lost hope,” he confessed.

Tanroads CEO Mohamed Besta announced that the road will be constructed by CHICO, a Chinese company, with an expected completion timeline of 24 months. Salim Abri, a National Executive Council member of the ruling CCM party, praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for fulfilling a long-standing public demand.


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