Jangwani Bridge project set to commence after signing of Sh97 billion deal
What you need to know:
- The project aims to address the challenges at the Jangwani area, posed by heavy rains, which frequently result in the closure of the Morogoro Road that is a key link to the city centre
Dar es Salaam. The long-awaited construction of Jangwani Bridge in Dar es Salaam is set to commence after the government signed a Sh97.1 billion construction contract with a Chinese company.
The project aims to address the challenges at the Jangwani area, posed by heavy rains, which frequently result in the closure of the Morogoro Road that is a key link to the city centre, causing significant inconvenience for users.
The construction is expected to take two years to complete and will be carried out by China Communications Construction Company Limited, under the supervision of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads).
According to Tanroads, the Jangwani Bridge project forms part of the government’s strategy to accelerate economic and social development in the Dar es Salaam region by enhancing road infrastructure, thereby improving efficiency in the transportation sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on October 22, Works Minister Innocent Bashungwa said that the proposed bridge will span 390 meters and will be complemented by connecting roads measuring 700 meters.
According to him, the project is designed to alleviate flooding issues that have long plagued residents and commuters in the Jangwani area, particularly during the rainy season.
“I understand that at various times, this part of Jangwani has experienced water flowing over the existing bridge. This project is one of the initiatives being implemented by the government through the Msimbazi Valley Development Programme, with a significant portion of the execution managed by the ministry responsible for Regional Administration and Local Governments,” Mr Bashungwa said.
He urged road users to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the project is completed on time, emphasising the importance of protecting the assets and equipment that will be utilised in the construction.
“I would like to stress the substantial cost of this bridge. Let us consider the financial value of the project during construction. I charge Tanroads with managing the project with stability to ensure the road is built to the designed strength and quality standards,” he added.
Mr Bashungwa noted that the country experienced significant rainfall from El Niño and Cyclone Hidaya in 2023/24, resulting in considerable damage to road infrastructure.
In response, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated Sh868.5 billion to the ministry for restoring infrastructure in all regions affected by the recent rains and cyclone.
Of the amount, Sh125 billion is earmarked for restoring infrastructure within the Dar es Salaam region, including the construction of bridges at Kigogo, Mkwajuni, Nguva, and Mikadi, as well as Kisarawe, Amani, Gomvu, Geti Jeusi, and Kigamboni – Kibada.
Additional projects include road drainage improvements in Morocco, Africana, Mwenge, and Mlalakuwa, along with the construction of the Mzinga Bridge at Mbagala Rangi, Kongowe, and the Mpiji Bridge.
To alleviate traffic congestion, the minister has advised the police force to consider allowing vehicles to use the BRT lanes that are not yet operational, rather than blocking them.
Tanroads chief executive Mohamed Besta said the feasibility study and design for the Jangwani bridge construction project were conducted by CDR International BV of the Netherlands, in collaboration with Deltares from the Netherlands and Wema Consultant from Tanzania, with funding from the World Bank at a cost of $905,123.95.
“I urge the contractor to perform their work with a high level of professionalism to ensure that tasks are completed within the scheduled timeframe, adhering to agreed standards and costs,” he remarked.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Ilala Member of Parliament Musa Zungu said the road construction would simplify economic activities, enabling people to move more freely.
“Once the bridge is constructed, the city will change and become more beautiful. The contractors should commence work promptly and complete it quickly so that the public can see the progress and address congestion,” he said.
