Magufuli Bridge: Lake Zone’s game-changer opens next month

Mwanza. Residents of the Lake Zone and neighbouring countries will soon be able to cross the Kigongo-Busisi stretch in just five to 15 minutes, thanks to the imminent opening of the John Pombe Magufuli (JPM) Bridge.

With construction now 96.4 percent complete, the bridge will drastically reduce travel time from nearly two hours, allowing residents of Misungwi, Sengerema, Kagera, Geita, and surrounding areas to dedicate more time to development activities.

The bridge’s completion will significantly enhance transportation, particularly for Mwanza, the country’s second-largest city.

The construction of the sixth-largest bridge in Africa began on February 25, 2020.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, January 24, 2025, after the Sh669 billion project inspection, the Works Minister, Mr Abdallah Ulega, said construction progress was excellent, praising the venture contractors.

“This bridge is 96.4 percent complete. Congratulations to all involved. When President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office, the bridge was just 25 percent finished, and the pillars were barely visible. Today, the bridge is standing strong,” said Mr Ulega.

“The government initially paid Sh150 billion, but now the contractor has received Sh611 billion. This three-kilometer bridge will be the longest in East Africa,” he said.

Mr Ulega said the bridge’s completion will cut the current two-hour ferry wait to just five to ten minutes.

“The completion is imminent, and we expect the bridge to be in use by the end of February or early March, as directed by President Hassan. This will greatly benefit Mwanza and Geita residents,” said Mr Ulega.

He confirmed that the government had allocated an additional Sh16 billion to ensure final construction works were completed swiftly.

The project’s consulting engineer, Mr Abdulkarim Majuto, said they were in the final stages of implementation, focusing on safety barriers for pedestrians and vehicles, as well as the installation of asphalt and access roads.

“We appreciate the government’s support and are proud of the project’s progress,” Majuto said.

Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela highlighted the positive impact the bridge will have on the region’s economy.

“Roads have been a major challenge in Geita, particularly around the Kigongo-Busisi area. With the completion of this bridge, economic activities in Geita will significantly increase. We are excited about the 96 percent completion rate, and soon the people of Geita and Mwanza will move more freely,” Mr Shigela said.

The bridge features

Once complete, the bridge will be the longest in East and Central Africa featuring two vehicle lanes, each seven metres wide, 2.5-meter-wide pedestrian pathways on each side, and an emergency parking with 28.45 metres width.

At 3 kilometres in length, the bridge will also include 1.66 kilometres of connecting roads.

Named after the late President John Magufuli, the bridge honours his legacy.

He initiated the project, which was 25 percent complete at the time of his passing.

The bridge will be supported by 804 foundation pillars, 65 bridge pier foundations, 64 main pillars, and 806 span supports.