President Samia to inaugurate Magufuli Bridge in next month
What you need to know:
- The bridge, which aims to improve transport and economic connectivity between Mwanza and surrounding regions, has been constructed at a cost of Sh716.33 billion.
Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officially inaugurate the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge this May, marking a major milestone in the implementation of one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects.
The three-kilometre bridge renamed the JPM Bridge in honour of the late President John Magufuli commenced construction on 25 February 2020 and was initially scheduled for completion by December 2024. Upon inauguration, it will become the sixth-longest bridge on the African continent.
Minister of Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, confirmed the plans during his contribution to the 2025/26 budget debate for the Prime Minister’s Office and affiliated institutions, presented in Parliament on 15 April 2025.
According to Mr Ulega, the bridge was only 20 percent complete when President Samia assumed office, but significant progress has since been achieved under her administration.
“This is a landmark project—a three-kilometre bridge unlike any other in East and Central Africa,” he said. “On inauguration day, Members of Parliament and citizens alike will be invited to witness this national achievement.”
The bridge, which aims to improve transport and economic connectivity between Mwanza and surrounding regions, has been constructed at a cost of Sh716.33 billion.
Mr Ulega also addressed concerns raised by lawmakers from southern regions regarding the deteriorating condition of key roads. He said the government was actively seeking funds to facilitate comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.
“In the meantime, emergency repairs will commence on the worst-affected sections, particularly from Ikwiriri through Chumbi and Marendego to Somanga,” he noted.
He added that the route has been included in the 2025/26 budget and assured Parliament that the government would continue to respond promptly with temporary interventions, especially as the current rainy season persists.
In a related development, Mr Ulega dismissed rumours circulating on social media that the temporary Somanga Bridge had collapsed.
“That is not true. The bridge remains intact. However, due to heavy rains and increased water flow into the Indian Ocean, water has been passing over the bridge’s surface,” he clarified.
He noted that, as a precaution, access to the bridge has been temporarily suspended in line with standard safety protocols. Similar measures have been taken at other locations, including the Jangwani Bridge, to safeguard public safety during periods of severe weather.
