Rainfall disrupts transport services across Tanzania

Mwanza. Heavy rainfall has interrupted transport services in several Tanzanian regions, most notably Lindi, Mwanza and Morogoro, causing infrastructural damage.

In Lindi Region, reports on April 7, 2025, stated that the Somanga and Matandu bridges collapsed on Sunday, April 6, 2025, but have since been rebuilt. Traffic on Kilwa Road, a crucial link for southern regions, has resumed, with hundreds of vehicles now passing through.

In Mwanza, the Mkuyuni Bridge was flooded following downpours between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on April 8, 2025, affecting traffic flow.

The floods caused traffic disruptions for car owners, businesses, and students by cutting off the highway between Nyegezi and Mwanza’s city core.

In Morogoro Municipality, continued rainfall has caused severe damage to roads, leaving some impassable.

Motorcyclists and other locals have complained about big potholes and wet spots that have caused many breakdowns.

Speaking at the Somanga Bridge on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Works Minister Abdallah Ulega confirmed that a temporary road had been constructed using large stones to allow vehicles to pass while still enabling water flow.

“From 5:30 am to 6 am today, over 230 small cars and 10 buses passed through, along with 30 lorries, including emergency vehicles,” he said.

At the Matandu River Bridge, minister Ulega explained that while iron bars had previously been used to support vehicles, large stones were now being employed to facilitate smoother passage. 

“Once the stone placement is complete, all vehicles will be able to pass. This emergency measure will be strengthened to prevent future disruptions,” he said.

However, residents in Morogoro and Mwanza have expressed frustration over the road disruptions.

Morogoro

Motorist Maurus Dihindila shared his concerns, noting that the roads had been problematic since last year’s rains. “We expected repairs from Tarura (Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency) after last year’s rains, but no work has been done, and this year’s rains have worsened the situation,” he said.

In Lukobe ward, Rahma Athumani voiced her worries about the Mazimbu road, where the tarmac was washed away last year and further damage has occurred. “This road is vital for Kihonda, Mazimbu, Lukobe, and Mayanga residents. We urge the government to address it,” she said.

Ms Athumani added that patients, especially pregnant women, face difficulties reaching the regional hospital due to the road’s poor condition.

Morogoro Municipality Mayor Pascal Kihanga acknowledged the damage, revealing that the municipality had purchased a grader for Sh1.3 billion. He assured residents that repairs would commence once the rains subside and called for patience.

Mwanza

In Mkuyuni, resident Charles Lulinga attributed the flooding to the narrow drainage beneath the Mkuyuni Bridge. Construction to expand the bridge began in January but has progressed slowly, with Lulinga criticising the lack of visible progress.

“This isn’t just an inconvenience during the rainy season; it erodes public trust in the government. We see contractors’ vehicles, but no work is being done,” he said.

Local representative Leokadia Hwago echoed Lulinga’s concerns, lamenting that despite over five months of renovations, no completion date had been provided.

“People pay taxes, but the infrastructure is inadequate. If the contractor claims they haven’t been paid, then pay them. If they have been paid, let them finish the work,” she said.

Ms Hwago stressed that the ongoing issues are damaging the reputation of the ruling CCM, especially during the rainy season.

A student at Pamba Secondary School, Ms Victoria Fredrick, shared how the flooding made her late for exams. “I’m late for exams. We appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to help solve this problem,” she said.

Some young men charged 500 shillings to assist people in crossing the floodwaters, but many students were unable to afford the service.

To control the situation, police officers were deployed around 11 am as traffic built up.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa stated that officers had stopped people from crossing the flooded bridge, advising drivers to use alternative routes.

“We’ve been here since 5 am to prevent accidents. There have been no casualties, but we urge people not to cross flooded areas,” he said.

Tanroads responds

The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Manager for Mwanza Region, Mr Pascal Ambrose, attributed the flooding to heavy rains and the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which has redirected water, overwhelming the bridge.

“The government is aware of the situation and has initiated a Sh5.5 billion expansion project, which is expected to be completed by November 2025,” said Mr Ambrose. The expansion includes widening the bridge and constructing 500 metres of road on each side.

A contractor from JASCO, Mr Nestory James, explained that construction had stalled due to an unsuitable original design but assured that work would resume this week with a new design to accommodate the volume of water.

“We had to redesign the bridge to handle future flooding. With the new design, the bridge will better manage heavy rainfall,” he said.