By Alfred Zacharia
The
government has signed a contract to build a 104 km tarmac road from Iringa to
Msembe, leading to Ruaha National Park.
The TZS
142.56 billion project will boost tourism, business, and the economy in the
Southern Highlands.
The
signing took place on September 21, 2024, at Samora Stadium in Iringa and was
witnessed by Minister of Works Innocent Bashungwa, Minister for Policy
Coordination William Lukuvi, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr.
Pindi Chana, and Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile. Other officials
and residents, led by Iringa Regional Commissioner Peter Serukamba, also
attended.
Minister
Bashungwa told the public that the road will create opportunities in tourism
and the economy for the people of Iringa, asking the CEO of TANROADS to ensure
the contractor, China Henan International Corporation (CHICO), completes the
project on time and to the right standards.
“The
government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has allocated TZS 142.56
billion for this project, and the funds will keep flowing until the road is
completed,” Bashungwa said.
The
government is also working on other road projects in Iringa, including the
Iringa Bypass (7.3 km) and expanding the Kitonga Mountain road with a view of improving
transportation and safety in the region.
“Once the
Iringa-Msembe road is completed, it will open up the economy for Iringa. With
the Nduli Airport finished, we expect to see more tourism companies in the area,”
Minister Lukuvi said.
Minister
Chana highlighted the impact on tourism, stating, “This road will make it
easier for tourists to reach Ruaha National Park, helping to grow tourism in
the Southern Highlands.”
Regional
Commissioner Serukamba asked the government to ensure that residents affected
by the construction are compensated in time to avoid delays.
TANROADS
CEO Mohamed Besta said the construction, which will take 24 months, will be
done by CHICO, with consulting help from CIRA SAS of Mali and NIMETA Consult ofTanzania.
This road
is part of the government’s plan to speed up economic and social development in
Iringa by improving transport and tourism infrastructure.
