The government plans to invest TSh 1.18 trillion in the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of rural and urban road infrastructure during the 2025/26 financial year, a move aimed at improving transportation and boosting economic activities across the country.
The ambitious plan will be implemented through the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) via the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).
Presenting the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates in Parliament, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the investment will transform access to remote areas and support economic development.
“This historic allocation demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to reliable transport infrastructure,” said Mchengerwa.
“Good roads are not just a convenience; they are a necessity for economic growth, education, health services, and trade.”
Out of the total TSh 1.18 trillion, TSh 257.03 billion will be sourced from the Road Fund, TSh 127.50 billion from the Government’s General Fund, TSh 325.77 billion from the TSh 100 per litre fuel levy on petrol and diesel, and TSh 423.79 billion from external financing.
According to the minister, the Road Fund will facilitate the maintenance and rehabilitation of 23,105.78 kilometers of district roads, construction of 23 box culverts, 1,647 pipe culverts, two drifts, 73,405 meters of stormwater drains, 17 kilometers of tarmac roads, 108.8 kilometers of gravel roads, and two bridges.
Through the Government General Fund, construction works will include 91.97 kilometers of tarmac roads, 2,621.40 kilometers of gravel roads, 85 bridges, 91 box culverts, 10,989 meters of stormwater drains, five drifts, 666 pipe culverts, and installation of 345 streetlights.“We are prioritizing rural and peri-urban areas that have long suffered from poor connectivity,” Mchengerwa added.
“This is about making life easier for farmers, traders, schoolchildren, and healthcare workers who depend on these roads daily.”
Fuel levy funds will be used to construct 252.42 kilometers of tarmac roads and 6,939.41 kilometers of gravel roads, along with 51 bridges, 336 box culverts, 1,719 pipe culverts, two drifts, and 63,836 meters of stormwater infrastructure.
The minister also highlighted progress under the TACTIC project, which includes the ongoing construction of 147.5 kilometers of tarmac roads, 24,600 meters of stormwater drains, nine markets, four main bus terminals, two smaller bus stations, and two crop storage warehouses in 12 towns under Phase One.
“The TACTIC project is more than just roads it’s about building market access, enhancing food storage capacity, and improving the urban landscape for future generations,” Mchengerwa explained.
Phase Two of the TACTIC project is expected to begin in 15 town councils, while preparations for Phase Three are underway in 18 other councils.
In the southern highlands, construction is progressing on 33 kilometers of tarmac roads in Iringa (Wenda–Mgama, 19 km) and Mufindi (Mtili–Ifwagi, 14 km). Similar developments are set to begin in Handeni, Ruangwa, and Mbogwe districts through the RISE project.
In Dar es Salaam, the government is also focusing on urban resilience and flood control. Projects include the upgrading of the 5.7-hectare Msimbazi Valley, construction of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) depot in Ubungo Maziwa, a 6.7-kilometer embankment along the Msimbazi River, and road infrastructure in five key municipalities.
“Improving Dar es Salaam’s road and drainage infrastructure is critical to supporting the city’s growth and protecting lives and property from flooding,” said Mchengerwa.
Phase Two of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP) will see the construction of an additional 118 kilometers of paved roads in Kinondoni, Ubungo, Temeke, Ilala, and Kigamboni.
“This budget is not just about roads it’s about people,” Mchengerwa concluded. “Every kilometer we build brings opportunity closer to Tanzanians in every corner of the country.”