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In a move underscoring the urgency of addressing climate-related infrastructure challenges, the government has allocated 71 billion Tanzanian shillings in the 2025/26 financial year to restore roads severely damaged by ongoing heavy rains particularly in Tabora Urban, where several roads have been rendered impassable.
Deputy Minister for the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), Zainab Katimba, made the announcement in Parliament while responding to a supplementary question from Tabora Urban MP Emmanuel Mwakasaka (CCM).
The MP had voiced concerns over widespread road destruction that has disrupted mobility and affected access to essential services in the region.
“The government is acting swiftly to reopen key road networks that have been cut off and to ensure that people can resume their social and economic activities without prolonged interruptions,” said Katimba.
The 71bn/- emergency fund is aimed at supporting rapid response efforts in the most affected areas. It reflects the government’s growing recognition of the impact of extreme weather events on public infrastructure and the need for adaptive investment to mitigate long-term disruptions.
In addition to the emergency funding, Katimba outlined ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation efforts for the current financial year.
She said that 703.7 million shillings have been allocated in the 2024/25 budget to rehabilitate 61 kilometres of roads under the Tabora Municipal Council.
The projects will span eight wards: Uyui, Tumbi, Kabila, Ikomwa, Ifucha, Ntalikwa, Itonjanda, and Ndevelwa.
These efforts are not limited to roadworks. The scope also includes improvements in water infrastructure and bridge construction critical components of resilient urban planning, especially in flood-prone areas. According to Katimba, all ongoing projects are expected to be completed by July 2025.
Reflecting on progress in the previous fiscal year, she noted that 585.2 million shillings were spent in 2023/24 to repair 46.6 kilometres of roads, construct four box culverts, 10 circular culverts, a bridge, and 500 metres of drainage across various wards, including Ikomwa, Ifucha, Itetemia, Uyui, Misha, Itonjanda, and Ndevelwa.
Katimba emphasized that road rehabilitation efforts will continue nationwide, guided by the availability of funds.
“The government remains committed to ensuring year-round accessibility and reliability of transport services, particularly in regions vulnerable to seasonal disruptions,” she said.
The strategic focus on emergency road repairs signals a broader shift in public infrastructure planning. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, experts have called for stronger investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to prevent recurring losses and disruptions.
Tabora's case illustrates the growing need for both immediate and long-term solutions in safeguarding rural and urban connectivity across Tanzania.
Source Daily News