M a r k e t N e w s
Tanzania: 413-Kilometer Link Road in Pipeline
Posted on : Friday, 10th June 2016
Dodoma — Feasibility study and detailed designing for construction of the 413-kilometre road linking Mbeya to Tabora Regions to tarmac level have been completed with the government currently looking for funds to implement the project.
"Now that the feasibility and designing have been completed, construction of the road will take place when funds are available," Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Engineer Edwin Ngonyani, told the House yesterday.
The road in question will link Makongolosi in Mbeya Region to-Rungwa, Itigi and Mkiwa in Tabora Regions. The road is expected to ease road transport between the two regions.
At present, one wishing to travel from Mbeya to Tabora is forced to travel to Iringa, Dodoma, Singida before making it to Dodoma and the same applies to one travelling from Tabora to Mbeya.
Eng Ngonyani made the explanation when responding to a basic question by Manyoni West MP, Mr Yahaya Massare (CCM) who had tasked the government to come forward to explain when it would construct a stretch of 8.3-km road in Itigi.
Construction of the Mbeya-Tabora road was also raised by Lupa MP, Mr Victor Mwambalasa (CCM) who tasked the government to fast-track its implementation. Mr Massare said construction of the Itigi access road was pledged by President John Magufuli during the campaign trail ahead of General Election last year.
"The 8.3-km is under the Itigi District Council but it will be covered during construction of the Makongolosi-Rungwa-Itigi-Mkiwa to tarmac level," Eng Ngonyani explained.
In a related development, the Deputy Minister said the government was still looking for funds to compensate residents whose land will be taken to pave the way for construction of the major road.
The Deputy Minister made the explanation after the MP had expressed worries that residents in his constituencies had their houses earmarked for demolition but had not been compensated.
Source : allafrica.com
