The Tanzania Roads and Urban Development Agency (TARURA) has made significant progress in the construction of roads connecting various areas to the AFCON stadium in Arusha. The project, which involves building and upgrading 21.4 kilometers of roads in Essuri, Lendita, and Mateves, is over 60% complete and expected to be finished by May 2027. This development aims to enhance transportation and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas.
The project in Essuri involves constructing a 2.45-kilometer road and a 100-meter bridge. In Lendita, a 2.75-kilometer road is being built with a four-lane design. Meanwhile, in Mateves, 6.5 kilometers of road are being constructed, with 5.5 kilometers designed for two lanes and 1 kilometer for four lanes. These upgrades will improve connectivity to the AFCON stadium and surrounding areas, benefiting residents and businesses even after the tournament.
TARURA's Managing Director, Engineer Victor Seff, recently inspected the project to assess progress and ensure timely completion. He emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline. The agency's Board Chairman, Engineer Florian Kabaka, urged contractors to accelerate work on sections that do not require extensive water usage before the rainy season begins.
The road network in Arusha, managed by TARURA, spans 5,752.834 kilometers, including 107 bridges and 2,639 culverts across six districts. The current network consists of 170.407 kilometers of paved roads, 1,591.267 kilometers of gravel roads, and 3,991.160 kilometers of dirt roads. For the 2026/2027 financial year, TARURA has proposed a budget of approximately TSH 19.3 billion for road maintenance and bridge construction in Arusha.
The completion of these road projects is expected to increase transportation efficiency, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities in the surrounding areas. Additionally, the projects provide employment opportunities for local residents, particularly young people. Once finished, the infrastructure will remain a vital part of Arusha's development even after AFCON 2027.
Local residents, such as Claud Gwandu, welcome the road upgrades, recognizing their long-term benefits. "The impact of this investment will not be limited to the AFCON preparations. These roads will remain a useful infrastructure for residents, businesses, and visitors, connecting economic and service areas," he said.
TARURA's efforts to upgrade the road network in Arusha ahead of AFCON 2027 demonstrate the agency's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and promoting economic growth in the region. With the project nearing completion, residents and stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact on the local community.
Key points
- TARURA has completed over 60% of the road construction project.
- The project involves building and upgrading 21.4 kilometers of roads in Essuri, Lendita, and Mateves.
- The road network in Arusha spans 5,752.834 kilometers, with a proposed budget of TSH 19.3 billion for maintenance and construction in the 2026/2027 financial year.
