The Tanzania-Zambia Highway, a major transportation artery, is experiencing reduced congestion thanks to the ongoing road expansion project. The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) has opened 106 upgraded access points, providing relief to motorists and other road users. This development coincides with the commencement of tarmac laying along a 1.3-kilometre stretch from Uyole towards Kabwe. The project, part of the 29-kilometre Nsalaga-Songwe dual-carriageway project, aims to improve transport infrastructure and stimulate economic activities.
Road users have reported a significant reduction in travel time, enabling them to reach their destinations more quickly. Commuter bus driver, Mr Bajani Issa, attributed the relief to the government's directive requiring Tanroads to open alternative access routes in heavily congested areas. He noted that the opening of routes in high-traffic sections, including the steep Simike slope, had created opportunities for economic activities by reducing travel time. Mr Issa expressed optimism that the ongoing construction would further address challenges facing road users.
The project has also benefited traders, who previously wasted time in congestion. A household goods trader, Ms Salome Aloyce, said travelling between Soko Matola and Igawilo to purchase supplies used to take her between three and four hours by public transport due to traffic congestion. However, with the opening of alternative routes, she can now complete the journey much faster and concentrate on other business activities. Traders expect the completed project to bring further benefits, including improved transport infrastructure and increased economic productivity.
Tanroads Mbeya Regional Manager, Mr Seleman Bishanga, explained that construction had accelerated following directives issued by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi during his inspection tour of the region. The Vice President had expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation and directed the immediate opening of alternative access points in congested areas to improve traffic flow while construction of the main highway continued. Mr Bishanga confirmed that 106 access points had been opened and made available to road users.
The project, worth over Sh138 billion, is expected to improve transport, reduce congestion, and boost economic productivity across the region. The contract was signed on February 14, 2023, with a 24-month implementation period awarded to China Henan International Cooperation Group Co Ltd (CHICO), under Tanroads' supervision. Mr Bishanga assured that construction teams were working day and night to complete the remaining three-kilometre section within Mbeya Town as scheduled.
To ensure the safety of road users, Tanroads has established mechanisms to monitor all 106 opened access points and promptly address emerging challenges. Mr Bishanga added that the Vice President was closely monitoring implementation and receiving daily progress updates. The laying of tarmac will help control dust, improve travelling conditions, and ease traffic congestion during construction.
With the project's completion, residents expect improved transport infrastructure, reduced congestion, and increased economic productivity. They have urged the government to ensure timely disbursement of funds to enable Tanroads to sustain construction activities until the project is completed. Mbeya is an important commercial and transport hub linking different parts of Tanzania with countries in Southern Africa.
Key points
- The project aims to improve transport infrastructure and stimulate economic activities.
- The 29-kilometre project is worth over Sh138 billion and expected to boost economic productivity across the region.
- Tanroads has established mechanisms to monitor all 106 opened access points and promptly address emerging challenges.
