Tanga. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Works to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport in securing an investor to jointly develop the 340-kilometre Handeni-Kiberashi-Kijungu-Chemba-Kwamtoro-Singida road through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Speaking during her visit to Tanga Port on March 1, 2025, President Samia said the road was strategically important in improving transport efficiency and stimulating investment between Tanga and Singida regions.
Addressing port workers, she stressed that the road’s construction should not be left solely to the Ministry of Works, as the process would take longer if handled without private sector involvement.
“This road is crucial for the development of our port. I have discussed this with the Minister, and we must develop it through a PPP model. We cannot leave this entirely to the Ministry of Works; otherwise, progress will be slow,” President Samia remarked.
She further noted that the road would be instrumental in facilitating the movement of heavy cargo trucks from Tanga to other regions.
To ensure its sustainability and maintenance, she directed that toll gates be installed along the route to collect usage fees.
Enhancing connectivity to strengthen regional trade
The Handeni-Kiberashi-Singida road is poised to be a critical transport link, not only within Tanzania but also for the broader East and Central African trade corridor.
Once completed, the road will serve as a vital conduit for transit cargo from Tanga Port to key landlocked markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Tanga Port, providing an alternative transport route that reduces dependency on the Dar es Salaam corridor.
Tanga Port has been undergoing significant revitalisation, aiming to position itself as a preferred gateway for regional trade.
The construction of the Handeni-Kiberashi-Singida road aligns with these efforts by offering a shorter and more cost-effective link for cargo destined for Tanzania’s inland regions and neighbouring countries.
Transport minister highlights cost and efficiency benefits
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa said the construction of the Handeni-Kiberashi-Singida road would greatly enhance the efficiency of Tanga Port by shortening the distance to Singida by approximately 250 kilometres.
This, in turn, is projected to yield substantial savings in fuel consumption, reducing usage by an estimated 100 to 120 litres per trip for heavy transport vehicles.
The government’s emphasis on PPPs for infrastructure projects reflects its broader strategy to mobilise private sector investment in key sectors, ensuring sustainable development while reducing fiscal pressure on the national budget.
The Handeni-Kiberashi-Singida road is expected to attract investors keen on benefiting from increased trade flows and the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions in the region.
With Tanzania positioning itself as a regional trade hub, the development of strategic infrastructure such as this road will be instrumental in bolstering economic growth, facilitating trade, and enhancing the overall business environment.
