Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) has hailed the robust partnership with the World Bank in financing and overseeing seven strategic infrastructure projects across the country, encompassing both road and airport developments.
Speaking today during a progress review meeting for projects under the Tanzania Transport Integration Project for Sustainability (Tantips), Tanroads’ Director of Development Projects, Engineer Japherson Nnko, described the collaboration as a prime example of how Tanzania and the World Bank jointly implement strategic projects aimed at improving transport and logistics services while addressing climate change impacts.
Engineer Nnko noted that the seven projects are funded with a total of $550 million, equivalent to Sh1.3 trillion, comprising four road projects and three airport initiatives.
The road projects include the Lusaunga–Rusumo route of 92 kilometres in Kagera Region, the Iringa–Msembe road covering 104 kilometres in Iringa Region, the Mtwara–Mingoyo–Masasi road stretching 206 kilometres divided into two sections, and the Rutukila–Songea road of 116 kilometres, which includes a bypass section, with the construction contract expected to be signed soon.
Regarding airport developments, Engineer Nnko highlighted projects at Tanga, Lake Manyara, and Iringa airports.
Works at Tanga and Lake Manyara include the construction of runways, aprons, passenger terminals, and auxiliary buildings.
At Iringa Airport, the passenger terminal is under construction, while the runway, apron, and auxiliary buildings have already been completed by the Government.
He added that the projects have created over 1,300 jobs for Tanzanians, including 976 men and 325 women, with further increases expected as other projects enter procurement stages.
Engineer Nnko emphasised TANROADS’ recognition of the importance of strategic partnerships with development partners such as the World Bank to enhance efficiency and ensure infrastructure projects contribute fully to national economic growth.
Discussions are ongoing on potential additional financing, particularly for road rehabilitation, to extend service life and improve transport and logistics services.
He stressed that the completion of these projects will stimulate economic growth, particularly in southern regions such as Ruvuma and Mtwara, where economic and investment activities are expanding.
He also expressed gratitude to the Government for maintaining strong relations with development partners, noting that this has significantly contributed to improving the nation’s infrastructure. All TANTIPS projects are expected to be completed by 2027.
