The government of Tanzania has announced that a Sh 38 billion deal has been signed for the development of a road that aims to ease coal transportation
The government of Tanzania has announced that a Sh 38 billion deal has been signed for the development of a road that aims to ease coal transportation to neighbouring countries.
The deal was inked between Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) with a Turkish firm.. The scope of works involves construction of a32-kilometre road connecting Ibanda, Kajunjumele, Kiwira, and Itungi Port. AVM-Dilingham Construction International Inc won the contract to build the road after a competitive procurement procedure through Tanroads in which six firms expressed interest. Mr Rogatus Mativila, the Tanroads’ chief executive officer explained that the construction is expected to be completed within 24 months, though the constructor is given an extension of 12 months in case there are any defects.
Vital road networks
“This road will link the regions of Mbeya, Ruvuma, and Njombe when it is finished, making it one of the vital road networks. Business transactions will be made more readily through the ports of Lake Nyasa, Itungi, Kiwila, and Mbambabay, stimulating economic activities like transportation of cocoa, coal, forestry, fishing, and food and cash crops,” said minister in charge of Works and Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa during the signing ceremony.
According to Mr Godfrey Kasekenya, the deputy minister for Works and Transport, freight from the southern circuit would easily reach Malawi, Zambia and DRC Congo, thanks to the yet-to-be-built route. With the route, it is easier to reach our coal into the east African market.” According to him, the planned route, which connects to other important highways, will only be 1200 kilometres long, compared to alternative routes that cover more than 1,500 kilometres and take longer to reach the market.