Jangwani Bridge Project Set to Begin This Year

The people of Dar es Salaam may soon breathe a sigh of relief, as plans for the long-awaited construction of the Jangwani Bridge are finally set in motion.

After years of seasonal flooding and disrupted transport, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has given the green light for the major infrastructure project to begin this year.

Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila confirmed the news during a press briefing held in the city earlier this week, revealing that preparations are already underway. A contractor has been mobilized and has begun setting up a storage area for construction materials and equipment, signaling that physical work on the site could start soon.

“The President is firmly committed to solving the flooding problems that have long troubled the people of Dar es Salaam,” Chalamila said. “The construction of the Jangwani Bridge will begin this year, and once completed, we believe it will finally put an end to the annual suffering caused by floods.”

The bridge, which will stretch approximately 390 meters and stand 15.5 meters above sea level, is part of a broader strategy to make Dar es Salaam’s transport infrastructure more climate-resilient. It will include a 700-meter approach road and is being built to withstand extreme weather, with a lifespan projected to exceed 100 years.

Funded in part by the World Bank under the Msimbazi River Basin Development Project, the bridge is expected to drastically reduce the impact of flooding in the Jangwani valley.

Also Read; Kenya and Tanzania Warned of Possible Rocket Debris Falling from Space

It will also improve traffic flow in and out of the city, particularly during the rainy season, when heavy downpours often render the area impassable.

Chalamila also spoke of the broader infrastructure efforts taking place across the region. These include the expansion of both tarmac and gravel roads, relocation of water and electricity lines to make way for road improvements, and upgrades to ferry services in key transit corridors.

He acknowledged that the ongoing rains have made some of this work more challenging, but insisted that government engineers and planners are working around the clock to keep projects on track.

The Jangwani Bridge, long seen as a symbol of unfulfilled promises, may now become a new symbol—of action, commitment, and a step toward a safer and more connected Dar es Salaam.