editor
The Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, has introduced and handed over local contractors from Salum Motors and Jonta Investment to the residents of Ushetu for the construction of four major bridges: Ubagwe, Kasenga, Ng’hwande, and Mwabomba.
These bridges, which were damaged by El Niño rains, will cost TZS 18.05 billion to build.
Bashungwa directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in the Shinyanga Region to oversee the contractors to ensure the bridges are completed on time and meet quality standards to remain operational year-round.
The handover ceremony took place today, November 30, 2024, in Bugomba A village, Ulewe Ward, Ushetu District Council, Shinyanga Region. Bashungwa emphasized that once completed, the bridges will address the challenges of road disruptions during rainy seasons.
Also Read:Tanzanian President Pledges Action After Kariakoo Tragedy
“President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated these funds to build durable and high-quality bridges. When we pave the roads in the future, these bridges will support the asphalt without requiring reconstruction,” Bashungwa stated.
He also gave the TANROADS Geita Regional Manager a one-week deadline to hand over the project site for the construction of the 50-meter Mwabomba bridge, which connects Ushetu District and Geita Region.
Additionally, Bashungwa announced that the Ministry of Works has upgraded the Masumbwe-Mwabomba-Bugomba A-Igombe River road (124 km) from district to regional status. This upgrade will enable TANROADS to maintain the road, increasing the road maintenance budget in Ushetu from TZS 1.5 billion in the 2023/24 financial year to TZS 2.7 billion in 2024/25.
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Anamringi Macha, urged residents to safeguard construction materials during the project implementation by reporting any theft or sabotage involving fuel, reinforcement bars, or cement to law enforcement authorities.
