MWE Correspondent
Mama Maria Nyerere, widow of Tanzania’s founding President Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, has officially inaugurated the Sh4.7 billion Maria Nyerere Bridge over the Kalambo River along the Kasitu–Nondo road in Kalambo District, Rukwa Region.
The bridge, constructed by the government through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), is expected to improve transport connectivity, reduce travel risks and expand economic opportunities for communities previously affected by difficulties crossing the river.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on October 13, 2026, Mama Maria Nyerere thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Kalambo for the honour of naming the bridge after her. She said the infrastructure would strengthen communication between communities and improve access to essential services.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government, Professor Riziki Shemdoe, also expressed gratitude to President Samia for approving the Sh4.7 billion investment in the project.
Shemdoe said the bridge measures 80 metres in length, 10.5 metres in width and seven metres in height. It connects Sopa and Mpombwe wards in Kalambo District, improving movement for residents, traders and other road users.
He said the decision to name the bridge after Mama Maria Nyerere reflected the government’s recognition of her contribution to Tanzania’s history. He added that the project would help stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for communities in Kalambo and neighbouring Zambia.
Kalambo Member of Parliament Edfonce Kanoni described the bridge as an important economic link for the constituency, noting that it would improve access to cross-border trade and tourism opportunities.
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Kanoni said the bridge was located approximately 22 kilometres from an area connecting residents to opportunities near the Zambian border, including the renowned Kalambo Falls, a major natural attraction in the region.
The improved connection is expected to support the movement of agricultural produce, goods and passengers while making it easier for visitors to access tourism destinations in the area.
Kasitu Village Chairperson John Sizo praised the government for completing the project, recalling that crossing the river had previously exposed residents to serious dangers and loss of life.
He said the bridge would provide safer passage for villagers and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services.
Mpombwe Ward Councillor Paulo Kasitu described the bridge as a major relief for residents of Sopa and Mpombwe, particularly women requiring access to healthcare services.
He said he had personally witnessed the deaths of seven women associated with the challenges facing communities before the bridge was completed, underscoring the importance of safer transport infrastructure in rural areas.
Kalambo District Council Chairperson Leopard Mbita also thanked President Samia for facilitating the visit by Mama Maria Nyerere, saying the occasion gave residents an opportunity to meet a prominent figure in Tanzania’s history.
The bridge was named Maria Nyerere by President Samia during her working visit to Rukwa Region in 2024.
Beyond improving local mobility, the project is expected to strengthen rural economic activity by reducing transport barriers and improving connections between communities and markets. Reliable road infrastructure is particularly important in agricultural districts, where farmers depend on accessible routes to transport produce and obtain essential supplies.
The bridge also has potential to support tourism and cross-border economic exchanges between Tanzania and Zambia, subject to improvements in complementary road connections and related services.
Its inauguration marks an important infrastructure development for Kalambo District, where residents have long faced challenges associated with crossing the Kalambo River. The project is expected to contribute to safer journeys, improved access to public services and stronger economic links across the region.
