Joseph Isangura
The Nyerere Bridge in Kigamboni, a key infrastructural project linking the Kigamboni district with the mainland of Dar es Salaam, has generated Sh102.18 billion in revenue over nine years of operation, according to recent government disclosures.
However, the full repayment of the Sh344 billion investment by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is projected to take 30 years, with the handover to the government expected thereafter.
The bridge, which commenced operations in May 2016, has been pivotal in easing congestion and providing an alternative route for commuters who previously relied solely on ferry services. This massive project, funded by NSSF, has not only facilitated transportation but has also become a significant revenue-generating asset for the fund.
Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and People with Disabilities), Mr. Patrobas Katambi, revealed these figures in Parliament while responding to a query raised by Kigamboni MP Dr. Faustine Ndugulile. Dr. Ndugulile sought to clarify when NSSF would conclude its cost recovery process before transferring the bridge’s ownership to the government.
“By July 2024, marking nine years of operation, Sh102.18 billion has been collected from various tolls,” Mr. Katambi informed the Parliament. The amount, though substantial, indicates that it will require two more decades of toll collection to fully recoup the investment, inclusive of associated costs such as security and maintenance.
The feasibility study conducted prior to the bridge’s construction projected that the total investment would be recovered within a 30-year timeframe. The collected funds are intended not only to cover the initial investment but also to ensure the financial sustainability of the project throughout its operational life.
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Despite the financial success of the bridge in generating revenue, the toll charges have been a point of contention among Kigamboni residents. The toll rates, initially perceived as high, led to widespread public outcry, prompting President Samia Suluhu Hassan to direct a review of the charges last year. The revised toll rates aimed to alleviate the financial burden on daily commuters and ensure that the bridge remains accessible to all residents of Dar es Salaam.
The project progresses toward full repayment, there are broader discussions on the economic and social impact of such infrastructural investments. The bridge has not only served as a critical link but also as a symbol of modern Tanzania’s infrastructural ambitions. However, the long repayment period has raised questions about the sustainability of such projects and the balancing act required between development and financial viability.
The government’s ability to manage such large-scale projects effectively will be crucial as Tanzania continues to invest in its infrastructure.
