Africa-Press – Tanzania. AS 2024/25 Financial Year ends next month, the government has taken measures to speed up rehabilitation of roads damaged by heavy rains, including those in urban neighbourhoods following concerns raised by MPs over impassable routes during the rainy season.
Responding to a basic question at the National Assembly yesterday from Special Seats MP Maimuna Pathan (CCM), Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office, (Regional Administration and Local Government), Dr Festo Dugange said funds have already been released and road assessments are ongoing to ensure quick intervention.
He said that Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency’s (TARURA) annual budget has increased significantly over recent years, growing from 275bn/- in 2021/22 to 1tril/- in the current financial year.
The expanded budget aims to address growing demand caused by the rising number of roads under the agency’s supervision.
“The government has also set aside emergency funds to address damage caused by heavy rains. In 2023/24, we released 84.36bn/- to respond to El Niño-related destruction, while 11.6bn/- has been allocated in 2024/25,” Dr Dugange said.
In a supplementary question, Special Seats MP Ritta Kabati (CCM) raised concern over the Ndegisifili–Kimala Road in Kilolo District, saying it becomes impassable during the rains. In response, the deputy minister directed TARURA officials in Iringa Region and Kilolo to assess the road urgently and submit a funding request to his ministry.
Another concern came from Mbagala MP Abdallah Chaurembo (CCM), who asked when the construction would begin on the Tima– Mapemba–Oysterbay–Kwa Mapunda Road, saying the contract had already been signed.
Responding, Dr Dugange said that post-contract processes such as mobilisation and advance payments are underway and promised government follow-up to ensure the work starts soon.
Dr Dugange added that while significant progress has been made in opening and building new roads under TARURA, the increased road network has also driven up funding needs.
He assured lawmakers that repairs would continue, prioritising areas most affected by flooding and poor accessibility.
Foods security bond in pipeline to support NFRA operations THE Ministry for Agriculture is in the process of launching a Food Security Bond as part of broader efforts to strengthen the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) and reduce dependence on state funding, especially during food crises.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde told the National Assembly yesterday that the initiative is among key strategies to build NFRA’s financial and operational independence without compromising its core role of safeguarding national food security.
Mr Silinde was responding to a basic question by Gando MP Salim Mussa Omar, who sought to know the government plans to make NFRA self-sustainable, particularly its Food Division, so the country could not be affected during shortage of food.
“Food Security Bond, once launched, will help mobilise capital to improve storage infrastructure, expand commercial operations and implement long-term food security measures,” said Mr Silinde.
He added that NFRA’s storage capacity is expected to rise from the current 776,000 tonnes to 3 million tonnes by 2030.
This will be achieved by rehabilitating existing silos and constructing modern warehouses to reduce post-harvest losses.
The government is also working to improve procurement and distribution systems using digital tools to ensure food can reach areas in need more efficiently.
In a supplementary question, Special Seats MP Jacqueline Msongozi (CCM) asked when the government would allocate more funds to NFRA to reduce reliance on loans.
Mr Silinde said the government sets aside funds for food procurement in every annual budget, but borrowing is part of NFRA’s model to enhance its commercial capabilities.
“The government remains committed to increasing financial support to strengthen NFRA’s capacity,” he said.
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