Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising projects that directly improve the lives of Tanzanians, asserting that ‘visible marks’ are being left across the country through strategic infrastructure investment.
During a high-profile working tour of the Tanga Region, the Premier inspected the 107bn/- Pangani Bridge, describing the 525-metre engineering milestone as a ‘strategic investment’ and an economic lifeline for the area.
“The government has continued to distinguish itself by leaving a visible mark on the lives of Tanzanians through the implementation of people-centred development projects,” Dr Nchemba said, stressing that strategic investments must directly benefit wananchi.
The bridge is set to replace outdated ferry services and eliminate long-standing logistical bottlenecks, unlock trade, tourism and 24-hour mobility across the coastal corridor.
He said the bridge will transform mobility and open up business opportunities in Pangani and neighbouring areas once completed.
“This project will help to boost economic activities, including trade, transportation and day-to-day operations for wananchi. It is a strategic investment with direct benefits to the people,” he said.
The Prime Minister directed regional authorities and the area Member of Parliament to ensure supporting infrastructure is developed alongside the bridge, including a modern and spacious bus terminal that matches the standards of the new crossing and connecting tarmac roads.
“It will be the responsibility of the regional leadership and the MP to ensure a main bus stand is constructed in line with the bridge and the modern road network. Residents should also continue implementing their agreed priority projects and complete the remaining works, including installation of street lights, on time,” he stressed.
Dr Nchemba said the government has implemented numerous major projects that will leave behind a legacy.
“Not every leader in Africa has the capacity to make bold decisions, demonstrate vision and courage to implement largescale, high-investment projects like this. The government has clearly set itself apart,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister laid a foundation stone for infrastructure development at Mzumbe University Tanga Campus, a project expected to cost over 12bn/- upon completion.
Speaking after the ceremony at Gombero Ward in Mkinga District, he said the project funded by the World Bank through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) programme demonstrates quality and value for money.
“This kind of investment in higher education infrastructure brings national pride and strengthens the country’s independence. The quality of work here clearly reflects value for money,” he said, while assuring continued government cooperation with the financier.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, thanked President Samia for championing the project, saying it is vital for national development.
“We thank the President for her strong leadership, vision and commitment to making higher education a tool for economic transformation,” she said.
She said that the project aims to bring higher education services closer to the people and change the landscape of advanced learning in the country.
The ministry, she added, will continue to supervise HEET projects with strict adherence to quality, timelines and value for money, while strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.
The ongoing works at the campus include construction of an academic building with six classrooms, a mini-library, a lecture theatre, two laboratories each with a capacity of 80 students and 36 offices to serve 72 staff members.
Other facilities include two student hostels, a dining hall, a health centre that will also serve surrounding communities, four staff houses, a sewerage system, a solid waste disposal site and a 400,000-litre clean water storage tank.
As of February 13, this year, construction had reached 82 per cent completion.
Deputy Minister for Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya, said the former ferry service at Pangani was inadequate, carrying only six vehicles and 100 passengers per trip and operating on limited hours.
