Africa-Press – Tanzania. KAGERA: RESIDENTS of Kagera Region have reason to celebrate as the condition of most of the region’s roads has significantly improved.
With major strides in the development of the region’s economic infrastructure, strategic investments are being made to further enhance these improvements.
Several road projects being implemented by the government in the Lake Zone and across the country, are expected to stimulate economic activity in the Great Lakes region.
These upgrades are vital to the region’s growth, as they foster greater connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
The Minister for Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, recently emphasised the government’s commitment to connecting border areas with better roads.
This initiative aims to make transportation easier, reduce costs and promote trade, tourism and foreign investment, all critical elements for boosting government revenue and creating jobs. Kagera, strategically located at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, and with access to Kenya via Lake Victoria, stands to benefit greatly from its prime positioning.
It serves as a gateway to a market of over 300 million people, offering vast potential for business and trade. Mr Bashungwa pointed out the exciting developments at Kemondo and Bukoba ports, where over 60 bn/- are being invested in critical infrastructure projects on Lake Victoria.
Programmes like the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu ferry and the improved roads will catalyse economic transformation not only for Kagera but for neighbouring countries as well.
“The sixth-phase government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is serious about improving the country’s road network. We are focusing on the rehabilitation of deteriorated roads, especially on key corridors,” he said.
Among the notable projects is the construction of the 50-kilometre Nkwenda-Omurushaka Road, a project valued at 94.343 bn/-, which is expected to be completed by June 12, 2027. This strategic road will link Kyerwa and Karagwe districts.
The contract for the project was awarded to Shandong Luquiao Group Co. Ltd. from China, with an initial advance payment of 9.159 bn/- made to the contractor.
In addition, Mr Bashungwa encouraged the people of Kagera and Geita to take advantage of the 92 – kilometre Lusahunga-Rusumo road that connects Tanzania to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The 153.56 bn/- road project, undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is set for completion by July 2025. It will enhance regional trade by facilitating the transportation of goods and agricultural products and it will also boost tourism to areas such as Burigi Chato and Rubondo National Parks.
“When completed, this road will reduce travel time, improve safety and enhance economic opportunities,” said Minister Bashungwa.
“It’s a key project for the economic and social development of the region.” Engineer Ntuli Mwaikokesya, Regional Manager for the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), provided further details, explaining that the region has a total road network of 1,966.29 kilometres.
Of this, 861.5 kilometres are trunk roads, 1,053 kilometres are regional roads and 50.9 kilometres are district, urban and feeder roads. Several projects are currently underway to improve the network, with a total budget of 337.38 bn/- allocated for road development in the region.
Key projects include the 128.5 – kilometre Bugene – Kasulo (Benaco) – Kumunazi road, which links Karagwe to Ngara and connects four East African countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project is expected to cost 92.839 bn/- and is being funded by the Tanzanian government.
Additionally, the 50 – kilometre Nyakanazi – Kabingo road upgrade, linking Kagera with Kigoma region, has been completed at a cost of 47.9 bn/-.
The government has also signed a contract for the construction of a 25 – kilometre road linking Bunazi to Kagera Sugar Limited (KSL) in Missenyi district. This project, expected to cost 54.79 bn/-, is being implemented by the CHICCO company.
The government has allocated 4.641 bn/- for compensation to residents of Bukoba Municipal affected by the upgrading of the 5.1 – kilometre Rwamishenye Roundabout – Bukoba Port road, which will eventually feature four lanes.
Kagera’s Regional Commissioner, Fatma Mwassa, has welcomed both local and foreign investors, urging them to take advantage of the region’s growing infrastructure and investment opportunities.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for business by improving key infrastructures, such as roads and bridges.
“The private sector should take advantage of these improvements. The government is focused on creating an environment conducive to business and reliable infrastructure will accelerate the development of the region,” said Mwassa.
“We thank President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her focus on people – centred projects that promote economic growth. The private sector can capitalise on these opportunities by building industries, hotels and investing in key sectors such as health, education, minerals and agriculture.”
The proximity of Kagera to neighbouring countries offers vast potential for cross-border trade. Bukoba is just 304 kilometres from Kampala (Uganda), 355 kilometres from Bujumbura (Burundi), 462 kilometres from Kigali (Rwanda), 928 kilometres from Juba (South Sudan), 617 kilometres from Goma (DRC) and almost 1,500 kilometres from Dar es Salaam.
The Third FiveYear Development Plan (FYDP III, 2021/2022– 2025/2026) has placed high priority on leveraging the country’s geography and infrastructure to boost competitiveness.
With a total road network of 91,049 kilometres, of which 33,012 kilometres are national roads, Tanzania is positioning itself as a prime location for investments targeting East African and Southern African markets.
However, despite the significant progress, existing infrastructural gaps still hinder the full realisation of Tanzania’s potential as a logistics hub linking the EAC and SADC regions.
Tanzania is therefore an ideal location for investment in marketseeking industries targeting the growing African markets within the EAC and SADC trading blocks.
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