AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE World Bank (WB) has expressed interest in financing construction of the 33.61 kilometers road from Ipogolo to Kilolo in Iringa Region
Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) manager in Iringa Region Eng Daniel Kindole made the statement when addressing members of the regional roads board at a conference held here yesterday.
He said that feasibility study, detailed design and preparation of tender documents for the project were completed during the 2008/2009 financial year. He said so far about 8.62 kilometers of the road have been constructed at tarmac.
According to him, the government will also finance construction of some 10 kilometers of the road at a cost of more than 7.889bn/ -. He said funds were allocated in the 2020/2021 financial year.
He said the government through TANROADS intends to start construction of ring roads within Iringa town including those connecting Kihesa, Kilolo, University of Iringa (UOI) and the Igumbulo TANZAM road.
Eng Kindole said that completion of the Iringa-Dodoma road (260 km) at tarmac level will help reduce congestion, addinf trhey are now looking for funds to compensate people affected by the project.
A total of 4.62bn/- is required for compensation, he said.
He said during the 2019/2020 financial year, the government allocated 950.000m/- for the construction of 0.450 km from Igumbilo terminal bus stand to the University of Iringa. He said the project is progressing well and that they have set another funds in the 2020/2021 for completion of the work.
The TANROADS office serves 1,218.5 km of roads including 462.3 km of highways and 756.2 km of regional roads, where the road network mentioned above includes 426.5 km of paved roads and gravel 792.0 km.
Iringa Regional Commissioner, Ally Hapi called on Members of Parliament from Iringa region to champion efforts for construction of roads since they are important for investors as well the economy because farmers depend on them to transport their crops.
Hapi said MPs are an important indicator of regional development and they have a great opportunity to speak for the region in the National Assembly.
The RC added that construction of the road towards Ruaha National Park would boost tourism in the region as well as open-up investment opportunities.
“We need roads to enhance the performance of the tourism sector, without better roads we can hardly attract investors,” said the Regional Commissioner noting better roads facilitates provision of their social services such as education and health.
Iringa launched its investment guide in January this year, the document which outlines the available business and investment opportunities as well as the good weather condition and a reliable market for locally produced goods.
The region has also introduced a new department that will be serving with investors at regional level and connecting them with public institutions that deals with provision of permits.
Investment is the country’s backbone since it facilitates economic growth and job creation.
