Minister for Finance and Planning, Dr Philip Mpango (right) exchange views with Tanzania Road Agency (Tanroiad), Patrick Mfugale, soon after signing an agreement for financing of Morocco-Mwenge road with JICA officials. PHOTO | MINISTRY OF FINANCE
What you need to know:
Jica provides Sh1.4b for detail design
BRT infrastructure will be added later
Dar es Salaam. Japan, though its International Development Agency (Jica) has granjted Tanzania Sh1.4 billion for conducting detailed design survey for phase two of expansion of the New Bagamoyo Road.
The agreement has been signed today Sept 1 in Dar es Salaam by Finance and Planning minister, Dr Philip Mpango on behalf Tanzania and Japan envoy to Tanzania, Masaharu Yoshida and Jica country representative, Mr Satoru Matsuyama on behalf of Japan Government.
A statement released by the ministry said under the project, the New Bagamoyo road stretch from Morocco to Mwenge will be expanded to four lanes including securing enough space for phase four which would also include Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure.
The new Bagamoyo road, especially in the Morocco – Mwenge section, is one of most congested road sections in Dar es Salaam.
According to the recent traffic records, it is estimated that 52,000 vehicles use the stretch everyday which is equivalent to 3.8 times increase compared to 10 years ago, resulting into severe traffic jam during peak hours.
“We have more than 35 years’ history of project implementation in Dar es Salaam on tackling the issue of congestion. I would like to reiterate that Jica will fulfil the commitment that it has made,” said Jica Senior Representative Mr Matsuyama.
For his part, Dr Mpango said upon its completion, the road would help to ease traffic congestion even at the city centre.
During the first phase Japan issued Sh99.5 billion for construction of a 12.9km four-way road from Mwenge to Tegeta.
“It’s not the first time Japan helps Tanzania. Currently they are build flyover at the Tazara junction, construction of a 188/15km road from Dodoma to Babati in Manyara, 202km Tunduru-Mangaka-Mtambaswala and Iringa - Dodoma road projects are all financed by Japan,” he said.
Dr Mpango said expansion of Morocco-Mwenge section would not only relieve Dar city centre of congestion, but it would link the Central Business District with Bagamoyo port, which is important for the transportation of people, goods and services.
