KIGONGO-BUSISI BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION MAKING PROGRESS IN TANZANIA

Tanzania continues to execute flagship infrastructure projects as the East African nation strives to lay a strong foundation for the much-envisaged industrialized economy.

One such strategic project is the ongoing construction of the Kigongo- Busisi Bridge on Lake Victoria, meant to connect the mineral-rich regions of Mwanza and Geita.

The 3.2 long kilometre bridge which is being constructed along with its 1.66-kilometre road, is now at 51 per cent and set to be completed by February 2024.

Upon completion, the 716.3bn/- bridge will ease movement of people goods and services from Mwanza to neighboring countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

There is high optimism among Tanzanians that the new bridge will massively transform the livelihoods of citizens in the Lake Zone by facilitating economic activities and making a sound contribution to the national economy.

The ruling CCM party has expressed satisfaction with construction pace and commended the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for expediting the development of key economic infrastructure.

Speaking during his tour of the project, CCM Vice-Chairperson (Mainland) Abdurrahman Kinana said the ruling party is satisfied with the progress of the bridge project and believes that it will be completed as planned.

He said upon completion in 2024, the country will have the longest bridge in East Africa with 3.2 kilometres.

“This will be in the top three bridges in Africa, I commend those who are taking part in constructing this landmark infrastructure,” said Mr Kinana.

The bridge that will have a capacity to handle up to 180-tonne is capable of taking up to 1,600 vehicles at a time, a move that will play a crucial role in quickening development in Mwanza region for it to become a commercial hub in the Lake Zone.

Execution of the project is part of implementation of the CCM election manifesto which indicates that the party will supervise the government in completing seven bridges such as Salender and Gerezani (Dar es Salaam), Wami (Pwani), Kigongo- Busisi (Mwanza), Kitengule (Kagera), Msingi (Singida) and the Malagarasi along Kabingo-Kasulu-Manyovu road in Kigoma.

It is also among the efforts to strengthen marine transport in the rivers, lakes and ocean through road infrastructures.

The bridge has also been put in the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDPIII) that describes it as among flagship projects that are beneficial to the country.

“The project aims to open up the country with neighboring countries in trade including Uganda and Rwanda and will facilitate more traffic volume along the routes for enhancement of socio-economic activities as well as improving safety to bridge users at Lake Victoria,” reads part of the document which is currently under implementation.

Several companies are engaged in the project as sub-contractors, namely C-Labs (T) Ltd, Grinda Builders and Supplies Ltd, Hamis A. Kazika Co. Ltd, plus C&C Engineering and Planners Ltd as well as Pro Consults (T) Ltd.

Speaking of the project the Mwanza Regional Manager for Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) Pascal Ambrose assured of timely completion of the bridge.

“It is half way to go, and upon completion it will be a facilitator for decreasing the poverty level among people through improved economic activities,” he said.

For his part, consultant engineer for the project Eng Abdulkarim Majuto said there are two parts that are being implemented in construction of the bridge.

“There are two main entries and exits in the Kigongo and Busisi area,” he said, noting that the bridge has 22 large concrete pillars carrying a 3.2km long tarmac road across Lake Victoria.

The 22 concrete pillars are carried by 804 poles that have been drilled under water that have a length of between 15.5 and 66 meters.

“So far we have made a total of 506 concrete poles,” he said.

The project has created over 700 jobs with Tanzanians securing lion’s share, whereas only 56 employees are foreign expatriates.

For their part some employees working for the project hailed the government for coming up with such an idea that apart from creating jobs, will facilitate easy movement of people goods and services as well as stimulating the economy.

As surveyor William James said through the project, they are able to adopt new technologies that are being used to create modern bridges.

“This helps in transfer of knowledge and skills to Tanzanians on how the large projects are being undertaken, we are working day and night to ensure the bridge is completed on time and at high standard, thanks to the government for initiating this project,” he said.

His comments were in line with observations by AminaRajabu who also works for the project.

She was happy about the fact that the project has done fair enough to also engage women in the construction activities, hailing the initiatives that creates equal opportunities for both genders.

“I encourage women to be confident enough and be ready to work on projects of this kind, everything is possible as there is a good number who have been employed for the project,” she noted.

SOURCE: DailyNews