On 5th May 2018 the President of Tanzania Hon. John Magufuli has inaugurated a new bridge on the Kilombero River, connecting the districts of Mahenge and Ifakara in the southern part of Morogoro region, some 400km west of commercial capital Dar es Salaam.
Named Magufuli Bridge, it stretches for 384 m, and cost TZS 61.1 billion (±USD 27 million). It was entirely financed by the Tanzanian government through taxpayers’ money.
During the inauguration ceremony, The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Road Agency (TANROADS), Engineer Patrick Mfugale said that the two-ways bridge has the capacity to carry 180 tonnes on each side, it includes a pedestrian path and solar lighting, and is expected to last for more than 120 years.
From his side, President Magufluli stressed that the bridge will not only connect Ifakara, Ulanga, and Malinyi but will also connect Morogoro and the Southern regions through Lunencha road to Songea, for the purpose of increasing local production of agricultural goods and transport to the markets.
He has also assured them that the government will pave the road from Ifakara – Malinyi – Londo to Lumecha District Songea where it will link to the main road Songea – Namtumbo – Tunduru – Mtambaswala.
The construction of this new bridge is part of the ambitious infrastructure development program under the Government’s Five Year Development Plan 2016/17 – 2020/21.
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