The World Bank, through the Tanzania Roads to Inclusion and Socioeconomic Opportunities (RISE) Project, has provided 730m/- to Kilindi District Council for the rehabilitation of the Tamota–Vyadigwa road.

The route is a vital link for farmers transporting produce from rural areas to the main Kibirashi Road, which connects the regions of Tanga, Manyara, and Dodoma.

Speaking during a Kilindi District Council meeting to review the financial report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) Kilindi District Manager, Engineer Martin Mwashambwa, said the funds are part of broader efforts by the government and development partners to unlock Kilindi’s economic potential.

“We are grateful to the Sixth Phase Government for its continued support and to the various development partners funding road infrastructure. These resources are helping to open up rural areas and boost economic activities,” said Engineer Mwashambwa.

He highlighted other key funding sources, including fuel levies and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), noting that these financial streams have played a crucial role in rehabilitating previously impassable roads.

Among the roads upgraded with these funds are the KKKT–Masagalu road (10 kilometers) and the Kibirashi–Mkoa road (7 kilometers), the latter funded through the CDF. Additional projects include improvements on the Mpalahala–Makimbo road (8 kilometers) and the Bakanga–Lepitinge road.

Engineer Mwashambwa also revealed that, under the first phase of the Constituency Development Fund, construction of the Mgera Bridge is underway at a cost of 417 million shillings.

Once completed, the bridge will serve as a critical link for farmers in Mgera—major producers of beans, maize, sunflower, and sesame—who currently face challenges accessing markets and social services due to poor infrastructure.

In addition, the agency has completed design work for the proposed Negero Bridge, which will connect residents of Negero, Kimbe, and Kilindi Asilia wards. The project will be included in upcoming budget proposals.

“We are confident that the responsive government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan will allocate the necessary funds for construction. Improved infrastructure is essential for supporting the highly active agricultural communities in these areas,” Mwashambwa emphasized.

TARURA currently manages a total road network of 871.59 kilometers in Kilindi District. Most of these are gravel and earth roads, with ongoing projects aimed at upgrading sections to tarmac to improve accessibility and promote regional trade.